Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Operations Manager is responsible for leading the 515 WaterBomber 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.
Job 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.
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.
- 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.
Advantages and benefits
- Permanent employment offering stability and security.
- Access to AAA Academy for ongoing professional development.
- Use of high performance and quality equipment.
- Sick days to ensure your well-being.
- Comprehensive group insurance program.
- Opportunities for career development and professional growth.
- Stimulating work environment with major projects in the aerospace, ground transportation and defense sectors.
- Health and wellness program.
Start an exciting adventure with AAA Canada, where every application opens the door to new possibilities. We don't just look at your resume; we're interested in the person behind it, your unique strengths, your passions and your potential for excellence.
Apply now, and let's see how your talents and aspirations fit with our vision and the work we do!