Operations Manager - Aircraft Detailing (Path to GM)

RealClean Aircraft Detailing – Southeast Texas | Greater Houston, TX

Opportunity

We're looking for a driven, self-motivated Operations Manager to help lead our next phase of growth — with a clear, defined path to General Manager for the right person. This is a hands-on role for someone who's spent time in aviation detailing (or a closely related aviation service field), knows how to sell and build relationships, and can run a tight field operation.

You'll start by owning day-to-day operations for a team of 3–4 detailers. As you build the book of business and prove out leadership across accounts and territory, you'll grow into a General Manager role with expanded ownership over the P&L, multi-territory oversight, and a direct seat at the table on company strategy.

What You'll Do

Team & Operations Leadership

• Manage day-to-day scheduling, quality control, and field performance for a team of 3–4 detailers
• Ensure every job meets our documented SOPs and brand standards
• Own crew logistics — vehicles, equipment, and supply inventory — across a multi-airport territory

Business Development & Sales

• Prospect, cultivate, and close new accounts with FBOs, corporate flight departments, charter operators, and private aircraft owners
• Build relationships with key decision-makers — Directors of Maintenance, Chief Pilots, FBO General Managers, and schedulers
• Deliver proposals, negotiate service agreements, and convert prospects into long-term recurring customers
• Represent RealClean at the airport — ramp presence and FBO relationships are part of the job

Customer Relationships

• Serve as the primary point of contact for existing customers, driving retention and satisfaction
• Handle escalations and quality issues with professionalism and urgency

Business Management

• Track jobs, quotes, and customer activity in our field service software
• Monitor territory performance against revenue and margin targets
• Report regularly to ownership on pipeline, crew performance, and growth opportunities

What You Bring

• Prior experience in aviation detailing, aircraft appearance services, or a closely related aviation ground-service/maintenance field
• A track record of selling and closing business — comfortable prospecting, building relationships, and asking for the close
• Experience leading or supervising a small team (3+ people)
• Self-starter mentality — you don't wait to be told what to do
• Comfortable working around aircraft and on ramps at FBOs; able to obtain airport security badging
• A&P certification or hands-on aircraft maintenance/detailing background is a strong plus
• Valid driver's license; ability to pass a background check and drug screening
• Willingness to travel across the Greater Houston territory as needed

Compensation & Growth

Competitive base salary plus performance-based bonus tied to new business growth and account retention, commensurate with experience. This role carries a defined path to General Manager, with expanded compensation, territory scope, and ownership-level involvement in company direction for the right performer.

RealClean Aircraft Detailing – Southeast Texas is the Houston-area affiliate of a 22+ year national aviation detailing brand trusted by FBOs, charter operators, and corporate flight departments. Our team includes A&P-certified technicians with 70+ combined years of hands-on aircraft detailing experience, backed by $3M+ in general liability coverage, Worker's Compensation, FAA-grade static-free products, documented SOPs and much more!
We don't just detail aircrafts — we protect the asset.
Fly Confident. Fly RealClean.TM