Director, Flight Operations

About Canadian North

Canadian North is a vital air service provider for the Canadian Arctic and an industry-leading charter carrier. With a mission to make life better in the communities we serve, we provide reliable passenger and cargo services to 25 northern communities, connecting them with major southern hubs in Ottawa, Montreal, Calgary, Winnipeg, and Edmonton.

As a proudly 100% Inuit-owned airline, we are deeply committed to cultural inclusivity, community investment, and the well-being of northern communities. Canadian North strives to be a trusted partner for the North by contributing to prosperity, fostering community connections, and supporting innovation and teamwork.

We prioritize safety, reliability, and collaborative success in everything we do. Our customers choose us because they trust us to deliver essential services with care and consistency. At Canadian North, we offer more than just a job—we provide an opportunity to embark on an adventure while making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.

Join us as we connect northern Canada with the world, delivering on our mission and building a workplace where people want to start and grow their careers.

About this position:

The Director of Flight Operations oversees and manages all facets of the Flight Operations department, providing leadership and direction for Pilots, Cabin Crew, commissary and catering services, and their associated leadership teams. This role requires strategic planning and operational oversight to ensure all activities are conducted safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with regulatory standards.

This position is Transport Canada-approved and fulfills the requirements for the “Chief Pilot” designation as outlined in CASS 725.07(2)(b).

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Vice President, Flight Operations, the Director, Flight Operations is accountable for:

• Promoting safety as the top priority by enforcing the Canadian North safety policy and ensuring hazards and risks are identified and communicated through appropriate reporting programs.
• Driving continual improvement through regular reviews of documented processes.
• Overseeing and enforcing Flight Operations Quality Assurance initiatives, policies, practices, and procedures.
• Providing technical support for internal and external audits.
• Developing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and training programs for all crew members.
• Verifying the operational suitability of aerodromes and routes served by Canadian North through appropriate procedures.
• Managing and distributing accident, incident, and occurrence reports as required.
• Processing and addressing crew member reports in a timely and effective manner.
• Supervising all crew members to ensure operational excellence and compliance.
• Assisting in the preparation and management of the Flight Operations budget.
• Collaborating with other departments and external operators to oversee daily operations.
• Developing, maintaining, and distributing Flight Operations manuals, bulletins, circulars, and memos.
• Supporting the acceptance of new aircraft and evaluating proposed routes.
• Liaising with regulatory authorities and external agencies on matters affecting operations.
• Assuming delegated responsibilities from the Vice President, Flight Operations.
• Ensuring timely and accurate reporting of accidents, incidents, or hazards.
• Assisting with safety investigations, including audits, risk assessments, and root cause analyses.
• Developing and monitoring corrective action plans to address identified risks.
• Conducting workplace inspections in coordination with the Safety Department.
• Representing management in the Emergency Response Plan.
• Performing additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

• A 4-year post-secondary education or extensive experience as a line pilot (preferred).
• At least 5 years of managerial experience with a commercial air service operator of similar size and scope.
• Valid Airline Transport Pilot License (Aeroplane).
• Meets all eligibility requirements for Chief Pilot under CASS 725.07(2)(b).
• Experience as a Training Captain and Approved Check Pilot (preferred).
• Strong knowledge of Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) and Safety Management Systems (SMS).
• Proven organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills (written and oral).
• Demonstrates exceptional leadership and a commitment to customer service excellence.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to communicate in Inuktitut is considered a strong asset.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Airport Restricted Area Pass in compliance with the Airport Restricted Area Access Clearance Program regulated by Transport Canada.

Closing date: February 4th, 2025