Operations Manager

Westerkirk•Calgary, AB

11d•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. About De Havilland Aircraft of Canada De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (DHC) is one of Canada's most recognized aerospace companies, with a proud legacy of designing and manufacturing world-class aircraft since 1928. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, DHC employs approximately 2,400 people across British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and international markets. For nearly a century, we've built aircraft renowned for their durability, versatility, and performance, connecting communities and supporting commercial, regional, and remote operations around the world. Today, DHC is a full-service aerospace company providing aircraft design, manufacturing, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), supported by a team dedicated to quality, innovation, and excellence. Are you ready to help build the future of Canadian aviation? If you take pride in precision craftsmanship and want to see your work take flight around the world, join De Havilland Canada. Your skills will help build world-class aircraft, including products like the Canadair 515 waterbomber, supporting missions that protect lives, strengthen communities, and safeguard natural landscapes around the world. Job Summary Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Operations Manager is responsible for leading the 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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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.
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.

Responsibilities

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.