For over 65 years, Columbia Helicopters have been a trusted provider of heavy-lift helicopter services. We create new aircraft, fly heavy-lift helicopters around the world, and provide maintenance support to ensure you are mission-ready for critical operations. If you are passionate about aviation, join our Columbia Family !

The Vice President, Aircraft Solutions, is responsible for leading Columbia’s integrated aircraft solutions portfolio - including completions, modifications, certification pathways, and customer-driven special mission platforms. This executive owns the full P& L, driving financial performance, operational excellence, and sustainable growth across domestic and international markets.

The role requires a proven aerospace leader with the ability to conduct high-stakes commercial negotiations, secure profitable long-term partnerships, and strengthen Columbia’s position with OEMs, suppliers, regulators, and global customers. The VP will directly lead the Sales, Engineering, and PMO teams, ensuring alignment, accountability, and execution discipline across the organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strategic Leadership & P& L Accountability
• Own and manage the full P& L for Aircraft Solutions, including revenue, margin, and cost structure.
• Develop and execute a multi-year growth strategy aligned with Columbia’s objectives, market trends, and customer demand.
• Establish annual budgets, forecasts, and long-term plans; track performance against targets and implement corrective actions.
• Drive new revenue streams and margin expansion through pricing strategies, portfolio diversification, and operational efficiencies.

Commercial Negotiations & Partnerships

• Lead commercial negotiations with Boeing, Honeywell, regulatory authorities, and global customers to secure sustainable and profitable agreements.
• Formalize partnerships that protect Columbia’s interests while enabling long-term growth and customer confidence.
• Represent Columbia in executive-level forums with OEMs, regulators, and customers to strengthen credibility and influence.
• Ensure alignment between contractual frameworks, certification requirements, and customer expectations.

Operational & Organizational Leadership

• Oversee the Sales, Engineering, and PMO teams, ensuring clear accountability, alignment, and delivery against business objectives.
• Ensure Columbia delivers high-quality, on-time aircraft solutions that meet certification standards and customer requirements.
• Champion lean practices and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cycle time, improve productivity, and expand capacity.
• Lead risk management across commercial, regulatory, and supply chain domains with proactive mitigation strategies.

Customer & Market Development

• Serve as executive sponsor for key customers, ensuring strong relationships, satisfaction, and repeat business.
• Partner with Executive Leadership to identify and secure new opportunities in completions, modifications, and special mission platforms.
• Support pricing strategies and contract structures that maximize margins and expand Columbia’s order book.

Team Leadership & Culture

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing leadership team across Sales, Engineering, and PMO.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure workforce planning aligns with current and future business needs, including training, talent development, and succession planning.
• Support HR in strengthening Columbia’s executive team and embedding organizational values.

Cross-Functional Alignment

• Collaborate closely with MRO/aftermarket support and Flight Operations teams to optimize scheduling, resource allocation, and shared capabilities.
• Align planning and supply chain functions to support on-time delivery and cost targets.
• Work with Finance and Executive Leadership to ensure transparent reporting, disciplined governance, and strong financial controls.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or related field required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in aerospace/aviation, with at least 5+ years in a P& L leadership role.
• Proven track record in commercial negotiations with OEMs, regulators, and global customers.
• Strong understanding of FAA/EASA certification requirements, aerospace manufacturing processes, and supply chain dynamics.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong financial acumen and proven ability to deliver P& L performance.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
• Strong negotiation and relationship management abilities with OEMs, regulators, and customers.
• Demonstrated success in operational transformation, cost reduction, and margin improvement initiatives.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Vision and Execution
• P& L and Financial Management
• Commercial Negotiations and Partnership Development
• Operational and Organizational Leadership
• Continuous Improvement and Lean Principles
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Customer and Stakeholder Engagement
• Team Development and Leadership

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with regular visits to production and hangar environments.
• Occasional domestic and international travel required.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)