Contract Operations Manager

About Reliable Airlines

Reliable Airlines is a cargo feeder operator, operating for a major cargo carrier since June 2022 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Our world-class leadership team holds extensive strategic and operational experience in the air cargo industry. We are building a high performance team and hiring at all levels within the organization. You will be part of a broader organization that is seeking to enable a future where air transportation is safer, more convenient and fundamentally transformative to the way goods — and eventually people — move around the planet. We are a team of mission-driven engineers and operators with experience across aerospace, robotics and self-driving cars working to make this future a reality.

Role Overview

We are looking for a dynamic and innovative Contract Operations Manager to lead our Department of Defense (DoD) operational assignments. This pivotal leadership role demands a blend of strategic planning, contract development, and hands-on execution. The ideal candidate will play a key role in coordinating efforts across Reliable’s engineering, airline operations, and business development teams to ensure seamless DoD operations. You will be instrumental in driving operational excellence and integrity, while shaping the future of remote operations.

Responsibilities

This position's responsibilities will span the entire life cycle of DoD demonstration and operational contracts and opportunities.

• Opportunity identification
• Customer development
• Working with the engineering and airline operations teams to identify contracting strengths and weaknesses for each opportunity
• Coordinating the actions of the Reliable teams with the expectations of the DoD teams
• Working with all teams to maintain a culture of safety while meeting or exceeding contract compliance and customer satisfaction
• Joining and leading a dynamic team in growing our defense business, up to, and including classified programs in every facet of defense acquisition.

Basic Success Criteria

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in a Business, Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field, with a focus on technical qualifications
• Experience:
  • Proven experience in DoD air cargo operations, with a deep understanding of operational requirements
  • Track record of successful leadership in program and business operations management roles, demonstrating achievement and results
  • In-depth experience applying the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense, and Agency Regulation Supplements to pre- and post-award solicitations, contracts, and fee arrangements for both competitive and sole-source proposals
  • Strong leadership experience in managing diverse teams, fostering collaboration and success across varied functions
• Skills:
  • Exceptional presentation and public speaking skills, with the ability to effectively communicate and influence key stakeholders, including potential partners, customers, government entities, and internal management at all levels
  • Excellent Project Management skills, with a proven ability to consistently deliver projects on time and within budget

Preferred Criteria

• Clearance: Active TS/SCI or Secret security clearance (or the ability to obtain one). Specific clearance level may be clarified based on candidate eligibility
• Knowledge:
  • Extensive knowledge of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards and regulations
  • Prior experience as a hazardous materials preparer or inspector is highly preferred
  • Proven ability to work effectively with military executive personnel and senior leadership
• Certifications:
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
  • Experience as an Agile Scrum Master and familiarity with Agile methodologies

Additional Information

• This position can be filled remotely with up to 60% travel.
• The estimated salary range for this position is $115,000 to $130,000.
• At Reliable Airlines, we strive to provide competitive and rewarding compensation based on experience.