Canadian North Director, Flight Operations

Boyden; Ontario; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in aviation is seeking a visionary Director of Flight Operations to join its executive leadership team. This role is critical in overseeing all flight operations and ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency. The ideal candidate will possess a valid Airline Transport Pilot Licence and have significant managerial experience in commercial air service. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the strategic objectives of connecting northern communities while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence. If you are a seasoned aviation professional with a passion for community engagement, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of managerial experience in commercial air service.
• Expertise in Canadian Aviation Regulations and Safety Management Systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee crew training and maintain regulatory compliance.
• Manage safety and quality assurance initiatives.

Skills

Leadership Skills

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Cultural Competence

Safety Management Systems (SMS)

Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs)

Education

Airline Transport Pilot Licence (Aeroplane)

Job description

Canadian North plays a vital role as the premier air service provider for the Canadian Arctic and a leading charter carrier in Canada. With a fleet of 31 aircraft, Canadian North connects 25 northern communities to major southern hubs in Ottawa, Montreal, and Edmonton, providing essential passenger and cargo services. As a 100% Inuit-owned airline, Canadian North is deeply committed to cultural inclusivity, community investment, and operational excellence, embodying its mission to make life better in the communities it serves.

To sustain its critical mission and drive operational excellence, Canadian North is seeking an experienced and visionary Director, Flight Operations to join its executive leadership team.

Reporting to the Vice President, Flight Operations, the Director, Flight Operations holds a Transport Canada-approved Chief Pilot designation, overseeing all aspects of the airline’s flight operations. This includes leading pilots, cabin crew, commissary, catering services, and their respective leadership teams. The Director is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of safety, compliance, and efficiency while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Key responsibilities include:

1. Overseeing crew training and operational suitability of routes
2. Maintaining regulatory compliance
3. Managing safety and quality assurance initiatives
4. Liaising with regulatory authorities and external stakeholders

The Director also plays a pivotal role in contributing to Canadian North’s strategic objectives, including expanding service capabilities, supporting community engagement initiatives, and ensuring the reliable transportation of passengers and essential goods throughout the North.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned aviation professional with a valid Airline Transport Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) and eligibility to serve as Chief Pilot. With at least five years of managerial experience in a commercial air service of similar size and complexity, the candidate demonstrates exceptional expertise in Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), Safety Management Systems (SMS), and crew training protocols. Experience as a Training Captain or Approved Check Pilot is highly desirable, as is familiarity with Arctic aviation operations.

Exceptional leadership, organizational, and communication skills are essential, along with a collaborative approach to stakeholder engagement. Cultural competence is critical for this role, and the ability to communicate in Inuktut is a significant asset, reflecting Canadian North’s commitment to the communities it serves.

Joining Canadian North offers the opportunity to play a key role in connecting the Arctic to the world while advancing a meaningful mission. As Director, Flight Operations, you will lead with innovation, respect, integrity, and service excellence to ensure the airline continues to thrive as a vital lifeline for northern communities.

To apply for this position, please submit your application and related materials to [e-mail] and state the title of the position in the subject line of your e-mail.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those under consideration for the role will be contacted.