Assistant Director of Operations

The Assistant to the Director of Operations plays a key support role in the coordination and execution of the company’s flight operations. This position is responsible for assisting in real-time monitoring, schedule adjustments, crew communication, and administrative tasks that ensure the smooth and efficient running of the daily flight schedule. The ideal candidate brings prior experience in airline operations or dispatch support, demonstrates strong organizational and communication skills, and thrives in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

This role requires close collaboration with multiple departments and vendors to support on-time performance and operational decision-making.

• Monitor real-time flight activity and assist with implementing operational changes such as delays, reroutes, cancellations, or consolidations by communicating updates across departments and external vendors
• Responsible for assisting the Director of Operations with ensuring operational control as stipulated in 14 CFR part 121
• Responsible for assisting the Director of Operations with ensuring safe, consistent and compliant operations
• Support the Director of Operations by upholding company policies and procedures, and by making sure all documentation for Gridiron Air flight activities is thorough and correct
• Provides support to the Director of Operations by coordinating with the FAA to ensure compliance with certificate and operations specifications requirements
• Assisting the Director of Operations in overseeing all FAA-approved and accepted technical manuals, ensuring accuracy of content and compliance with regulations through the Centralized Publications program.
• Oversight of airline operations to ensure safety, security, and compliance is conducted using manual procedures
• Partner with the Director of Operations, Chief Inspector, Director of Safety, Director of Maintenance, and Chief Pilot to ensure all safety and regulatory requirements are followed
• Ensures all DCT’s and are completed as specified in the SAS FAA governance
• Participate in and support the Company SMS program as an active partner with the Safety department
• Assist with the audits and corrective action plans of any aspect of operational groups and their record(s) to determine compliance
• Acts as a liaison to all operational departments to ensure certificate compliance
• Works with all Officers and Directors to develop joint programs for the airline
• Assists the Director of Operations in overseeing and revising all operational manuals, approved or accepted by the FAA
• Coordinates with the Director of Flight training on all operations training.
• Serves, with the Chief Pilot, as the operations representative within the Emergency Command Center in the event of an incident or accident to ensure compliance and FAA messaging
• Interfaces to ensure Flight Standards development and compliance
• Provides matrix oversight of Crew Services, Dispatch, Flight Operations, Inflight and Flight Operations through the FAA approved and accepted manual process
• The Assistant Director of Operations is expected to be well-versed in the Gridiron Air Safety Management System (SMS). They should be proficient in carrying out duties in line with their training and participation in the SMS. Moreover, they are encouraged and supported to identify and report safety hazards, detect safety shortcomings, and voice safety concerns within the operation, thus promoting a proactive safety culture
• May perform other responsibilities as assigned based on business needs and shifting company priorities.

• Associate’s degree in aviation, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field required; bachelor’s degree preferred,
• 8 years of experience in airline operations, preferably Part 121 International and Supplemental Operations
• Hold an airline transport pilot certificate
• Ability to operate and maintain line currency in a Gridiron Air aircraft type.
• Have at least three years' experience as Pilot-In-Command of a large aircraft operated under 14 CFR part 121
• Meets all FAA expectations per CFR Part 119.65 and OPSPEC A006.
• Regular attendance and punctuality.
• Well-groomed and able to maintain a professional appearance.
• Pass a ten-year background check, pre-employment drug test, and criminal history
• Familiarity with FAA regulations, flight planning systems, and crew scheduling tools strongly preferred
• Proven ability to operate in fast-paced, high-pressure environments with minimal supervision
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with experience coordinating across multiple departments