General manager (dsm)

Job Details:

Job Location: DSM - Des Moines, IA

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $110000.00 - $125000.00 Salary/year

The General Manager (GM) is responsible for the overall leadership, operational performance, and financial results of the Fixed Base Operator (FBO). This role oversees customer relations, line service operations, accounting, health, safety, environmental compliance, and facilities, while planning and coordinating the sale and delivery of general aviation services, including fuel, hangar, and office rentals.

The General Manager provides day to day leadership to ensure safe, reliable, and high quality service, serves as the primary liaison to the airport community, and fosters a positive, accountable team culture that delivers exceptional service to both internal and external customers.

Operations & Financial Leadership

• Assist in the development and execution of the annual operating plan and budget for the business
• Implement and maintain standardized service levels, pricing strategies, and operating procedures across fuel (Jet A and Avgas), hangars, office rentals, and facilities
• Monitor operating performance across business units (e.g., line service, hangar operations) and implement corrective actions as needed
• Manage inventory, equipment, tools, and vendor relationships to support efficient operations
• Oversee capital expenditures, facility maintenance, and asset management

Revenue Growth & Customer Strategy

• Manage hangar occupancy and customer mix to drive fuel volume growth and long term revenue
• Identify and pursue prospective anchor hangar tenants
• Support lease renewals, extensions, amendments, and major customer agreement negotiations
• Ensure consistent delivery of high quality customer service and brand standards

People Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop FBO staff, including Line Service Technicians (LSTs), Customer Service Representatives (CSRs), GSE Mechanics, Base Safety Coordinator, and Facilities Manager
• Support recruiting, onboarding, and ongoing training programs to build a skilled, safety focused workforce
• Promote a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement
• Ensure staffing levels and labor productivity align with business needs

Safety, Compliance & Facilities

• Champion health, safety, and environmental compliance, including adherence to local, state, and federal regulatory requirements and company standards
• Implement safety practices, training programs, and incident prevention initiatives
• Attend regular safety committee meetings
• Uphold standards for IS BAH certification and growth to achieve Stage 3 registration

Airport & Community Relations

• Serve as the primary company representative within the airport community
• Attend necessary airport meetings and maintain strong working relationships with: Airport Authority and regulatory agencies, ARFF and public safety partners, Tenants, customers, and community stakeholders
• Support and participate in community and airport hosted events, such as public safety days, community outreach events, and aviation education initiatives (administrative support provided)
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Regional Vice President or COO

Qualifications:

• Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory or management experience (general aviation or airport operations strongly preferred)
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Aviation Management, or a related field – OR – equivalent years of experience
• Strong leadership, organizational, and execution skills
• Proven business acumen with sound judgment, negotiation, and decision making capabilities
• Results driven mindset with a strong sense of ownership and accountability
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Strong financial and analytical skills, including experience with budgets, forecasting, invoice tracking, and financial reporting
• Proven project management experience, including oversight of airport or facility related projects (engineering and consulting support provided)
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with regulatory agencies, government entities, tenants, and community partners
• Experience coordinating or supporting community or airport events
• A valid driver’s license

Working conditions and physical demands for this role

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, including extreme heat and cold; high, precarious places; outside weather conditions and vibration; and chemicals including aviation fuels, oils, and lavatory fluid. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Note: The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to the job. They are not construed to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

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Modern Aviation’s Pay Range

$110,000 - $125,000 + bonus + benefits. The Modern Aviation pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, or other law.

Modern Aviation offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; company-paid life and disability coverage; 401(k) with company match; paid time off and holidays; and additional voluntary benefit options.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Modern Aviation is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer. Modern Aviation is unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of an employment visa. If you require accommodations during the interview process or have questions, please contact careers@modern-aviation.com.