VP, Engine Operations

Summary:

The position is responsible for overseeing all aspects of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations within Willis Engine Repair Center. This role ensures strict adherence to FAA regulations / EASA and other relevant regulations, OEM standards, and company procedures while maintaining full accountability for the financial performance of the operation, including Profit and Loss (P&L) responsibility. This position drives operational efficiency, fosters a strong safety culture, and provides leadership to achieve business objectives while delivering the highest standards of quality and customer service.

Responsibilities:

• Foster a proactive safety culture and ensure compliance with OSHA and company safety policies.
• Lead, mentor, and manage the maintenance and technical workforce, including supervisors, engineers, and technicians.
• Oversee operations of the maintenance department to ensure compliance with applicable government regulations, customer requirements, and internal quality systems.
• Develop and implement maintenance strategies to ensure on-time delivery of engines while maintaining the highest levels of safety and quality.
• Monitor and manage Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for productivity.
• Oversee root cause analysis and corrective action for maintenance issues, audit findings, and customer concerns.
• Ensure effective management of maintenance, tooling, and calibration programs.
• Partner with leadership on workforce planning, recruitment, training, and performance development.
• Develop and manage budgets, resource plans, and capital investment strategies to support department growth and customer commitments.
• Engage, negotiate, and maintain relationships with third party customers.
• Provide technical expertise to engine related projects worldwide.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation Maintenance, Aeronautical Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum 15 years of maintenance experience in commercial aviation, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership role.
• Extensive knowledge of FAA Part 145 Repair Station operations and regulatory compliance.
• Lean / Six Sigma certification or similar continuous improvement training.
• Familiarity with ERP and maintenance tracking systems (e.g., AvSight, Quantum, SAP, AMOS).
• Proven experience managing large-scale MRO operations, ideally specializing in engines.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage change in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Travel/Misc.:

• Travel as required.

Here at Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC), we are dedicated to fair hiring practices and diversity in the workplace. We are committed to a workplace environment that encourages growth and respect for all current and prospective employees based upon job-related factors such as their educational background, work experience, and ability to perform the essential functions of a particular job. It is the policy and practice of WLFC to prohibit any form of discrimination or harassment based on race, color, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity or gender expression, military or veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other status protected under applicable Federal, state or local law. WLFC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application processes.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at joinus@willislease.com.

WLFC also offers a comprehensive benefit package to its eligible employees. This includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k), Roth 401(k), HSA in conjunction with a high deductible plan, life insurance, supplemental insurance, travel accident insurance, employee assistance program, short & long-term disability, employee stock purchase plan, employee education reimbursement plan, matching gift program, health and wellness plan, and paid time off.

To Executive Search Firms & Staffing Agencies: Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) does not accept unsolicited resumes from any agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered WLFC property, and WLFC will not be obligated to a referral fee. This includes resumes submitted directly to any WLFC employee, including Hiring Managers, without contacting WLFC Human Resources Talent Acquisition Department.