Globe Life Insurance | Chief Pilot

Director, Corporate Aviation

Location: McKinney, Texas

Job Number: JR100378

Role Overview

Globe Life seeks a Director, Corporate Aviation responsible for the strategic leadership, operational excellence, safety, and financial performance of the company’s corporate aviation program. This role oversees all flight operations, aircraft management, regulatory compliance, and personnel, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective aviation services aligned with executive and business needs.

This is a hybrid position located in McKinney, TX (Work From Home Monday & Friday, In Office Tuesday-Thursday).

Key Responsibilities

• Set and execute the strategy for the corporate aviation program in alignment with Corporate and Executive needs.
• Plan and direct strategic operations of the corporate flight department, ensuring maximum efficiency and reliability according to executive travel needs, business priorities, and company objectives.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on aviation strategy, fleet planning, and risk management.
• Oversee day-to-day flight operations, scheduling, dispatch, and mission planning.
• Establish, maintain, and enforce aviation operational standards, policies, and procedures.
• Act as accountable agent for aviation safety and regulatory compliance oversight and reporting.
• Act as the primary point of contact with regulatory bodies, aircraft manufacturers, and service providers.
• Ensure adherence to all Federal Aviation Regulations (FAA Part 91 or Part 135), international compliance standards and authorities, and industry best practices.
• Oversee and ensure the timely completion of Safety Management System (SMS), audits, inspections, and risk assessments.
• Provide guidance for and oversee all aircraft acquisition, disposition, leasing, and lifecycle planning.
• Establish protocols and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for maintenance programs, maintain effective vendor relationships, and ensure technical efficacy and standards are met with reliability.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with maintenance providers, FBOs, charter partners, and vendors.
• Ensure aircraft readiness, airworthiness, and optimal utilization is maintained by Chief Mechanic and Chief Pilot.
• Draft, manage, and monitor approved aviation operating expenses (fuel spending, crew training, maintenance costs) and capital expense budgets within acceptable standards while maintaining superior service and safety standards.
• Lead, develop, and retrain flight crews, maintenance staff, and support personnel regularly regarding service and safety standards.
• Set performance expectations, SLAs, and promote a strong safety-first culture by developing, implementing, and monitoring the Company’s SMS (Safety Management Systems).
• Ensure all required training, certification, and crew readiness standards are met in accordance with company and federal standards.
• Ensure the aviation department’s delivery of professional service for executives and key stakeholders.
• Oversee delivery of sensitive travel requirements with confidentiality and precision.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Pilot certification and prior flight operations experience.
• 8–10+ years of progressive leadership in flight operations or aviation management, with a background as a Chief Pilot or Director of Maintenance.
• 5+ years of extensive experience in corporate or business aviation operations.
• In-depth knowledge of FAA regulations and corporate aviation compliance.
• Deep understanding of FAA Part 91 (private) and/or Part 135 (charter) regulations, international flight standards (ICAO/EASA), and Safety Management Systems (SMS).
• Knowledge of corporate finance, multi-million dollar budgeting, cost control, and aircraft valuation/depreciation.
• Familiarity with flight scheduling software, maintenance tracking systems, and mission-specific technology.
• Understanding of crew duty-time limitations, labor laws, and the technical requirements for different aviation roles like dispatchers and technicians.
• The ability to align aviation department goals with the broader corporate vision and mission.
• Ability to plan, assign, train, direct, and evaluate clerical/administrative, trade/technical, or professional employees.
• Skill in translating complex technical aviation issues into business-friendly language for non-aviation C-suite executives.
• Capability to make critical, time-sensitive decisions under pressure while prioritizing passenger safety and operational integrity.
• Proficiency in proactively managing the aircraft fleet as a high-value corporate asset, including life-cycle planning and vendor contract negotiations.
• Exceptional level of communication and stakeholder relationship management.

General Requirements

• Reliable and predictable attendance of assigned shift.
• Ability to work full-time and/or part-time based on position specifications.