Strategic Planning & Operations Director — Cost & Vendor Strategy

Jet Support Services, Inc.; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Bonus program

Job summary

Jet Support Services, Inc. in Chicago seeks a senior leader to drive Maintenance Operations planning and cost optimization across airframe and engine programs.

The role focuses on cost avoidance, vendor governance, and long-range procurement strategies to improve service quality and reduce costs. You will partner with FP&A, regional directors, and field teams to quantify savings, develop playbooks, and manage critical vendor agreements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Aviation Management, or related field.
• 10+ years in operations management, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Experience managing vendor relationships, contracts, and commercial agreements.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to build and interpret financial/operational data models.
• Project Management certification (PMP, CAPM) or equivalent demonstrated PM experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent communication and executive presence; proven ability to influence C-Suite and senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Identify, track, and execute cost savings across airframe and engine maintenance events.
• Support engine and airframe event decisions with analytics and vendor terms.
• Own vendor agreements, monitor performance, and drive resolution.
• Track maintenance operations spend with JPE and report spend and trends.
• Collaborate with JPE Rental Team for planning and forecasting engine requirements.
• Ensure accuracy of maintenance cost forecasts and provide dashboards.
• Support growth planning with regional directors and maintain scorecards.

Skills

Analytical skills

Executive communication

Vendor management

Project management

Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Aviation Management, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Excel

Job description

Jet Support Services, Inc. in Chicago seeks a senior leader to drive Maintenance Operations planning and cost optimization across airframe and engine programs.

The role focuses on cost avoidance, vendor governance, and long-range procurement strategies to improve service quality and reduce costs. You will partner with FP&A, regional directors, and field teams to quantify savings, develop playbooks, and manage critical vendor agreements.