The Director of Maintenance (DOM) is a pivotal leader within Thrive Aviation’s Part 135 Operation, playing a key role in advancing the company’s mission to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality aviation services. By aligning maintenance strategies with Thrive’s strategic goals, the DOM ensures the fleet operates at peak performance while supporting overall operational excellence. This role oversees Part 135 Maintenance team while ensuring strict compliance with FAA regulations, Thrive’s General Operations Manual (GOM), General Maintenance Manual (GMM) and company policies.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate the activities of Part 135 personnel, ensuring efficient use of manpower and minimizing downtime.
• Maintain and update Thrive Aviation’s GOM and General Maintenance Manual (GMM) within the assigned area of expertise.
• Plan and assign work based on operational demands and business priorities, ensuring alignment with company objectives. Address potential challenges such as resource constraints or fluctuating maintenance demands to optimize workflow and efficiency.
• Responsible for budgeting and forecasting maintenance needs for the managed aircraft fleet.
• Ensure effective scheduling and planning for the maintenance of the entire fleet.
• Review maintenance-related invoices and obtain quotes for upcoming maintenance events.
• Provide constructive feedback and adopt a collaborative management style to encourage team growth, accountability, and alignment with company objectives.
• Ensure adherence to FAA, OSHA, and EHS regulations, and process all necessary paperwork.
• Communicate with aircraft owners and representatives regarding maintenance scheduling and approval.
• Occasionally travel to support operational needs.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by VP of Maintenance.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform required duties. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to: 

• Must be able to walk or stand on level and/or inclined surfaces up to three (3) hours per day and sit for up to five (5) hours per day.
• May be required to lift up to 30 lbs. to the height of 4 feet and up to 20 lbs. to a height of 7 feet.
• May be required to carry, push or pull up to 50 pounds.
• On occasion, must be able to lift up to 80 pounds.
• Must be able to crouch, crawl, grasp, or handle objects, use finger dexterity, bend elbow/knee and reach above/below shoulders.
• Must be able to routinely climb and descend stairs.

Work Environment

• Strong understanding of OSHA and company safety requirements.
• Knowledge of safe working techniques and procedures.
• Ability to plan and schedule maintenance work, ensuring technicians have the necessary resources, training, and support to perform their tasks efficiently and effectively.
• Excellent communication, organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills.
• Effective leadership and team supervision abilities.
• In-depth understanding of flight line operations, aircraft/vehicle movement, and associated hazards.
• Advanced knowledge of aircraft tools, equipment, technical orders, and systems (e.g., engines, landing gear, flight controls).
• Some travel may be required.

Experience & Qualifications

The most successful candidate in the position will meet most, if not all, of the following criteria.

• Current A&P License required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management or related field; OR
• 7-10 years of Aircraft Maintenance and Inspection experience with a Part 135 operator
• Expert level knowledge of FAA regulations as it pertains to aircraft maintenance
• Advanced skills and knowledge of aircraft parts management
• Intermediate skills with Microsoft Office and applicable suite of products
• Previous experience scaling, growing, and maintaining of over 50 aircraft is desirable.
• Familiarity with industry-specific software tools (e.g., fl3xx, CAMP, TRAXXALL) to streamline maintenance tracking, enhance scheduling accuracy, and ensure efficient fleet management