Director Supply Chain (100660)

WestJet; Calgary; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading airline in Canada is seeking a Director of Supply Chain to oversee its technical operations and ensure the availability of essential materials for aircraft maintenance. This role involves strategic planning, inventory optimization, and fostering collaboration across various departments. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in supply chain leadership within an aviation or complex operational environment, aiming to enhance efficiency and support WestJet's mission of providing safe and reliable services.

Benefits

Travel privileges for you and your family

Flexible Savings and Benefit programs

Fun and friendly workplace culture

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years in supply chain leadership, preferably in aviation.
• Proven track record in logistics and procurement functions.
• Familiarity with aviation regulatory environments and Lean principles is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term supply chain strategy.
• Monitor performance metrics to ensure continuous improvement.
• Guide sourcing and logistics decisions for critical components.

Skills

Leadership

Inventory Optimization

Logistics Management

Strategic Thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or Engineering

Job description

Employment Type:Full-time Regular

City:Calgary, AB (YYC)

Posting Open Date: 07/14/2025

PostingClose Date: 08/04/2025 (Please note the posting will close at 11:59pm MST)

Why WestJet:

Every WestJet journey has the potential to enrich lives; a career with us is no exception.

WestJet arrived on the Canadian airline scene in 1996 and changed the industry for the better. We made air travel more affordable for Canadians and now we're going global.

Join us, this is where your career story takes off.

Overview of role:

The Director of Supply Chain reports to the Senior Vice President of Technical Operations and partners closely with Maintenance, Engineering, Maintenance Operational Control, and Corporate Supply Chain & Strategic Procurement to achieve the following mission:

To provide a safe, reliable and responsive supply chain for technical materials that will ensure the correct parts are available at the right time to support aircraft maintenance at any base in our domestic and international network.

This role is responsible for leading the technical operations supply chain strategy, inclusive of execution across aircraft materials management (new inventory and repair/overhaul), demand management and planning, warehousing and shipping. They will set the direction for operational performance, drive cross-functional alignment, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

Key deliverables and responsibilities include:

Technical Supply Chain Leadership

• Develop and implement the long-term strategy for Technical Supply Chain, aligned to maintenance operations and business objectives.
• Define and monitor performance metrics (e.g., inventory turns, availability rates, cost-efficiency), and ensure continuous improvement.
• Lead roadmap execution for key systems and process modernization (e.g. leveraging artificial intelligence for inventory optimization across the global network).

Cross-Functional Integration and Stakeholder Alignment

• Build collaborative relationships across Maintenance, Engineering, and Corporate Supply Chain and strategic procurement
• Act as a strategic advisor on supply chain matters affecting aircraft reliability, cost, and turn time.
• Participate in enterprise-wide initiatives requiring material readiness or supply chain support.

Inventory Optimization and Operational Effectiveness (Demand Management)

• Enable the right part, right tool at the right place and right time.
• Oversee planning, forecasting, and stockholding strategies to ensure appropriate part levels across locations.
• Monitor inventory performance and implement corrective actions to reduce shortages, overstocking, or obsolescence. Metrics include fill rates, turnover ratios, repair TAT, and unscheduled aircraft downtime due to parts.
• Guide sourcing and logistics decisions for critical or high-value components.

Supply Chain Operations, AOG Desk, Shipping

• Enable aircraft ‘service return’ quickly and safely – minimizing operational disruption through coordinated real-time support.
• Lead warehouse/stores and shipping teams supporting parts movement and storage across all bases.
• Ensure processes, systems, and facilities enable efficient, safe, and secure material handling while maintaining a high degree of inventory accuracy.
• Align storage capacity and staffing with business needs, including surge operations (e.g., AOG support, seasonal ramp-ups).

Leadership and People Development

• Build and sustain a high-performing team, with clear roles, accountabilities, and growth opportunities.
• Foster a culture of safety, trust, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Coach, mentor, and develop people leaders to deliver results and support their teams.

Experience and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related discipline; MBA or equivalent experience is an asset.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive supply chain leadership experience, preferably in an airline, aerospace, or complex operational environment.
• Proven track record managing warehousing, planning, logistics, and procurement functions.

• Strong strategic and operational thinking; ability to balance long-term planning with near-term execution.
• Expertise in inventory optimization, logistics networks, and supply chain analytics.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in managing change, process improvement, and cross-functional influence.
• Familiarity with aviation regulatory environments (TCCA/FAA), and materials systems (e.g., EMRO or similar platforms).
• Experience with Lean principles and process improvement tools (e.g., kaizen, root cause analysis) is an asset.

Working Conditions:

• Based out of WestJet’s Calgary campus, with regular presence required at YYC warehouse and operational sites.
• Occasional travel to other bases or vendor locations may be required.
• Role involves working in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and potential for high-stakes operational decisions.
• The Director may need to adjust hours to support operational demands or engage in rapid response situations (e.g., AOG).

The benefits of being a WestJetter:

WestJet provides allWestJetterswith a competitive total rewards package. On top of that, we offer:

• A fun and friendly culture with colleagues who work together to win
• Travel privileges for you and your family, effective from your start date
• Savings and Benefit programs that are flexible to meet your specific needs

Think we are a fit? Apply now!

About WestJet Group of Companies

Together with WestJet's regional airline, WestJet Encore, we offer scheduled service to more than 100 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe and to more than 175 destinations in over 20 countries through our airline partnerships.

Our Safety Promise

At WestJet, the safety and security of our people and our guests is a core value and at the heart of what we do. As safety and security is a shared responsibility, it is expected that you will use safe work practices to ensure your well-being and the safety of others.

WestJet recognizes that the use of Alcohol and Drugs can adversely impact a safe work environment and the well-being of others including guests, suppliers and the public, as well as place WestJet's operations at risk. All roles that are identified as safety sensitive are required to pass a Pre-Employment Alcohol and Drug Test as per WestJet's Alcohol and Drug Policy.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We embrace what makes us each unique, and what makes us uniquely WestJet – and that is our people. WestJet is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates our differences by way of diversity, equity, and inclusion. As an equal opportunity employer, we want to you bring your full self to work and feel appreciated for your contributions.

At WestJet, we welcome unique skills, experiences, and backgrounds - if you’re passionate and excited about this role, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single qualification in the posting. We are committed to inclusivity, equity, and accessibility in the selection process. If you require an accommodation during the recruiting process, please let our Talent Acquisition team know.

We thank all applicants for their interest in WestJet; however, only those candidates who are selected will be contacted.

For more information about everything WestJet, please visit WestJet.com.

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