General Manager, Airport Operations

Are you ready to take your career to new heights?

As Canada's leading ultra-low-cost carrier, dedicated to providing affordable and exceptional travel experiences to Canadians, Flair Airlines is always on the lookout for talented individuals to join our team and contribute to our success as we continue to expand our route network, flight frequency, and services. Given our commitment to growth and excellence, we are currently seeking candidates for the following position:

Job Title: General Manager, Airport Operations

Department: Airports

Location: Vancouver, BC (YVR)

Work Arrangement: This role is primarily based in the office environment and is expected to travel as required to support operations within their assigned region.

Position Overview

The Airport Operations Leadership team is recruiting a General Managers, Airports Operations - Vancouver (YVR) base.

The General Manager, Airport Operations is responsible for the strategic and day-to-day operational management and oversight of the 3rd party service providers. This includes management and oversight of Above-The-Wing (ATW) and Below-The-Wing (BTW) operations, airport facility, customer service standards, liaising with local regulatory authorities, while keeping control of operational costs. This position will be responsible for the direct leadership and management of two direct reports (Operations Managers).

Primary Job Functions:

The General Manager, Airport Operations overseas the below functional areas within their assigned base/region.

• Oversight and Operational Delivery - Through on-site and in person efficient oversight and relationship management of service providers, ensure that delivery of all service standards in accordance with established agreements are provided to the level and targets set. Fostering positive relationships with providers to ensure engagement and sense of ownership of the Flair product and maximizing opportunities to increase these areas to contribute to optimal performance. Reviewing with service providers their performance on a regular basis, when needed developing and/or overseeing performance improvement plans to target and deliver meaningful solutions to drive efficient and excellent operation and services.
• Operational Improvement - The incumbent will be an integral part of leading change within the station and the industry through the adoption and implementation of ULCC best practices, in addition to newly defined airport operational processes. The key leader is required to have a proactive approach to solving operational issues and be capable of providing new solutions and leading the required change within their station.
• Upholding Policies and Procedures in accordance with standards - The incumbent will play a key part in ensuring consistent application of processes which deliver to the operational standards, brand initiatives and excellent customer service. Participation in regular audits, checklists, department initiatives for improvement and reviewing cases of non-compliance with service providers are all methods for execution of this area.
• Baggage Services - Provide oversight and management and leadership of the ground handling partner to ensure they are providing baggage tracking, handling, and delivery of delayed baggage including passenger communication, in accordance with Flair policies and processes. Identifying areas of improvement in station Missing Bag Ratio (MBR), then leading the development and oversight of improvement action plans.
• Organizational and Operational Representation - Through development of relationships with stakeholders, represent Flair operations and advocate for the service levels, new initiatives, and operational needs at the airports for which Flair operates. This includes relationships with regulators, customs representatives, airport authorities, security, and ground handling management teams.
• Cost Management and Savings - Through vigilant management of all operational costs under the parameters of the established agreement, ensure that all costs of the station are managed and the budget maintained. Additionally, proactively identifying new and potential cost saving initiatives for the station or operation.

Secondary Job Functions:

• Work with CTA, TC, USCBP, Canada Customs and other regulatory organizations to ensure ongoing compliance and strengthening existing relationships through engagement, collaboration, and inclusiveness with all stakeholders.
• Work with trends identified through station delays, SMS, and or other operational inefficiencies and work with internal departments and partners to improve operational deficiencies.
• IROP Management and assess and executes appropriate resources to optimize performance.
• Leads, motivates, and develops employees to perform in a safe, efficient, productive, professional manner while delivering superior customer service.
• Assumes responsibilities of employment management- including hiring, conducting performance evaluations, administrating corrective actions, training, and career development of direct reports.
• Utilize company and department support resources as needed to provide the teams with all tools and knowledge to execute on their duties.
• Ability to travel and support additional airports as required
• Participate in the start-up, restart of key new routes
• Lead the station budget, cost forecast and identify resources required
• Assist with business improvement implementation/development as needed.
• Other responsibilities as required.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Education:
  • Bachelor's degree/College Diploma in Aviation Management or a related field is preferred
• Experience:
  • Minimum of eight to ten years of airline operational management experience required
  • Experience with dealing in a complex, lean business environment and engaging with, and influencing stakeholders at all managerial levels, both internally and externally
  • Demonstrated management ability through a history of progressive leadership roles
  • Analytical thinking, goal directed leadership and service-oriented performance
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CAR's)
• Skills & Abilities:
  • Demonstrated management ability through a history of progressive leadership roles
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Bilingual in English and French an asset
  • Exposure to air safety legislations, CATSA regulatory requirements and experience managing audit programs will be highly regarded
  • Ability to assess priorities and problem solve under pressure of competing demands.
  • Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders
  • Proven track record of working independently with a high level of responsibility.
  • Level-headedness, calmness and the ability to think and respond appropriately in difficult situations
  • The ability to motivate and the capacity for teamwork to support the resolution of complex operational challenges
  • Must be flexible to work all times of the operation 7 days a week/24 hour a day including holidays and weekends and to deal with any operational and or unforeseen situation
  • Intermediate proficiency in MS Office Suite; particularly Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Teams
• Competencies:
  • Leading as a Flair teammate by demonstrating collaborative behavior and modeling the company's values in all interactions
  • Maintaining diverse relationships with peers and stakeholders to foster effective communication and collaboration
  • Delivering results with impact by setting clear goals, prioritizing tasks effectively, and continuously striving for improvement in performance and outcomes
• Requirements:
  • Clear criminal record check and satisfactory references
  • Must be legally eligible to work in the country in which the position is located
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC)

Why Join Flair Airlines:

At Flair Airlines, we value our employees and provide a supportive and collaborative work environment that offers opportunities for growth and professional achievement. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, effective on your first day of employment, which includes:

• Competitive compensation package including medical and dental benefits, both short and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, dependent life insurance, and an employee & family assistance program.
• Pension plan with matched contributions.
• Individualized performance bonuses based on achievements.
• Attractive referral incentive program.
• Access to our staff travel program, allowing employees and their travel companions unlimited travel access across the Flair network.

How to Apply:

If you're ready to embark on this exciting journey with Flair Airlines, please submit your resume through the job posting and answer a few questions about your experience and suitability for the role.

Application Deadline: January 21, 2025

Flair Airlines is committed to creating an inclusive, equal, and accessible environment that attracts diverse talent. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this role. If you require accommodation during the selection process, please let us know. While we appreciate all applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process.

We look forward to the possibility of welcoming you on board!