Director - Network Operations Safety, QA, & Regulatory Compliance

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Description

Our Network Operations team works around the clock running United’s global operation, safely, reliably and efficiently. From dispatching and routing our fleet to coordinating with maintenance line planning and crew scheduling, this team makes caring connections with our internal customers and ultimately, United’s customers. From pushback to landing, the Network Operations team is the eyes and ears on the ground no matter where in the world your United flight takes you.

Job Overview

The Director leads Network Operations Safety, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Compliance, Business Continuity, and Physical Security programs. This role oversees Safety Management System (SMS) processes, regulatory compliance, operational risk management, and emergency preparedness to ensure the safety, security, and resilience of Network Operations.

The Director leads a team of professionals responsible for identifying hazards, assessing risks, implementing mitigations, and monitoring effectiveness. Serving as a key liaison with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other regulatory stakeholders, the Director oversees regulatory inquiries, investigations, disclosures, and compliance commitments. The role partners with operational leaders to integrate safety, human factors, and risk-based decision-making into daily operations and organizational changes.

Key Responsibilities

The Director leads Network Operations Safety, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Compliance, Business Continuity, and Physical Security programs. This role oversees Safety Management System (SMS) processes, regulatory compliance, operational risk management, and emergency preparedness to ensure the safety, security, and resilience of Network Operations.

The Director leads a team of professionals responsible for identifying hazards, assessing risks, implementing mitigations, and monitoring effectiveness. Serving as a key liaison with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other regulatory stakeholders, the Director oversees regulatory inquiries, investigations, disclosures, and compliance commitments. The role partners with operational leaders to integrate safety, human factors, and risk-based decision-making into daily operations and organizational changes.

• Lead Network Operations safety, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, business continuity, and physical security programs.
• Oversee Safety Risk Management (SRM) 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.

Qualifications

What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

• Bachelor's degree in aviation, safety, engineering, or related discipline, or equivalent work experience.
• FAA Aircraft Dispatcher or Commercial Pilot Certificate.
• Five or more years of leadership experience in airline operations, safety, or regulatory compliance.
• Five or more years of experience in Flight Operations, Dispatch, Load Planning, Safety, Airport Operations, or related airline functions.
• Ten or more years of combined experience in aviation operations, safety, quality assurance, or regulatory compliance.
• Working knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations, FAA guidance, Operations Specifications, SMS 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 interview required to meet job qualifications.
• Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position.
• Travel expectation: 20%

What will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications):

• Master's degree in aviation, safety, engineering, business, or related discipline.
• Professional certification in safety, quality assurance, auditing, security, or business continuity.
• Knowledge of ICAO 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 leverage of AI to support research, analysis, content creation, and problem solving. Application of critical thinking to validate AI-generated outputs, while adhering to organizational policies for responsible AI use, data privacy, and security.

The base pay range for this role is $159,790.00 to $207,998.00. The base salary range/hourly rate listed is dependent on job-related, factors such as experience, education, and skills. This position is also eligible for bonus and/or long-term incentive compensation awards.

You may be eligible for the following competitive benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, accident & disability, parental leave, employee assistance program, commuter, paid holidays, paid time off, 401(k) and flight privileges.

United Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law. We provide reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation, contact JobAccommodations@united.com