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Director of Strategic Planning and Operations

Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI)· Technical Services
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Hybrid (Chicago, IL)$165k - $185kFull-timePosted 2mo ago

About the role

Director-level leadership role focused on strategic planning and operations within Maintenance Operations, driving cost avoidance, vendor management, and cross-functional support to improve customer service and reduce maintenance costs across airframe and engine programs.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the identification, tracking, and execution of all cost savings opportunities across airframe and engine maintenance events, including alternatives to full shop visits.
  • Collaborate with the Director of FP&A and the Technical Team to quantify, evaluate, and prioritize cost avoidance strategies.
  • Develop and maintain a cost savings pipeline tracker, reporting progress and outcomes to the EVP of Maintenance Operations.
  • Champion a cost-conscious culture within the Maintenance Operations team, ensuring viable alternatives are assessed before commitment.
  • Provide analytical and strategic support to Regional Directors and Field Teams in selecting optimal maintenance solutions for engine and airframe events.
  • Leverage contractual terms with approved vendors to ensure cost-effective and sound choices.
  • Serve as internal subject matter expert on vendor capabilities, pricing structures, and agreement terms.
  • Develop decision frameworks and playbooks to streamline event routing and vendor selection.
  • Own and administer all vendor agreements within Maintenance Operations, ensuring terms are documented and adhered to.
  • Monitor vendor performance and compliance, escalating discrepancies and driving resolution.
  • Track and analyze spend with strategic vendors; identify trends and renewal opportunities.
  • Engage vendors ahead of renewals to avoid unfavorable positions.
  • Collaborate on new and renewal agreements aligned with strategic objectives, supported by data-driven insights.
  • Act as primary liaison between Maintenance Operations and JPE (JSSI Parts and Engines) to maximize procurement through JPE channels.
  • Track and report all Maintenance Operations spend via JPE; set targets and monitor performance.
  • Provide regular reporting on JPE spend, utilization trends, and internal sourcing opportunities.
  • Oversee with the JPE Rental Team planning and scheduling for JSSI Events (engines and APUs).
  • Deliver and update mid- and long-term forecasts for Rental Engine requirements.
  • Partner with Maintenance FP&A Director to ensure accuracy of maintenance cost forecasts across the fleet.
  • Develop and maintain dashboards for real-time visibility into cost performance and forecast accuracy.
  • Support growth planning across regions with headcount, asset distribution, and hiring insights.
  • Maintain scorecards to track growth progress and provide consolidated views of business needs.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Aviation Management, or related field.
  • Minimum 10 years of experience in operations management, strategic planning, procurement, or related discipline, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership or director-level role.
  • Experience managing vendor relationships, contracts, and commercial agreements.
  • Strong analytical skills with ability to build and interpret financial and operational data models.
  • Project Management certification (PMP, CAPM) or equivalent demonstrated project management experience.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; advanced Excel skills required.
  • Excellent communication and executive presence; proven ability to present to and influence C-Suite and senior leadership stakeholders.

Skills

Required:Cost savings and optimizationVendor management and contract administrationFinancial modeling and data analysisForecasting and FP&A collaborationProject management

Benefits

  • Competitive and comprehensive compensation package.
  • Annual base pay range: $165,000 - $185,000, with final offer determined by location, knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
  • Annual discretionary bonus plan or incentive/sales bonus plan, or other form of additional compensation based on role.
  • Benefits starting day one including medical, dental, vision, retirement savings programs, and other offerings (per Benefits Page).
Last updated Oct 21, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI)

Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI), is the leading independent provider of aircraft maintenance support and financial services in business aviation.

Aircraft Maintenance SupportFinancial Services in Business AviationMaintenance ProgramsParts and LeasingAdvisory ServicesAviation Capital
Company profileWebsite

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