The Tennessee Highway Patrol is seeking a Director of Aviation Maintenance to oversee the maintenance, repair, and operational readiness of the Tennessee Department of Safety’s helicopter fleet. This position ensures compliance with FAA regulations, manufacturer standards, and state policies, while leading a team of aviation maintenance personnel. The Director is responsible for budget oversight, procurement, fleet management, and coordinating with law enforcement and emergency response teams to maintain mission readiness. This position reports directly to the Major of the Special Investigation Bureau.
The ideal candidate must demonstrate the ability to manage complexity by navigating dynamic and challenging situations with clarity and strategic thinking. They will be responsible for ensuring accountability across teams, driving performance and maintaining high standards. The candidate should possess strong skills in planning and alignment, ensuring that goals are strategically set and aligned with the organization's vision. A key strength will be their capacity to build effective teams and foster collaboration and engagement. They must also be results-driven, consistently driving outcomes that contribute to the organization’s success.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Supervise aircraft mechanics, inspectors, and support staff, ensuring efficient operations, scheduling, workload management, and staff training to maintain technical proficiency and certifications.
- Ensure compliance with all FAA regulations, airworthiness directives, and manufacturer requirements, oversee maintenance logs and compliance records, and manage internal and external audits, including FAA inspections.
- Develop and manage the aviation maintenance budget, oversee cost control for labor, parts, and tooling, plan long-term fleet maintenance strategies, and negotiate contracts with suppliers, vendors, and contractors. Implement and maintain safety management systems (SMS) to mitigate risks, enforce quality control standards, and conduct periodic reviews of maintenance work to ensure operational safety.
- Address complex mechanical or operational issues beyond the skill set of individual mechanics and make informed decisions during AOG (aircraft on ground) situations or maintenance emergencies.
- Collaborate with flight crews, operations teams, and other departments to align maintenance schedules with mission needs, while providing detailed updates and reports to senior management.
- Develop and enforce maintenance policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and operational guidelines, while exploring new technologies and methodologies to enhance efficiency and safety.
- Oversee the procurement of aircraft parts, tools, and maintenance supplies, ensuring cost-effective purchasing and inventory management to maintain fleet readiness.
