Manager, Airworthiness

Westerkirk•Calgary, AB

4d•Onsite

About The Position

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (DHC) is a storied name in the aerospace industry, recognized worldwide for its pioneering contributions to aviation and its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and reliability. Headquartered in Calgary, AB, DHC currently has approximately 2,400 employees across British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, as well as in markets and distribution hubs world-wide. Established in 1928, De Havilland Canada has a rich history marked by the development of some of the most iconic and versatile aircraft ever built. These aircraft have served a variety of roles—from bush flying to commercial aviation—and are celebrated for their rugged durability, operational versatility, and excellence in performance. Over the decades, De Havilland Canada has evolved to meet the changing needs of the aviation industry. Today, we are more than just an aircraft manufacturer; we are a comprehensive aerospace company with capabilities that span design, production, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. Our operations are supported by a team of skilled engineers, technicians, and industry professionals who are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of craftsmanship and innovation. The Manager, Airworthiness is responsible for the leadership, and operational performance of the Airworthiness and Reliability, Maintainability & Safety (RM&S) functions. The role ensures continued airworthiness, product integrity, regulatory compliance, and the ongoing safety of all in-service De Havilland products through effective organizational leadership, talent development, resource management, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Extensive knowledge of Transport Canada, FAA, and EASA airworthiness regulations and certification requirements, with experience working with international aircraft certification authorities and regulatory agencies.
Strong knowledge and practical application of Systems Engineering, Safety Engineering, Reliability Engineering, and Continued Airworthiness principles.
Thorough understanding of modern aircraft systems, aircraft certification requirements, airworthiness standards, and Quality Management System processes and procedures.
Thorough understanding of technical standards, technical publications, configuration management, and type certification or experimental aircraft certification processes.
Demonstrated experience leading airworthiness, certification, safety, reliability, or engineering teams within a regulated aerospace environment.
Proven ability to interpret, apply, and oversee compliance with applicable airworthiness regulations, company policies, and industry standards.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences, including senior leadership, customers, and regulatory authorities.
Demonstrated leadership capability, with a proven ability to build, develop, and lead high-performing teams while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills, with the ability to balance safety, regulatory, operational, and business objectives while managing competing priorities.
Proven ability to establish performance expectations, measure outcomes, and drive organizational results through effective planning, execution, and accountability.
Strong people leadership skills, including coaching, mentoring, performance management, succession planning, and talent development.
Demonstrated ability to influence and build effective relationships across all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders.
Strong organizational and change management skills, with experience implementing processes, systems, and performance metrics that improve operational effectiveness.
Sound judgement, professionalism, and discretion in managing sensitive information, resolving complex issues, and making decisions in a dynamic environment.
Ability to travel up to 10% as required

Nice To Haves

Registration as a Professional Engineer is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Provide overall leadership, direction, and oversight for the Airworthiness and Reliability, Maintainability & Safety (RM&S) functions, ensuring alignment with company objectives and regulatory requirements.
Establish organizational priorities, goals, performance metrics, budgets, and resource plans for the Airworthiness and RM&S teams, ensuring the timely execution from all functions.
Ensure the Airworthiness and RM&S organizations are appropriately staffed, structured, and trained to meet current and future business requirements.
Lead workforce planning, recruitment, succession planning, and talent development initiatives to build and sustain a high-performing engineering organization.
Mentor, coach, and develop Section Chiefs, strengthening leadership capability, accountability, and organizational effectiveness across the department.
Conduct performance management activities, including goal setting, performance reviews, career development planning, and recognition of employee achievements.
Develop, manage, and monitor departmental budgets, forecasts, and resource allocations to ensure efficient utilization of personnel and financial resources while meeting operational objectives.
Establish and maintain effective management systems, tools, processes, and data governance practices to support work tracking, performance measurement, resource planning, knowledge retention, and the structured management of engineering records and departmental information.
Ensure effective execution of engineering investigations, safety assessments, reliability analyses, and corrective action programs through the Airworthiness and RM&S teams.
Provide management oversight of certification and regulatory activities with Transport Canada, international airworthiness authorities, and industry associations to ensure continued compliance and effective stakeholder engagement.
Champion continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to streamline processes, improve efficiency, reduce cycle times, and enhance the effectiveness of Airworthiness and RM&S operations.
Ensure the organization maintains effective airworthiness policies, procedures, and governance frameworks that comply with Quality Management System requirements and applicable industry standards.
Foster strong working relationships with Transport Canada, international regulatory authorities, customers, and internal stakeholders to support business objectives, regulatory compliance, and continued product safety.
Drive a culture of safety, accountability, operational excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning throughout the Airworthiness and RM&S organizations.