Director, Hub Airside Operations - YYZ

Being part of Air Canada is to become part of an iconic Canadian symbol, recently ranked the best Airline in North America. Let your career take flight by joining our diverse and vibrant team at the leading edge of passenger aviation.

The Director, Hub Airside Operations - YYZ, reporting to the Senior Director, Hub Operations - YYZ, is responsible for successfully leading Airport airside operations, inclusive of ramp, baggage and transfer (connections) activities, ensuring a safe, on-time operation at Toronto Pearson Airport for Air Canada and their subsidiaries.

Responsibilities:

• Leads the Airside Operations team at Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ), overseeing approximately 60 managers and over 2400 unionized colleagues.
• Manages a large, unionized workforce affiliated with the IAM and manages labour relations with their union representatives.
• Develops and maintains a proactive safety culture for employees, customers, and company assets that demonstrates the value “Safety First, Always”.
• Provides effective leadership that embraces engaging employees in the business and implements strategies that bring demonstrated meaning to this core value.
• Responsible for the planning and effective deployment and management of staff resources required to meet operational performance and financial targets.
• Leads the team to consistently meet or exceed station performance standard targets.
• Delivers on Customer Service metrics: OTP, PAWOB’s, Baggage Delivery, Baggage Scanning, Aircraft damage, Security protocols
• Responsible for overseeing regulatory and safety compliance reporting for assets, including ground support equipment  
• Overall responsibility for Safety, Aerodrome and Aircraft security and associated relationships with CATSA, Transport Canada and GTAA.
• Responsible for the maintenance, training and readiness to implement the Emergency Response Plan.
• Develops and maintains business relationships with GTAA necessary to maintain operational facilities to the highest standard of safety and operational integrity, including baggage systems, aprons, gates/bridges and facilities.
• Manages relationships with 3rd party vendors and business partners, including CBSA, USCBP, Fuel Management, Caterers, Peel Regional Police, RCMP, CATSA, and common handlers to ensure requirements and expectations are met.
• Builds and maintains strong positive working relationships with employees and co-workers to ensure a productive and respectful work environment for all parties.
• Maintains a professional and engaged relationship with Union representatives of the IAM.
• Drives accountability for cost reduction and meeting budget targets.
• Fosters a positive, inclusive workplace culture that drives strong employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
• Demonstrates people‑first leadership, ensuring employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
• Mentors, coaches, and develops talent to build a strong pipeline of future leaders.

Qualifications

• University degree in Business, Aviation Management, Operations, or a related field is an asset; equivalent relevant experience will also be considered.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in airport operations, airside operations, ground handling, or a similarly complex operational environment.
• Proven experience leading large, unionized workforces, including demonstrated success in labour relations with multiple unions (IAMAW experience considered a strong asset).
• Deep knowledge of airside operations, ramp procedures, aircraft servicing, and airport safety/security regulations.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements, including Transport Canada, CATSA, GTAA, CBSA/CBP, and aerodrome standards.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement action plans that achieve objectives.
• Focused on continuous improvement, must be creative and an innovative thinker.
• Demonstrated track record of leading, developing, and motivating management teams and large frontline workforces.
• Strong ability to build trust, foster engagement, and create a culture where safety, accountability, and continuous improvement are prioritized.
• Proven experience managing conflict, facilitating issue resolution, and maintaining positive labour‑management relationships.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with GTAA, Transport Canada, CATSA, CBSA, Fuel Management partners, USCBP, RCMP, and other key airport partners.
• Skilled in influencing, negotiating, and driving alignment in high‑stakes operational environments.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to create and achieve a vision.
• Ability to meet deadlines, work under pressure and achieve multiple objectives.
• Highly flexible and adaptable to support 24/7 operation.

Conditions of Employment:

Candidates must be eligible to work in the country of interest at the time any offer of employment is made and are responsible for obtaining any required work permits, visas, or other authorizations necessary for employment. Prior to their start date, candidates will also need to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the country of interest.

Linguistic Requirements

Based on equal qualifications, preference will be given to bilingual candidates.

Diversity and Inclusion

Air Canada is strongly committed to Diversity and Inclusion and aims to create a healthy, accessible and rewarding work environment which highlights employees’ unique contributions to our company’s success.

As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all to help us build a diverse workforce which reflects the diversity of our customers, and communities, in which we live and serve.

Air Canada thanks all candidates for their interest; however only those selected to continue in the process will be contacted.