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United Airlines

Flies passengers and cargo worldwide from US hubs

Director – Network Operations Safety - Quality Assurance, Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory Compliance & EthicsPosted on Nov 13
Full-timeArlington Heights, IL, USA

About the Job

Requirements

  • A bachelor's degree in aviation, safety, engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent work experience.
  • An FAA Aircraft Dispatcher or Commercial Pilot Certificate.
  • At least five years of leadership experience in airline operations, safety, or regulatory compliance.
  • At least five years of experience in Flight Operations, Dispatch, Load Planning, Safety, Airport Operations, or related airline functions.
  • At least ten years of combined experience in aviation operations, safety, quality assurance, or regulatory compliance.
  • Working knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations, FAA guidance, Operations Specifications, Safety Management System principles, and aviation quality assurance requirements.
  • Demonstrated experience working directly with the FAA on regulatory oversight, audits, investigations, or compliance matters.
  • Strong leadership, analytical, communication, and decision-making skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Experience managing operational risks, implementing corrective actions, and driving continuous improvement.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and related business tools.
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship.
  • Successful completion of an interview is required to meet job qualifications.
  • Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position.
  • Travel expectation is 20%.

Responsibilities

  • Lead Network Operations safety, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, business continuity, and physical security programs.
  • Oversee Safety Risk Management and Safety Assurance processes, including hazard identification, risk assessments, audits, investigations, and corrective actions.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable Federal Aviation Regulations, Operations Specifications, company manuals, and regulatory commitments.
  • Serve as a primary liaison with the FAA and other regulatory agencies, overseeing inspections, investigations, voluntary disclosures, and corrective action plans.
  • Direct risk-based audits, compliance assessments, safety performance monitoring, and special emphasis reviews to identify systemic risks and improvement opportunities.
  • Oversee business continuity and emergency preparedness programs, including alternate operating facilities, operational recovery plans, exercises, and emergency response readiness.
  • Direct physical security programs, including facility access controls, visitor management, security personnel procedures, incident response, and security risk assessments.
  • Integrate human factors and safety risk management principles into operational procedures, technology implementations, automation, and organizational changes.
  • Establish safety performance metrics, monitor mitigation effectiveness, and provide leadership with actionable insights into operational and regulatory risks.
  • Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including Airport Operations, Flight Operations, Inflight, Technical Operations, Corporate Safety, FAA, IOSA, and Department of Defense representatives.
  • Lead, develop, and mentor a team of safety, compliance, quality assurance, and security professionals while fostering a proactive safety culture.

Desired Qualifications

  • A master's degree in aviation, safety, engineering, business, or a related discipline.
  • Professional certification in safety, quality assurance, auditing, security, or business continuity.
  • Knowledge of International Civil Aviation Organization standards, IOSA requirements, and Department of Defense aviation safety and quality standards.
  • Experience overseeing business continuity, emergency preparedness, physical security, or alternate operational facilities.
  • Experience applying human factors, safety analytics, and risk management principles to operational changes and emerging technologies.
  • Demonstrated understanding of the capabilities and limitations of generative AI tools and efficient use of AI to support research, analysis, content creation, and problem solving. Apply critical thinking to validate AI-generated outputs while adhering to organizational policies for responsible AI use, data privacy, and security.

About the Company

United Airlines

Flies passengers and cargo worldwide from US hubs

United Airlines flies passengers and cargo across the United States and to destinations around the world, running a hub network that spans Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, Washington Dulles and Guam. It was a founding member of Star Alliance, the global airline partnership that links its routes and frequent-flyer benefits with carriers such as Lufthansa and Air Canada. Travelers book seats in economy, premium and Polaris business cabins, and United earns money from fares, bag and seat fees, cargo, and its MileagePlus loyalty program, which sells miles to card partners. United traces its roots to Varney Air Lines, which began flying airmail in 1926, and is based in Chicago.

Company size
10,001+
Company stage
IPO
Headquarters
Chicago, IL
Founded
1926

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