VP, Aircraft Trading - Newport Beach, CA

JOB SUMMARY

Lead the Aircraft Trading ('AT') function within the assigned region and strategic focus area across allocated accounts. Support the Head of Trading ('HoT') in developing and implementing ACG's trading strategy, with a focus toward end-of-life and part-out. Lead origination, divestment, evaluation, and execution of transactions across both buy- and sell-side activities, with responsibility for portfolio strategy implementation, value optimization, and delivery of trading profit and asset growth targets.

LOCATION

Newport Beach, CA

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/DUTIES

• Serve as the senior AT representative and primary commercial point of contact for the aviation trading market within the assigned region and strategic focus area
• Originate, evaluate, and execute secondary market trades of on-lease and off-lease aircraft, airframes, and engines, including off-market opportunities, contributing to firm-wide asset growth through competitive bidding, structuring, and deal execution
• Act as the primary commercial focal point for mid-to-end-of-life sales, including engine, airframe, and part-out assets
• Lead the full transaction lifecycle, from origination through LOI, approval, and closing, ensuring timely and efficient execution
• Build and maintain relationships with new and existing clients by phone, in writing, and in person, representing ACG among market peers and leading relationship development and deal origination within the assigned region and strategic focus area
• Support the HoT in developing origination and divestment strategies aligned with ACG's portfolio initiatives and annual trading business development and profit targets
• Liaise with the Marketing department to ensure underwriting standards for future aircraft placements, lease extensions, and acquisitions are optimized for deal liquidity and value
• Ensure all potential trading activity within the assigned territory is identified and considered by the Company
• Ensure all transactions meet internal governance standards (e.g., approvals, documentation, timelines) and are managed against defined project plans
• Support the Chief Commercial Officer and HoT on complex, time-critical, or distressed asset situations
• Develop and maintain real-time market intelligence, including pricing trends, buyer behavior, and asset liquidity, and provide actionable insights to internal stakeholders to inform pricing, underwriting, and investment decisions

KEY DIMENSIONS

• Lead with effective, collaborative working practices in line with Company core values, supporting ACG's long-term business goals and objectives
• Communicate AT's strategic goals effectively within ACG, and represent ACG's broader strategic goals within the marketplace
• Maintain a strong understanding of the engine, airframe, and part-out market and values, with a broad network across that space
• Manage multiple concurrent transactions across buy- and sell-side activity with competing priorities
• Apply strong project management capability, with emphasis on speed, execution discipline, and stakeholder coordination
• Serve as a credible, trusted advisor to senior management and external investors on trading strategy and asset valuation
• Initiate and develop new, value-enhancing strategic initiatives, managing them to completion in close consultation with the Head of Aircraft Trading
• Collaborate closely with the Pricing and Marketing teams on scenario analysis to support end-of-life strategies and residual/part-out value optimization
• Contribute to the ongoing development of AT processes in collaboration with relevant departments

KEY RELATIONSHIPS & LEADERSHIP

• Head of Aircraft Trading (direct manager)
• EVP, Chief Commercial Officer and Senior Leadership Team
• Trading team
• Manages and works closely with cross-departmental deal teams

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 10 years' experience within the aircraft leasing industry
• Accredited degree qualification in marketing, sales, engineering, economics, commerce, or finance
• Experience negotiating sale and purchase agreements, novation agreements, and operating lease contracts
• Proven track record of successful sales and trading of commercial aircraft, engines, and airframes
• Demonstrable track record in engine and airframe trading, with strong knowledge of the broader end-of-life/part-out market
• A large network of lessor, investor, airline, and legal contacts
• Demonstrated experience leading deal teams and coordinating cross-departmental roles
• Excellent presentation skills and the ability to communicate, in writing and verbally, at all levels of the organization
• Ability to create and run financial models to support viewpoints on deal economics and value
• Customer-focused, with the ability to operate effectively at any organizational level
• Self-motivated team player, able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to travel on short notice as needed
• Expert proficiency in MS Office

ENVIRONMENT

• This role is an in-office position and requires regular on-site presence to support collaboration and business needs
• Ability to use computer & software programs on a daily basis