The Manager of the Drug & Alcohol Program (Designated Employer Representative – DER) is responsible for ensuring compliance with FAA and DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations. This includes overseeing operational execution, regulatory recordkeeping, vendor and stakeholder engagement, and internal education efforts. The manager provides leadership, guidance, and on-call support to internal teams and ensures the program is always audit-ready. This role is critical to upholding Spirit Airlines’ safety standards and regulatory obligations.

• Enforce safety in the aviation industry by ensuring that their employers and Team Members comply with DOT/FAA’s Drug and Alcohol Testing regulations.
• Lead Spirit’s Drug & Alcohol Testing Program in full compliance with FAA/DOT regulations and internal policy.
• Supervise and develop a team of compliance specialists and field collectors.
• Maintain and continuously improve testing processes: random, pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing.
• Ensure all program documentation is accurate, audit-ready, and maintained according to federal requirements.
• Provide ongoing education and training across the company on drug and alcohol testing policies and responsibilities.
• Communicate with all levels of Team Members to ensure timely and accurate compliance.
• Act as the primary liaison with vendors (e.g., MRO, laboratories, collectors), auditors, and federal regulatory bodies.
• Review and approve vendor invoices and ensure accuracy of billing for testing services.
• Manage escalations and support leaders during operational testing events.
• Conduct audits and implement process improvements to enhance program integrity and reduce regulatory risk.
• Update and maintain the company’s Drug & Alcohol Program Manual and procedures.
• Represent Spirit Airlines in regulatory audits and meetings related to substance abuse prevention.
• Provide on-call guidance to operational leaders and stations, especially during irregular operations.
• May perform other responsibilities as assigned. Responsibilities and duties may change when circumstances dictate. (e.g., emergency change in workload, rush jobs, or technical developments.)

• Bachelors degree or equivalent experience required.
• 3-5 years experience required.
• 5+ years of experience managing a Drug & Alcohol Testing Program in a regulated environment.
• 5+ years of experience leading teams or direct reports.
• Experience in aviation or airport operations preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of FAA and DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with a high attention to detail.
• Ability to delegate, lead, and motivate a team.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and conflict resolution capabilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Ability to collaborate across functions while maintaining regulatory authority.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and work collaboratively.
• Domestic & International Travel under 10 of the time. 
• 100 onsite—because connection and collaboration are core to life at Spirit.

At Spirit, we live “More Fly.” It’s not just about getting from point A to B—it’s about feeling fly while you’re at it. For our Team Members, it means thinking BIG, taking action, making connections, and having a blast while doing it. From the station to the cockpit, the cabin to the computer, every day is an adventure as we redefine travel.

Soar with us and enjoy travel perks that bring you closer to what matters. Join a team that empowers you to bring your full self to work, grow personally and professionally, and fuel the communities we serve. At Spirit Airlines, the sky isn’t the limit—it’s just the beginning!

Spirit Airlines is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.  All aspects of employment are governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.