Aviation Program Manager (Paint)

This position requires a results-oriented leader with expertise in aircraft painting and a commitment to fostering a process-based culture of continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will be highly driven to achieve business expectations, prioritizing safety, service, profitability, accuracy, and speed. As a Paint Shop Supervisor, this role leads a team of aircraft paint technicians, ensuring all operations are performed with the highest technical standards and regulatory compliance. This individual will also implement best practices for surface preparation, paint application, and aircraft coatings to maintain a competitive advantage.

Key Responsibilities:

• Exercise discretion and sound business judgment to deliver an on-time and squawk-free customer service experience, adhering to FAA paint standards and company policies.
• Hire, assess, and develop employees across various skill levels to ensure all aviation paint maintenance tasks meet the highest standards.
• Analyze manpower availability by skill and shift to plan training needs and set hiring goals for an optimized workforce.
• Engage team members to gather feedback on workflow improvements and create solutions to enhance productivity and remove obstacles.
• Partner with internal departments to coordinate the workflow from surface preparation through aircraft livery design and delivery.
• Communicate status updates during operational meetings and attend customer meetings as required.
• Perform project-based planning to assign manpower, mitigate risks, address schedule changes, and ensure timely project completion.
• Ensure all work is performed to the highest levels of paint quality assurance, adhering to regulatory, safety, and aviation refinishing standards.
• Promote and enforce a safe work environment, including the proper use of PPE, support equipment, and adherence to housekeeping standards.
• Manage employee performance through reviews, coaching, conflict resolution, and scheduling of work, overtime, and training.
• Develop positive relationships with peers and customers to promote effective communication and teamwork.
• Oversee material purchases, labor charges, and billing to evaluate cost and profitability, ensuring financial goals are met.

Requirements:

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor of Science in Business, Leadership, or an aircraft-related field preferred.

Experience:

• 10 years in aircraft painting with management experience leading aviation paint operations.
• Advanced knowledge of corporate aircraft painting processes, including paint application techniques and aircraft coatings.
• Familiarity with LEAN, Six Sigma, and 5S methodologies preferred.
• Experience with Corridor, cost accounting management, and scheduling software applications.
• Strong organizational, communication, and financial planning skills, including budgeting and forecasting.

Technical Proficiency:

• Computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and MS Project.

This role is ideal for a seasoned professional passionate about driving operational excellence and delivering exceptional customer results in the aircraft paint industry.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $110,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Compensation Package:

• Bonus opportunities

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Aircraft maintenance (paint): 10 years (Required)
• Leadership: 2 years (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Perryville, MO 63775: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $110,000 - $150,000