Director of Operations

Location: Quonset, RI. Hybrid schedule with required company travel as needed

Reporting To: CEO

Pay Type & FLSA Status: Salary, Exempt

Shift/Work Schedule: Given the nature of the Company's operations, this role requires ongoing availability and responsiveness. Work hours may vary significantly and may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and other non-standard hours as necessary to support the safe and effective operation of the business.

COMPANY & POSITION SUMMARY

Company Summary:

HeliService USA is a veteran-owned and operated aviation company established in 2022, built on a foundation of discipline, expertise, and mission-driven performance. With more than half of its team comprised of military veterans, the company brings a high level of professionalism and operational excellence to every mission. Headquartered in North Kingstown (Quonset), Rhode Island, HeliService USA operates across multiple locations including Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts; Texas; Virginia; and Ohio, supported by a growing workforce of over 100 professionals. The company provides a comprehensive range of specialized helicopter services using the Leonardo AW169, including offshore wind support as the first and only dedicated U.S. operator in this sector, helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), air ambulance operations (HAA), and harbor pilot transfers involving precision hoisting to maritime vessels.

Position Summary:

The Director of Operations (DO) holds overall and direct responsibility for all helicopter operations and for all matters pertaining to operational control as required by FAR 135.77. The DO ensures that HeliService USA’s (HSUSA) flight operations are conducted in accordance with HSUSA's FAA-authorized Operations Specifications (OpSpecs), and that all employees comply with the requirements of all FAA-approved manuals and FAA-issued OpSpecs, including deviations and exemptions.

Beyond these regulatory responsibilities, the DO serves as the senior operational leader for the flight operations side of the business, accountable for planning and resourcing the operation, meeting customer demands and contractual commitments, and delivering safe, reliable, and compliant service. Above all, the DO sets the tone for a strong safety culture in which the safety of the operation is the number one priority.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS, SYSTEMS

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (FAA — 14 CFR 119.71(b)):

The Director of Operations will be a direct employee, will meet all qualifications required by FAR 119.71(b), and a resume will be kept on file with the FSDO (Flight Standards District Office).

Under 14 CFR 119.71(b), a person must:

• Hold at least a commercial pilot certificate and, if an instrument rating is required for any pilot in command at the certificate holder, also hold an instrument rating; and

• In addition, either:

 – Have at least 3 years of supervisory or managerial experience within the last 6 years in a position that exercised operational control over operations conducted under Part 121 or Part 135; or

 – As a person becoming a Director of Operations for the first time, have at least 3 years of experience within the past 6 years as pilot in command of an aircraft operated under Part 121 or Part 135; or

 – As a person with previous Director of Operations experience, have at least 3 years of experience as pilot in command of an aircraft operated under Part 121 or Part 135.

Note: Under 14 CFR 119.71(f), the company may request FAA approval of a deviation for a candidate who does not meet the exact experience requirements but has comparable experience and can effectively perform the role.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE & ATTRIBUTES

• Minimum 10 years of aviation experience.

• Experience in HAA, offshore, hoisting / human external cargo, and/or SAR helicopter operations strongly preferred.

• Working knowledge of HeliOffshore and IOGP standards and of customer aviation requirements.

• Proven leadership of operational teams and a track record of successfully passing FAA and customer audits.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Direct employee of HeliService USA; resume maintained on file with the FAA FSDO.

• Authorization to work in the U.S.; ability to travel to company bases; background / DOT requirements as applicable.

RESPONSBILITIES/DUTIES

Operational Control & Regulatory Compliance:

• Exercise operational control for all HSUSA flight operations in accordance with FAR 135.77.

• Ensure all flight operations are conducted in accordance with HSUSA's FAA-authorized OpSpecs.

• Ensure all HSUSA employees comply with the requirements of all FAA-approved manuals and the FAA-issued OpSpecs, including deviations and exemptions.

• Ensure HSUSA conformance to the FAA and all applicable Federal Aviation Regulations.

• Ensure employees have access to the full set of HSUSA OpSpecs, references, and mandatory compliance requirements, and keep them informed of how these affect their duties.

Authority & Decision-Making:

• Establish, modify, and enforce program policies and procedures, and ensure HSUSA conformance to the FAA.

• Exercise authority over all matters pertaining to operational control and over the managers and personnel the DO supervises.

• Discharge all assigned duties to meet legal requirements and maintain safe operations.

Safety & Safety Culture:

• Build and sustain a proactive safety culture in which the safety of the operation is always the first priority.

• Work closely with the Safety Manager to support the Safety Management System (SMS) and the ongoing improvement of operational safety.

Leadership & Team:

• Directly supervise the Chief Pilot, Chief Aircrewman, Pilot Base Leads, and Chief Communications Specialist. 

• Work with the Chief Pilot to recruit, hire, and adequately staff open pilot positions in support of operational and customer demands.

• Work closely with the Director of Maintenance (DOM) to ensure aircraft availability and that customer requirements are met.

• Oversee helicopter operational and administrative functions, as well as general aviation security functions.

Operations Delivery, Customer & Commercial:

• Hold accountability for the operational and financial performance of the flight operations side of the business. 

• Drive the day-to-day delivery of flight operations, planning and allocating crews and aircraft to meet customer demands, contractual commitments, and service expectations.

• Work with and enable the Chief Communications Specialist and Communications Center personnel to manage customer demands, scheduling, and mission coordination.

• Ensure operations comply with customer aviation requirements, including HeliOffshore and IOGP-aligned standards.

• Work with commercial team to understand customer requirements & operational demands.

• Build and maintain strong customer relationships while participating in regularly scheduled customer meetings and check-ins. 

• Ensure flight operations successfully pass customer and FAA audits.

Manuals, Publications & Documentation:

• Maintain the General Operations Manual (GOM), Training Manual, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Minimum Equipment Lists (MELs), and OpSpecs in current condition, and ensure they remain accessible to the pilots.

• Ensure all flight publications are received on time, distributed to the bases, and placed in each aircraft.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & DEMANDS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Modality: May work a hybrid work schedule with required company travel as operational needs demand.

Possible Work Hazards: 

• Exposure to high noise levels from aircraft operations.
• Proximity to moving aircraft, ground support equipment, and vehicles.
• Potential exposure to aviation fuel, fumes, oils, and other chemicals.
• Slip, trip, and fall hazards within hangar and ramp areas.
• Prolonged periods of sitting and computer use, including repetitive motion tasks.

Physical Demands: Sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, pushing, and pulling, keyboarding, speaking. Additional physical demands may be required as these are a general description. 

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS/DISCLAIMERS

Job Description Disclaimer:

This job description is a general description of essential job functions. It is not intended as an employment contract, nor is it intended to describe all duties someone in this position may perform. All employees are expected to perform tasks as assigned by supervisory personnel, regardless of job title or routine job duties.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

HeliService USA LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Work Authorization/Sponsorship:

Applicants must be legally authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. Currently, we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of any employment Visa. 

Benefits:

This position is eligible for comprehensive benefits, including group medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as voluntary coverage options such as life, short-term disability, accident, and cancer insurance. Employees are also eligible to enroll in the company’s 401(k) plan following the standard waiting period (effective the first of the month after hire). Paid time off (PTO) for 5/2 schedule employees is 15 days annually, accrued throughout the year, and prorated during the first calendar year based on date of hire.