Apron Operations Coordinator

YVR; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Vancouver Airport Authority in Vancouver is seeking a Coordinator, Apron Operations within the Airside Operations Department. The role focuses on promoting a proactive safety culture and coordinating apron activities with airlines, ground handlers and contractors.

Responsibilities include developing and monitoring apron plans, handling regulatory requirements under SMS, and driving continual improvement through programs and audits. On-site presence is required, with occasional evenings.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years’ experience in a dynamic, operational environment.
• Post-secondary degree in Business, Aviation or related field.
• Strong MS Office and data analysis basics.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and monitor apron and ground handling plans and procedures.
• Provide SME for SMS regulatory requirements and risk assessments.
• Review directives for continual improvement of Apron Operations.
• Lead new programs and initiatives to improve efficiency and safety.
• Build and maintain stakeholder relationships across partners.
• Manage contract-driven programs and conduct performance audits.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Decision making

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Business/Aviation degree

Tools

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

YVR is a place of connection, bringing together people, places and cargo while ensuring a safe and efficient experience for everyone. Airside Operations is integral to deliver a safe and efficient operation and is the key in the continued success of the Vancouver Airport Authority.

Position overview

We have a permanent, full-time position for a Coordinator, Apron Operations in the Airside Operations Department. Reporting to the Manager, Apron Operations, the successful candidate will be a key driver in fostering a seamless safety culture at YVR Airport. In partnership with airlines, ground handlers and contractors you will promote the continual improvement of proactive safety practices with a specialized focus on aprons.

Additionally, this role provides oversight and administration of the licensed activities and programs on the apron. The successful candidate conducts safety trend analysis and ensures completion of records related to safety occurrences and hazards and prepares briefings to ensure compliance with the Ground Handling License Agreement and published operational directives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop, implement and monitor apron and ground handling plans, programs and procedures to ensure effective aircraft and ground-handling operations on YVR’s aprons
• Providing subject-matter expertise in apron areas that have regulatory requirements under SMS, including the following:
  • hazard identification and risk assessments
  • root cause analysis and corrective action plans
  • conducting formal occurrence investigations
  • maintaining compliance documentation and monitoring effectiveness of corrective action plans
• Conduct regular reviews for continual improvement of Apron Operations published Directives and Procedures to ensure they are current and reflective of the unique airside environment. Issues bulletins and other notices to the airport community as necessary to ensure safe operating practices are adhered to
• Lead the development and execution of new programs and initiatives supporting apron operations to improve efficiency, safety and modernization
• Build and maintain stakeholder relationships through committees and working groups to identify trends and address the changing needs of business partners and stakeholders
• Manage programs requiring delivery by contract partners, acting as the primary interface and conducting performance audits to ensure continuous performance improvement

Key qualifications include:

• At least 5 years’ experience in a dynamic, operational environment, managing multiple stakeholders and balancing competing priorities, supplemented by a post-secondary degree in Business, Aviation or a related field; or an equivalent combination of industry training, experience and education; airport experience would be an asset
• Demonstrated critical thinking, decision making and problem-solving skills, with strong time management and organizational skills to effectively operate in complex, technical environments with minimal supervision
• A self-starter who demonstrates an ability to bring stakeholders together to achieve effective solutions to operational and safety problems, facilitate discussions with diplomacy, and present to large audiences
• Proficient in MS Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, with basic data analysis skills, strong verbal and written communication skills, and proven ability to develop and deliver presentations to stakeholders
• Exceptional conflict resolution skills with a commitment to customer service excellence
• This role requires regular on-site presence to support stakeholder engagement. Some evenings/weekend shift work hours may be required in support of operational planning and emergencies (e/g weather)
• A valid Class 5 driver’s license and the ability to obtain a D/A AVOP license, as well as drive in all weather conditions, day and night

Although not required, French language skills are an asset as we are committed to providing bilingual services to our visitors and passengers. This helps us meet federal language obligations while ensuring a welcoming experience. Candidates who do not speak French are still strongly encouraged to apply.

This position is open to Vancouver Airport Authority employees and external applicants. Previous job performance will be taken into consideration for all internal candidates that apply for this position.