Senior Operations Manager

Kamaka Air, LLC; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

SIMPLE IRA

Paid time off

Job summary

Kamaka Air, LLC seeks a Senior Operations Manager to lead end-to-end cargo operations from Honolulu to Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. You’ll oversee the HNL hub ground operations, remote island stations, and partner with Flight Operations to deliver safe, on-time service in pre-dawn hours.

The role demands hands-on leadership, 7+ years in air cargo/logistics, and proven ability to manage schedules, teams, and budgets while maintaining strict FAA/TSA/OSHA compliance.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive operations experience in air cargo, aviation, or logistics.
• 3+ years leading teams in a Part 135/121 or air cargo ground handling environment.
• Strong scheduling, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Own the daily operating plan from customer order through delivery across all island routes.
• Lead front desk and customer intake—cargo acceptance, documentation, and screening.
• Direct hangar/warehouse operations and drive lean improvements to increase throughput.
• Coordinate with Flight Operations and Maintenance & Engineering to protect the schedule and resolve issues.
• Oversee multi-station operations on OGG/JHM, MKK, and LNY with cross-island travel.

Skills

Operations leadership

Aviation/air cargo

Scheduling

Team leadership

Regulatory compliance

Flight management systems

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in logistics / aviation management

Tools

Flight management systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Kamaka Air, LLC Senior Operations Manager Honolulu, HI·Full time

The Senior Operations Manager owns end-to-end cargo operations — from the moment a customer places an order through scheduling, front desk intake, cargo acceptance, staging, load, departure, and delivery at our neighbor island stations on Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this leader directs the HNL hub ground operation and remote island stations, and partners daily with Flight Operations and Maintenance & Engineering to deliver safe, on-time, cost-effective service. This is a hands‑on senior leadership role for an operator who thrives in the pre‑dawn cargo window (normal operating hours 1:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.), leads from the floor, and is accountable for the numbers: on‑time performance, dispatch reliability, cargo damage rate, load factor, and cost per flight.

About Kamaka Air, LLC

What We Do at Kamaka AirAt Kamaka Air, we deliver fast, flexible, and reliable air charter services across Hawaii and beyond. Our mission is to move what matters—safely, efficiently, and with a personal touch.Why Join Us?We’re more than just an air carrier—we’re a tight‑knit team with a passion for aviation, precision, and service. What sets us apart? Our commitment to safety, our can‑do spirit, and the trust we’ve built with clients who count on us to deliver—every time.Ready to take flight with a company that values your skills and fuels your growth? Kamaka Air is where your aviation career takes off.

Description

KEY RESULT AREAS

• Safe, compliant operations— zero preventable incidents; full FAA, TSA, OSHA, and hazmat compliance.
• On‑time performance & dispatch reliability— aircraft loaded, documented, and released on schedule.
• End-to‑end service quality— accurate order intake, staging, and delivery; low cargo damage/claims rate.
• Operational efficiency & cost management— labor productivity, load factor, and cost per flight.
• Team readiness— trained, engaged crews at HNL and all island stations, every shift.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

End-to-End Operations, Scheduling & Customer Intake

• Own the daily operating plan from customer order and booking through scheduling, flight assignment, and confirmed delivery across all four island routes.
• Lead front desk and customer service intake — cargo acceptance, documentation, dangerous goods screening, weights, and cutoffs — so every shipment enters the system right the first time.
• Build and manage daily flight load plans with Flight Operations; balance scheduled commitments, charter requests, and priority freight (UPS, USPS, key accounts).
• Serve as senior operational point of contact for key customers; resolve service issues quickly and permanently.

HNL Hub & Ground Operations

• Direct daily hangar and warehouse operations: sortation, island staging lanes, UPS/USPS canister receipt, build‑up, and aircraft loading/unloading.
• Champion lean operations — 5S, visual management, and standard work — to increase throughput from cargo acceptance to aircraft load.
• Ensure ground support equipment, vehicles, forklifts, and fuel operations are serviceable, inspected, and ready; drive preventive maintenance to minimize downtime.

Remote Island Station Operations — Maui, Molokai, Lanai

• Own station performance at OGG/JHM, MKK, and LNY: staffing, ground handling, turnaround times, equipment readiness, and local vendor/airport relationships.
• Standardize processes across stations so a shipment is handled the same way on Lanai as it is in Honolulu; travel regularly to each island station.
• Plan station coverage and contingencies for weather, mechanical, and schedule disruptions in coordination with dispatch and Flight Operations.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Enforce strict adherence to FAA Part 135 ground handling requirements, TSA cargo security programs, OSHA, and 49 CFR hazardous materials regulations.
• Conduct safety audits, briefings, and recurrent training for ground, front desk, and cargo handling personnel; sustain a just, reporting‑driven safety culture.
• Own incident reporting, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation; track findings to closure.

Cross‑Functional Leadership & Performance Management

• Partner daily with Flight Operations (dispatch, pilots) and Maintenance & Engineering (Part 145) to protect the schedule and resolve AOG, weight & balance, and turnaround issues.
• Report weekly and monthly on operational KPIs — OTP, dispatch reliability, damage rate, load factor, and cost per flight — with actions to close gaps.
• Manage the ground operations budget: overtime, staffing levels, equipment, and station costs.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directly lead the ground operations team: warehouse/cargo handlers, ramp and ground support, front desk/customer service representatives, and island station personnel.
• Own shift scheduling and staffing coverage across the 1:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. operating window, seven‑day operation, and island stations.
• Hire, train, evaluate, and develop team members; build bench strength and shift‑lead capability; maintain a positive, safe, accountable culture.

SCHEDULE & WORKING CONDITIONS

• Normal operating hours are 1:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.; this role works the operation, with flexibility for weekends, holidays, and irregular operations as cargo demand requires.
• Regular inter‑island travel to Maui, Molokai, and Lanai stations.
• Work is performed in hangar, warehouse, ramp, and office environments, including exposure to weather, aircraft noise, and moving equipment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds and assist with cargo handling as an operational lead.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and work on feet for extended periods, and to work at a computer.
• Ability to obtain and maintain airport security badging (SIDA) and a valid driver’s license.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 7+ years of progressive operations experience in air cargo, aviation, or logistics, including 3+ years leading teams in a Part 135, Part 121, or air cargo ground handling environment.
• Demonstrated end-to-end operational ownership — customer order/scheduling through ground handling and delivery — in a deadline‑driven, overnight or early‑morning operation.
• Working knowledge of FAA regulations, TSA cargo security requirements, OSHA, and hazardous materials (49 CFR / will‑carry or will‑not‑carry) handling.
• Proven ability to lead frontline teams across multiple sites and shifts; strong scheduling, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Strong computer skills, including operations/flight management systems and Microsoft Office.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in logistics, aviation management, business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience with lean operations (5S, standard work, visual management) in a warehouse, ramp, or hangar setting.
• Multi‑station or remote/outstation management experience; Hawaii inter‑island or regional cargo experience a strong plus.
• Hazmat, load planning/weight & balance, and forklift or GSE certifications.

Starting salary range is $100,000 – $150,000+, commensurate with experience and demonstrated scope of operational leadership. Kamaka Air offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, SIMPLE IRA, paid time off, and holidays.

Kamaka Air is committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture, providing equal opportunities to associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, marital status, genetic information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or status as a Vietnam‑era or special disabled veteran in accordance with applicable federal laws. In addition, Kamaka Air complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location where Kamaka Air has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.