Director, Base Chief Pilot

Job Description

About the Company Horizon Air. Guided by our purpose, core values and leadership principles, we are creating an airline people love. Our managerial teams set the strategies and operational plans that ensure the success of the company, and a shared passion for travel and for our guests motivates the team to achieve excellence each day. Role Overview The Base Chief Pilot balances strategic priorities while ensuring tactical execution for Flight Operations pilot bases at Horizon Air (QX). As a people leader, the role sets priorities for the team by implementing Flight Operations strategic goals and objectives in relation to the day-to-day operation at the base, safely and in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) and company policies. Key Responsibilities Lead and set priorities for a team of pilots, establishing professional standards and coaching where appropriate. Shape the long-term strategy and planning for operations at the assigned base. Develop people through effective performance management and ongoing feedback, fostering strategic and systems thinking, talent development and succession planning. Shape the culture of the team and beyond through action, presence and reinforcement of positive, professional behaviours. Build and maintain trust between the pilot group and Horizon management through well-developed interpersonal and communication skills, fair and diplomatic dealings, and consistency and reliability. Influence and partner with leaders inside and outside the company, including Horizon and Alaska Airlines station and inflight leadership, to ensure the highest safety standards. Represent the company as point of contact for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Port and the United States Postal Service. Review and recommend on, and assist with implementing, policies and procedures relating to flight safety, compliance and operational efficiency. Manage all delay and operational metrics for the assigned domicile. Attend operational meetings as required. Experience 5 years of professional pilot experience, with at least 3 years operating under FAA Part 121 or 135, or equivalent military or other experience. 4 years of leadership experience (Pilot in Command, Captain, Check Pilot, Instructor or similar). Preferred: prior experience as a Line Captain. Licences & Qualifications Ability to become a line qualified pilot at Horizon. Bachelor's degree, or an additional two years of experience in lieu of the degree. High school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with FAA regulations and the Pilot Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), with a strong technical background and expert knowledge of pilot procedures. Requirements Valid passport allowing unrestricted travel to and from the U.S. without a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP), maintained throughout employment. Ability to operate well under pressure and in changing conditions, with good professional judgement, time management and problem solving. Demonstrated ability to influence change and initiate actions with strategic impact that drive a high-performance culture. Outstanding verbal, written, listening and presentation skills, with a commitment to clear and transparent communication. Able to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and holidays. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications. Minimum age of 21. Must be authorised to work in the U.S. Embody the company values: own safety, do the right thing, be caring and kind, and deliver performance. What We Offer Salary range: $186,754-$258,031 per year. Total target compensation (including bonus and equity): $242,780-$335,441. Free stand-by travel privileges on Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air with high priority status. A select number of confirmed travel credits provided annually. Comprehensive well-being programs including medical, dental and vision benefits. Generous 401k match program. Annual bonus plans. Generous holiday and paid time off. Additional Information Pay details: the pay range and total target compensation package shown is the expected pay offered at the start of employment. Actual pay is based on multiple factors including location, relevant experience and level, and skill set, balanced against internal equity relative to other Alaska, Hawaiian and Horizon employees. The company notes it does not typically hire at the top of the range. Pay and benefits can vary by company, location, regularly scheduled hours worked, length of employment and employment status. Employment details: FLSA status Exempt; Full-Time; Regular. Requisition location listed as Portland, OR - Airport. Job locations: Portland OR, Anchorage AK, Las Vegas NV and SeaTac WA. Airport SIDA badge: employees working at an airport or maintenance hangar must obtain a SIDA badge from the airport authority and remain in good standing to keep it. Employees who do not qualify for a SIDA badge, or who have it withdrawn, will be terminated. How to apply: apply online by 7:00 PM Pacific Time on 31 August 2026. Post-offer and/or pre-employment drug testing is conducted under U.S. Department of Transportation regulations (49 CFR part 40) before any offer of employment or transfer into a safety-sensitive position.

Requirements

• Lead and set priorities for a team of pilots, establishing professional standards and coaching where appropriate.
• Shape the long-term strategy and planning for operations at the assigned base.
• Develop people through effective performance management and ongoing feedback, fostering strategic and systems thinking, talent development and succession planning.
• Shape the culture of the team and beyond through action, presence and reinforcement of positive, professional behaviours.
• Build and maintain trust between the pilot group and Horizon management through well-developed interpersonal and communication skills, fair and diplomatic dealings, and consistency and reliability.
• Influence and partner with leaders inside and outside the company, including Horizon and Alaska Airlines station and inflight leadership, to ensure the highest safety standards.
• Represent the company as point of contact for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Port and the United States Postal Service.
• Review and recommend on, and assist with implementing, policies and procedures relating to flight safety, compliance and operational efficiency.
• Manage all delay and operational metrics for the assigned domicile.
• Attend operational meetings as required.
• 5 years of professional pilot experience, with at least 3 years operating under FAA Part 121 or 135, or equivalent military or other experience.
• 4 years of leadership experience (Pilot in Command, Captain, Check Pilot, Instructor or similar).
• Preferred: prior experience as a Line Captain.
• Ability to become a line qualified pilot at Horizon.
• Bachelor's degree, or an additional two years of experience in lieu of the degree.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Familiarity with FAA regulations and the Pilot Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), with a strong technical background and expert knowledge of pilot procedures.
• Valid passport allowing unrestricted travel to and from the U.S. without a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP), maintained throughout employment.
• Ability to operate well under pressure and in changing conditions, with good professional judgement, time management and problem solving.
• Demonstrated ability to influence change and initiate actions with strategic impact that drive a high-performance culture.
• Outstanding verbal, written, listening and presentation skills, with a commitment to clear and transparent communication.
• Able to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and holidays.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Minimum age of 21.
• Must be authorised to work in the U.S.

Benefits

• Salary range: $186,754-$258,031 per year.
• Total target compensation (including bonus and equity): $242,780-$335,441.
• Annual bonus plans.
• Generous holiday and paid time off.