Head of Flight Operations

Company Overview 
Metrea is a defense company dedicated to translating commercial innovation into solutions for the hardest problems in national security. With deep mission expertise, Metrea focuses on delivering effects-as-a-service across domains. Metrea Management consists of three core capability groups (Air & Space, Electromagnetic & Cyber, Digital & Synthetic) and five support capability groups (Operations, Finance, Legal, Strategy and Solutions), that guide the development of specific capabilities that Metrea’s files (product, projects, programs etc) leverage to achieve their targets. 

Capability Unit  

Metrea Strategic Mobility (MSM) operates a fleet of KC-135 aircraft, offering an air-to-air refueling service that seamlessly, safely, and professionally integrates into military aviation training and operations. 

Position Summary 

The Head of Flight Operations is responsible for the delivery of safe, efficient and compliant flight operations to meet the requirements of the assigned Files in the Forum.  A 360-degree leader with demonstrated past performance leading large organizations in complex environments. The Head of Flight Operations of MSM serves as the senior person responsible for the capability unit flight operations and is responsible for the planning, coordinating and monitoring of the company’s aircraft and flight test operations. The Head of Flight Operations ensures the background checks, health reports and training requirements of all systemwide company flight crew and aircraft are current and accurate. Oversees revision maintenance and makes sure that all flights are in compliance with applicable FAA standards and regulations. Achieves and maintains superior contract execution, product delivery, and customer satisfaction. Supports follow-on business development for MSM’s programs/customers.  

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the flight operations department in accordance with the Metrea MS and Metrea core values. 
• Recruit, retain, develop and manage sufficient qualified and competent personnel within the flight operations department to deliver a deployable flight operations capability at a scale defined by the ASG to meet the demands of the Files. 
• Oversee the development of standard operating procedures (SOP) ensuring that the implementation of any change is appropriately managed, understood, and acknowledged by all affected flight operations crew. 
• Maintain compliant Operations Manuals and procedures, including MEL, ensuring document control and supervision and approval of temporary revisions and staff notices. 
• Ensure the Flight Operations department is correctly resourced and schedules are managed to adequately and efficiently supervise flight operations and ensure robust operational control, while meeting outputs consistent with those agreed with the Files supported. 
• Guidance and direction with respect to the selection and allocation of suitable Flight Crew to meet Metrea File requirements. 
• Promote and actively implement the SMS. 
• Apply safety and risk management best practices to assess and manage operational risks in accordance with the ASG SMS manual. 
• Liaise with the Competent Authority on all operational and regulatory matters and ensure compliance with current legislation and the terms of the AOC or other letter of authority; ensure that a constructive regulatory relationship is always maintained. 
• Co-ordinate with the Ground Operations Manager, ensuring adequate Operational Control and planning processes are efficient and effective. 
• Co-ordinate with the head of crew training, contribute to flight crew training programs, and ensure operational and training standards and developmental pathways are maintained and improved. 
• Co-ordinate with the Head of Airworthiness, contributing to efficient practices in the maintenance of airworthiness standards. 
• Co-ordinate with Quality & Compliance, Safety and Security, ensuring robust compliance and safe practices are adhered to both internally and with our contracted organizations and any deficiencies that affect the compliance or safety of operations are acted upon, this includes promoting an effective safety reporting culture and that a just culture is always adhered to. 
• Attend Safety Review Board (SRB) meetings to monitor the safety performance of the Company and to implement improvement actions as required. 
• Attend or chair Safety Action Groups (SAG) and event review groups, assessing hazards, identifying and implementing risk mitigation as required and support decision making regarding acceptable levels of risk and actions in accordance with just culture.
• Maintain Key Performance Indicators and routinely report to the AM on performance and metrics from Flight Operations.

Skills and Experience

Education:

Skills/Experience: 

• 5 years of relevant work experience of which at least 2 years should be from the aeronautical industry in an appropriate position. 
• Practical experience and expertise in the application of aviation safety standards and safe operating practices. 
• Comprehensive knowledge of the applicable safety regulations and any associated requirements, procedures and operations specifications; and the need for, and content of, the relevant parts of the Flight Operations Procedures operations manual.
• Familiarity with MS’s preferably in the area of aviation.
• Appropriate management experience, preferably in a comparable organisation
• Direct flight experience in air-to-air refueling operations.
• Experienced leader and flight operations executive with appropriate aviation industry / military experience.  
• Must have a strong record of progressive responsibilities in the oversight of aviation organizations, including flight standards, cockpit resource management, safety and operational risk management, regulations, and direct flight command experience.  
• Energetic, forward-thinking, and creative individual with high ethical standards and an appropriate professional image.  
• Strategic visionary with sound technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment, and strong operational focus.   
• Excellent communication skills, verbally and in written format, for briefing and presentation delivery to program employees, management, and customers. 
• Strong safety ethic and experience. 
• Strong entrepreneurial spirit and proven motivational leadership across a diverse and highly skilled workforce. 
• Exercises utmost discretion and confidentiality. 
• Must be able to accomplish all duties with little or no assistance.
• Must have good command of the English language; oral and written

Certificates and Licenses: 

• Airline Transport Pilot Certificate and/or Commercial Instrument with Jet Type Ratings, PMP or USG Equivalent 
• As a minimum should have a min of 3 years’ experience as PIC in at least on the aircraft the CU operates (CGR14 119.67(a)(2) 
• Valid Driver’s License 
• Valid Passport

Computer Skills: 

Our Culture  

Metrea’s single core value “rooted in humility” is supported by four key attributes; entrepreneurial, systematic, discerning & over-deliver which combined; form our Teammate Firmware, our culture. These attributes are explored during the hiring process, when we grow our teams and to continually support the growth of our culture. We are a hyper-collaborative, dynamically hierarchical organization united by a passion for what we do, and how we do it, who we do it with, and who we do it for 

Benefits 

Health and welfare 

Retirement plan eligibility 

Work Authorization / Security Clearance 
As required  

AAP/EEO Statement 
Metrea Special Management LLC (MAM) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. 

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
 This is a full-time position with typical working hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours and work shifts may change in accordance with department and business needs. Exempt Employees must have the ability to be on-call and available, as business needs require. Non-Exempt employees may be required to work over 40 hours per week with approval from the department manager. 

Travel

Travel requirements are 30%

Work Location

Metrea Strategic Mobility 

41955 4^th St Suite 200., 

Temecula, CA 92590 

Work Environment
This job operates in a clerical, office setting.  This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers. 

Physical Demands
This is a largely sedentary role; however, some physical abilities may be required. 

Reasonable Accommodations Statement
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed below satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.