Manager - Deferral Management

At United, we have some of the best aircraft in the world. Our Technical Operations team is full of aircraft maintenance technicians, engineers, planners, ground equipment and facilities professionals, and supply chain teams that help make sure they’re well taken care of and ready to get our customers to their desired destinations. If you’re ready to work on our planes, join our Tech Ops experts and help keep our fleet in tip-top shape.

Job Overview and Responsibilities

The Manager – Deferral Management provides leadership and direction to the Deferral Management planner group on a shift basis. Leads a team responsible for researching open deferred maintenance items to ensure technical content and scope identification are complete to support the operation. Must have understanding of aircraft systems and possess skills diagnosing aircraft system defects. This position also requires a technology-based mind-set able to develop, test, implement and train the Deferral Mgmt. Planning Team on current and new troubleshooting tools. Manages team’s performance against goals/metrics. Trains and mentors team for improved performance. Utilizes data analysis to ensure the appropriate priority of MEL items and items impacting the customer experience. Collaborates and partners with internal/external stakeholders to problem solve and align work priorities. They lead a represented work group (IBT) and are required to have excellent knowledge of the IBT contract and the rules and regulations.

• Manages a team of Specialist – Deferral Management to prioritize administration of deferred open items
• Consistently monitors the data and provides direction to the team to ensure the achievement of team metrics/goals
• Collaborates with the Senior Manager to review daily critical items and maintains a consistent path of communication to share team accomplishments, potential barriers and necessary resources
• Oversees the work of the team reviewing MEL items prioritizing high impact (time restricted) items or those impacting operational performance or customer impression items
• The Manager will ensure the quality of the work performed by Deferral Management Specialists and administers training, development, and oversight as required
• Collaborates with internal/external stakeholders on MEL priorities and ensures the team is proactive in open item task identification, inclusive of estimated man hours and required tools and skill-set
• Utilizes the data, and incorporates feedback from the internal/external stakeholders to adjust the identification of the recommended work priorities
• Develop Deferral Management team members' knowledge of airline maintenance operations and aircraft system troubleshooting, in addition to supporting their communications with the broader operation and organization
• Manage the Deferral Management team schedule, shift bid, and daily workload assignments
• Update and maintain departmental GMM and SOP manuals while ensuring all processes are adhered to

What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

• Bachelor's degree or 4 years of relevant work experience
• Aviation Maintenance experience
• A&P license
• Minimum of 4 years' experience in Line Maintenance, Line Planning or Maintenance Control
• Experience mining and analyzing data
• 2+ years leadership experience and managing aircraft maintenance personnel
• Strong verbal and written communications
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Detail oriented, proactive, self-starter
• Inclusive team collaborator
• Has high-performance standards
• Knowledge and skill in utilizing United’s Aircraft Maintenance Manuals
• Ability to work all shifts (Days or Nights), 12hr days, weekdays, weekends and holidays
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship
• Successful completion of interview required to meet job qualification
• Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position

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

• Bachelor's degree
• Aircraft Maintenance or Engineering Degree
• 7+ years of experience in Line Maintenance, Maintenance Control or Line Planning
• Experience utilizing data to “story tell”
• 4+ years leadership experience and managing aircraft maintenance personnel
• Knowledge of leading a unionized workforce
• Demonstrates an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of generative AI tools and effectively leverages them for research, analysis, content creation, and problem-solving. Applies critical thinking to validate AI-generated outputs while adhering to company policies related to responsible AI use, data privacy, and security.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law.