Job Description

About the role

Our client is a well-capitalized early-stage aviation venture developing a regional premium scheduled service connecting Northeast business hubs to vacation and second-home markets along the Eastern Seaboard. The founding team combines deep capital markets experience with senior aviation operating expertise, and the company is preparing to enter the FAA certification process within the coming year. The role provides an opportunity to build and lead the flight operations function from the earliest stages, with direct accountability for pilot organization, dispatch, training, and operational performance.

This role demands an aviator-leader with a proven track record in commercial flight operations, deep regulatory fluency, and the temperament to build a department from scratch.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and lead the flight operations department, including chief pilot, director of operations, and dispatch leadership
• Establish pilot hiring standards, training pathways, upgrade criteria, and career progression frameworks
• Define operational performance standards across on-time performance, completion factor, and safety metrics
• Lead crew scheduling philosophy, base structure decisions, and bid systems
• Partner with the certification team on flight operations elements of the Part 121 application, including the Flight Operations Manual and Standard Operating Procedures
• Establish initial and recurrent training programs aligned with FAA AQP or traditional training requirements
• Oversee selection and onboarding of training partners, simulator providers, and instructor cadre
• Partner with the safety function on flight data monitoring, ASAP, and operational risk management
• Lead irregular operations response, diversion management, and operational decision-making frameworks

Requirements

• 15+ years of commercial flight operations experience, with at least 5 years in senior leadership roles such as VP Flight Ops, Director of Operations, or Chief Pilot
• ATP certificate with significant Part 121 or Part 135 turbine experience
• Deep working knowledge of FAR Parts 117, 119, 121, and 135
• Direct participation in a Part 121 certification process strongly preferred
• Demonstrated success building or substantially restructuring flight operations departments

Preferred Qualifications

• Type ratings on relevant narrow-body or regional jet equipment
• Experience at a startup carrier or new entrant
• Background in premium, business-class, or boutique service environments
• Prior involvement in fleet introduction or new aircraft type entry-into-service

Benefits

Remuneration & Benefits Package

• Base Salary: $275,000 to $340,000 annually + Performance-Based Compensation
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance (employee and family coverage)
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Flexible paid time off (PTO) policy

Keller is a recruitment agency that provides services to clients ranging from startups and non profits to multinational corporations. Keller emphasizes ethical search processes, attentive candidate care, and leadership placements that support long-term client outcomes.

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Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

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Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

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• Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

State-Specific Information:

• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
• Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
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Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.

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