Go Further. Faster

Director of Flight Operations (Ref. #:2026-003)

Sunwest Aviation Ltd. is the leading Western Canadian operator of jet and turboprop charter aircraft. Our fleet consists of a wide variety of jets, turboprops and piston aircraft. Based on fleet diversity, Sunwest is able to offer excellent opportunity for advancement. With over twenty-five years of safe operation, we have established a solid reputation in the aviation industry. Operating from a modern facility in Calgary, our aircraft are available for charter to thousands of destinations not served by scheduled airlines.

We currently have an opportunity available for an Director of Flight Operations. Reporting to the Vice President & COO, this position is responsible for performing the duties and responsibilities which include, but are not limited to, the following:

Duties and Responsibilities:

Sunwest Aviation Ltd. currently has an opportunity available for a Director of Flight Operations.  Reporting to the Vice-President & COO, this position is responsible for performing the duties and responsibilities which include, but are not limited to, the following:

The Director of Flight Operations (DFO) is a senior leadership role with functional accountability across all Flight Operations for the flight safety, regulatory compliance, operational reliability, fleet utilization, and performance of flight activities conducted under Sunwest Aviation’s Air Operator Certificate(s). Reporting directly to the VP/COO, the DFO is a core member of the leadership team and a Transport Canada–recognized post holder.  This role combines regulatory authority, operational control, tactical and strategic leadership, ensuring that flight operations scale safely, efficiently, and sustainably in support of Sunwest Aviation’s long-term business objectives.

 

The successful candidate should possess the following qualifications and competencies. In addition personality profiling will be required of all candidates granted an interview for this position.

Qualifications, Experience and Competencies:

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Regulatory compliance & Accountability:

• Serve as the authority for all Flight Operations – flight safety, compliance, and operational standards.
• Ensure compliance with the Canadian Aeronautics Act, Canadian Aviation Regulations, associated Standards, Operations Specifications, and approved company manuals.
• Ensure compliance with international and foreign regulations and standards as applicable to international operations performed by Sunwest Aviation
• Accountable that each AOC and POC is exercised under a compliant and effective operational control system that meets the CASS and is wholly under the control of the DFO as the ‘Operations Manager’.
• Maintain Operational Control of all flights, e.g., initiation, continuation, diversion, or termination of a flight through the formulation, execution, and amendment of the operational flight plan and the monitoring of flight progress.
• Maintain operational standards for all aeroplanes operated.
• Accountable for oversight of Cabin Safety program and Safe Movement of Passengers procedures are complaint and active.
• The identification of operations coordination functions which impact on operational control (eg. maintenance, crew scheduling, load control, equipment scheduling);
• The supervision and approval of the production and amendment of the Company Operations Manual.
• Maintain professional, proactive relationships with Transport Canada Civil Aviation and applicable foreign civil aviation authorities.
• Liaison with the regulatory authorities and other external agencies on all matters concerning flight operations, including any variations to the Air Operator Certificate. 
• Ensuring that the air operator's operations are conducted in accordance with current regulations, standards and air operator policy;
• The receipt actioning and dissemination of any aeronautical information affecting the safety, compliance, and/or conformance of flight operations.

Operational Excellence:

• Define, implement, and own Flight Operations key performance indicators, including safety performance, service reliability, utilization, cost efficiency, and employee engagement.
• Use operational data and analytics to support evidence-based decision-making and executive reporting.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and disciplined execution.
• Ensure customer experience across the Flight Operations touchpoints is delivered with excellence.
• Lead flight operations response during irregular operations (IROPs), disruptions, and recovery scenarios.
• Ensure effective interfaces between Flight Operations, Maintenance, Training, Crew Scheduling, Dispatch, etc.
• Ensuring that crew scheduling complies with flight and duty time regulations, and that all crew members are kept informed of any changes to the regulations and standards.
• Qualifications of flight crew and maintenance of a current operations library.
• Ensuring efficient utilization of Flight Ops personnel (Pilots);
• Participate in weekly Management Committee meetings and quarterly SMS reviews.
• Perform operations to Q-HSSE ALARP per Safety Case

Financial & Asset Stewardship

• Develop and manage the Flight Operations budget in alignment with the safety, service, and growth objectives of the company.
• Optimize aircraft and crew utilization to improve efficiency and return on assets; inclusive of cost awareness & control.
• Evaluate financial impacts of operational decisions, including staffing, training, and fleet deployment.
• Participate in enterprise financial planning and performance reviews.

People Leadership

• Provide leadership and role modelling to Flight Operations employees and teams.
• Champion a professional, accountable, and inclusive culture aligned with Sunwest Aviation values.
• Support recruitment, development, engagement, and retention of Flight Operations personnel.
• Establish and maintain succession and continuity plans for key operational and regulatory roles.

• Participate in operational, management, and leadership meetings, audit reviews, including monthly & quarterly SMS reviews.

Strategic & Tactical Enterprise Alignment

• Contribute to corporate strategy, growth planning, and long-term operational scalability.
• Translate enterprise objectives into operational priorities, strategies, and measurable outcomes.
• Align flight operations capabilities with fleet planning, base expansion, and evolving customer and mission requirements.
• Ensure Flight Operations is tooled & equipped for success, including relevant digital solutions.
• Operate as a visible, credible executive leader internally and externally.
• Other related duties as required.

Principal Safety Accountabilties

• Ensure Flight Operations is performed to the various regulatory requirements for Q-HSSE (Quality, Health, Safety, Security, Environment).
• Notification to the Accountable Executive of any safety related problems and the action necessary to correct or mitigate them.  This includes, where applicable, the requirement for additional financial or other resources.  When a safety related problem is identified, it must also be communicated to the Director of Safety along with the corrective action taken.
• Identify hazards associated with Flight Operations and carry out risk management analyses of those hazards
• Control of operations and operational standards of all aircraft operated
• The identification of operations coordination functions which impact on operational control (e.g. Maintenance, crew scheduling, load control, equipment scheduling)
• Supervision, organization, function and manning of the following:
  • Flight operations
  • Cabin Safety
  • Crew scheduling and roster
  • Training programs
  • Flight safety
• The receipt of and action on any aeronautical information affecting the safety of flight
• The dissemination of aircraft safety information, both internal and external
• Qualifications of flight crew
• Adhere to the safety accountabilities as per Sunwest’s Safety Management System manual
• Contribute to the Emergency Response Plan and be an active member of the Emergency Response Team.

Educational Qualifications & Credentials

• Hold or have held the appropriate licence and ratings for which a pilot-in-command is required to hold for one of the aeroplanes operated; or have acquired not less than 3 years related supervisory experience with an operator of a Commercial Air Service whose flight operations are similar in size and scope; and
• Demonstrate knowledge to the Minister with respect to the content of the operations manual, the air operator's certificate and operations specifications, the provision of the regulations and the standards necessary to carry out the duties and responsibilities to ensure safety.

Professional & Specific Expertise

• Minimum 10 years experience in commercial aviation
• Minimum 5 years managerial experience

Competencies Required for Effective Performance

• An effective leader with an inclusive, team-based and mentoring approach
• A highly service-oriented individual
• Excellent time management skills
• Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong problem solving and negotiating skills
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities
• Possess strong initiative and self-motivation
• A positive attitude

 

 

Sunwest offers a competitive, performance-based salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including dental, extended health, life insurance, AD&D, short-term & long-term disability, an Employee & Family Assistance Program, and Group RRSP plan matching. Offering a safe, diverse and innovative environment, Sunwest is respected for integrity and is committed to taking care of our customers, our employees, our partners and our community.

Sunwest Aviation is committed to employment equity and will consider the qualifications, education, knowledge and experience of all candidates. We encourage all candidates to apply and the most qualified candidate will be offered the position.

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