Director, Iqaluit Operations

Canadian North

13d

About The Position

The Director, Iqaluit Operations plays a critical role through the oversight of Commercial Operations in one of the most significant hubs in the Canadian North network. With a keen understanding of Canadian North’s strategy and business priorities, a passion for our customers, and a deep connection to Iqaluit and Nunavut, this role embodies Canadian North as a local airline, enables all aspects of an integrated commercial operation, and is constantly focused on deepening intimacy with our customers.

The Director, Iqaluit Operations is a critical member of the Canadian North senior leadership team and operates effectively in a highly matrixed environment. The position reports directly to the VP Airport & Cargo Operations, and oversees all Airport, Cargo and Ramp operations in Iqaluit. There is a dotted line reporting relationship to the VP Charters & Business Development and a close working relationship with the Senior Director Network Planning and Revenue Optimization, the Director, Cargo and the Director Passenger & Cargo Sales.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation, Business, Operations Management, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and extensive progressive leadership experience in complex operational environments.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in operations leadership, preferably within aviation, cargo, or remote service environments, with demonstrated accountability for operational performance, people leadership, and decision-making in live operations.
• Strong proficiency with operational, performance, and reporting systems used in aviation or complex operating environments, including the ability to analyze data, monitor KPIs, and communicate insights using Microsoft Office and related tools.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze situations in the moment, make decisions and take action – both directly and through others.
• Excellent relationship building, influencing and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to drive business outcomes and growth through ongoing and strategic customer intimacy.
• Demonstrated ability to hold others accountable to high standards of customer service, operational effectiveness and employee engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategic direction into operational execution.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and leverage insights to enable strategic action, local decision-making and influence organizational decisions at the highest levels.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change management, driving adoption of new processes, systems, or operating models.
• Demonstrated ability to manage operating budgets, control costs, and balance financial performance with service delivery commitment
• Nunavut Resident with strong community and business relationships.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting unionized environments and working with collective agreements is an asset.
• Experience with Inuit recruitment, Indigenous engagement, or community-based recruitment is a strong asset.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Senior Director Network Planning and Revenue Optimization to design viable flying schedules taking into consideration key customer needs and broader opportunities across Nunavut and Northern Canada.
• Work closely with Operations Control Centre (OCC) to ensure smooth operations across Nunavut.
• Lead and develop local management teams with accountability for ramp, airport and cargo operations. Ensure disciplined execution of standard operating procedures to drive on-time performance, service consistency, and a top-tier customer experience.
• Partner with Director Passenger & Cargo Sales in regular engagement with key customers.
• Interact on a daily basis with customers at the Iqaluit International Airport, providing a role model for customer engagement.
• Leverage ongoing relationship building and understanding of business opportunities in Nunavut to drive growth opportunities in passenger and cargo business.
• Ensure daily operational effectiveness of Iqaluit airport, cargo and ramp operations, with adherence to regulatory requirements and standards.
• Champion ongoing process improvement.
• Own and actively manage the performance framework for the Iqaluit base by establishing clear KPIs, reviewing results regularly, and driving corrective actions to continuously improve operational reliability, safety, and service quality.
• Ensure consistent presence at Iqaluit International Airport and the Canadian North Cargo Facilities, role modelling active customer engagement and holding team members to the same standard.
• Engaging directly with customers to resolve issues taking action that respects Canadian North standards while demonstrating genuine care and concern for the customer.
• Provide decisive leadership during live operations by evaluating real-time conditions, operational risk, and performance data to make informed decisions that protect safety, reliability, and service commitments.

Benefits

• Extended health, dental, and life insurance (after 1 month)
• Short- & long-term disability coverage (after 1 month)
• Retirement savings plan (after 6 months)
• Travel privileges with Canadian North (after 1 month) and partner airlines (after 6 months)
• Cargo shipping privileges (per company policy)
• Opportunities for advancement within a trusted Canadian airline

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director