Operations Manager

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Operations Manager is responsible for leading the 515 WaterBomber/Twin Otter final assembly operations in Calgary, Alberta, ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution of manufacturing activities. The role provides strategic and operational leadership across production, quality, logistics, inventory, maintenance, and continuous improvement functions while fostering a high-performance, safety-first culture. 

The Operations Manager partners with cross-functional teams to achieve operational objectives related to safety, quality, cost, delivery, inventory management, and employee engagement. This position also supports business growth through operational planning, workforce development, process optimization, and the successful execution of sustaining and new manufacturing programs. 

Direct Accountabilities

• Lead all manufacturing operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity objectives.
• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture that prioritizes employee health and regulatory compliance.
• Develop and execute operational strategies, business plans, budgets, and resource plans in partnership with the Director of Operations.
• Lead, coach, and develop production managers, supervisors, and manufacturing teams to build a highly engaged and accountable workforce.
• Ensure production schedules are achieved while meeting customer quality and delivery expectations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, and Operational Excellence methodologies.
• Monitor operational performance through KPIs and implement corrective actions to achieve business objectives.
• Optimize inventory levels, material flow, asset utilization, and manufacturing processes to improve operational efficiency.
• Support new product introductions, production transfers, production ramp-ups, and sustaining manufacturing programs.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Maintenance, and Program Management to resolve operational challenges and improve customer satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100 quality standards, company policies, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Support succession planning, workforce development, and organizational capability building.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and operational excellence.

Education Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, Manufacturing, or a related discipline. Equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• Formal leadership or management development training is preferred.
• Training or certification in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Operational Excellence, or other continuous improvement methodologies is preferred.

Experience, Skills, and Attitude

Required

• Minimum 7 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations.
• Minimum 5 years managing managers, supervisors, and cross-functional manufacturing teams.
• Experience in aerospace manufacturing, aerostructures, aircraft assembly, final assembly, or another highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading production, quality, logistics, inventory, maintenance, and manufacturing support functions.
• Strong working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems for production planning, scheduling, and inventory management.
• Proven success implementing Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience developing, monitoring, and improving KPIs related to safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.
• Experience managing operational budgets, resource planning, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to coach, mentor, and develop high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities with a focus on delivering operational results.

Preferred

• Experience supporting aircraft final assembly and flight operations.
• Experience leading new program launches, production transfers, manufacturing start-ups, or production ramp-up activities.
• Experience working within AS9100 or other aerospace quality management systems.
• Experience managing both unionized and non-unionized workforces.
• Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing operations.
• Demonstrated success leading operational excellence, productivity improvement, inventory optimization, and cost reduction initiatives.

Assets

• Experience supporting sustaining aerospace programs and work package transfers.
• Experience within Twin Otter, regional aircraft, or similar aerospace manufacturing programs.
• Certification in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Project Management (PMP), or equivalent.
• Knowledge of Transport Canada or other aviation regulatory requirements.
• Experience leading large-scale cross-functional operational improvement projects.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC).
• Bilingual (English/French) is considered an asset.

Position opening:  Operations Manager

Company Name:  De Havilland of Canada LTD

Number of vacancies: 2

Business Address: 4100 Westwinds Dr NE, Calgary, AB T3J 4L2

Language of Work: English

Term: Permanent, full-time

Salary: $120,000 to $155,000. Annual salary reviews with potential for increases.

Benefits: Health, dental, disability, life insurance, RRSP match

Location of Work: This position will work out of one of three De Havilland’s facilities in Calgary, Alberta located at:

• 770 McTavish Road NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7G6
• 7757 8th Street NE, Calgary, AB T2E 8A2
• 3615 34th Street NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 6Z8

Contact Information: careers@dehavilland.com

 403-200-8804

 3699 63 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T3J 0G7