General Manager

About this role:

We are seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial General Manager to lead Nova Sky Stories' business in Brazil. You will serve as Nova's primary representative within the market, building relationships with clients, venues, partners, government stakeholders, and regulatory authorities while helping establish and grow Nova's local presence.

You will work closely with our global teams across production, flight operations, permitting, creative, engineering, and logistics to deliver world-class drone shows and unforgettable audience experiences. This role combines business leadership, operational excellence, client management, and team development in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Reporting to the CFO, you will work closely with Nova's global leadership team and play a critical role in expanding Nova's presence throughout Brazil and the broader region.

As a General Manager, you’ll be responsible for: 

Market Leadership & Business Growth

• Serve as Nova Sky Stories' primary representative within the local market
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, government stakeholders, venues, partners, and industry contacts
• Support business development efforts by identifying new opportunities and helping expand Nova's market presence
• Monitor local market trends, competitive activity, and emerging opportunities
• Contribute to regional growth strategies and long-term business planning

Client & Partner Management

• Develop trusted relationships with customers and key stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle
• Ensure an exceptional client experience from initial engagement through show delivery
• Act as the primary escalation point for local client concerns and operational challenges
• Partner with internal teams to ensure customer expectations are consistently exceeded

Operations & Event Execution

• Oversee local operational readiness and support successful execution of drone show projects
• Coordinate closely with global production, permitting, logistics, and flight operations teams
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and in accordance with Nova standards
• Support permitting, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement efforts as needed
• Identify and implement operational improvements that enhance efficiency and scalability

Team Building & Leadership

• Help recruit, develop, and lead local teams including pilots, production professionals, and operational staff
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement
• Serve as a bridge between local teams and Nova's global organization
• Support employee development, coaching, and performance management efforts

General Management

• Own the overall success of Nova's operations and reputation within the market
• Manage local budgets, resources, and operational priorities
• Ensure compliance with local regulations, company policies, and safety standards
• Provide regular updates and strategic insights to executive leadership

You’ll need to have: 

• 10+ years of experience in event production, entertainment, technology, aviation, operations, business leadership, hospitality, or a related field
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams and complex projects from concept through execution
• Strong client-facing experience with a proven ability to build and maintain trusted stakeholder relationships
• Experience building, scaling, or managing teams, processes, and operations in fast-paced environments
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance strategic thinking and hands-on execution
• Experience managing multiple priorities and delivering results in dynamic environments
• Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills
• Experience working within international organizations or collaborating across multiple countries and cultures
• Experience working with government agencies, permitting authorities, regulatory bodies, or public stakeholders is highly valued
• Experience launching, growing, or supporting operations within a new market is highly desirable
• Familiarity with project management, operational planning, budgeting, and business development activities
• Professional fluency in Portuguese and English required
• Open-minded approach with learning, humility, and continuous improvement at the core

What defines you: 

• You enjoy building businesses, teams, and processes from the ground up
• You are comfortable operating with ambiguity and creating structure where none exists
• You balance strategic thinking with a willingness to roll up your sleeves and execute
• You thrive in entrepreneurial environments where no two days are the same
• You take ownership and accountability for outcomes while maintaining a collaborative, team-first mindset

Additional Information:

• This role is based in Rio, BRl.
• Domestic and international travel may be required.
• Candidates must be authorized to work in Brazil or be eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization.
• Employment terms, benefits, and leave policies will be administered in accordance with applicable Brazilian labor laws.
• Professional fluency in Portuguese and English is required.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package
• Health and social insurance benefits
• Paid time off and local holidays
• Opportunities for international collaboration and travel