Manager, Operations - Airports

Calgary Airports; Calgary; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Calgary Airports is seeking a Manager, Operations – Airports (MOA) to lead real-time airport operations within a 24/7 environment. You will oversee IOC-based teams, coordinate with airline partners, regulators, and security, and ensure safe, efficient passenger and aircraft movement.

Strong decision-making and aviation knowledge are essential. Reporting to the General Manager of the Integrated Operations Centre & Capacity Planning, you will drive operational continuity, manage special

Qualifications

• 7+ years navigating complex operational challenges and making critical decisions.
• 3+ years of direct experience leading people in a matrix environment.
• Strong knowledge of aviation regulations at federal, provincial and municipal levels.
• RAIC program knowledge or ability to obtain.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and web-based applications.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-of operational performance across the airport.
• Act as the critical decision maker for airport operational challenges with Business Recovery and Crisis Management teams.
• Apply knowledge of aviation regulations (Transport Canada, security, health agencies).
• Monitor and report on planned/unplanned activities and cascading impacts from other airports/agencies.
• Lead capacity management initiatives and organize weather planning calls with stakeholders.
• Create, amend and cancel NOTAMs and permits for day-of operations.
• Collaborate with Communications to provide statements during events affecting guest experience.
• Lead IOC teams and coordinate with Security, Safety, Environment.
• Activate the Airport Emergency Operations Centre when required.
• Work twelve-hour shifts, 24/7/365.

Skills

Leadership

Decision making

Stakeholder management

Aviation regulations

Communication

RAIC program knowledge

Bilingual EN/FR (asset)

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Post-secondary education in Aviation Management, Operations or Business Management, Logistics or related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Status: Full Time, Non-unionized Term (1.5 years)

Work Environment: On site, Shift work

Number of positions available: 1

WHY CALGARY AIRPORTS

Powered by heart and dedicated to excellence, we’re the team that keeps Calgary connected – and you could be our newest member.

We’re in the business of uplifting people, and every day, we create runways to new places and possibilities, building a better airport experience for everyone.

What’s The Team Like

The Integrated Operations Centre team oversees the day-to-day operations of a busy international airport, ensuring the safe, efficient, and seamless movement of passengers and aircraft.

Reporting to the General Manager, Integrated Operations Centre (IOC) & Capacity Planning, the Manager, Operations – Airports (MOA) plays a critical leadership role in overseeing real-time airport operations in a 24/7 environment. This position is responsible for making timely, high-impact decisions that ensure operations are conducted safely, securely, and efficiently, while aligning with regulatory requirements and the Authority’s risk profile. The MOA leads on-duty airport personnel and directly influences the seamless delivery of daily operations across the airport ecosystem.

As a seasoned leader, the MOA brings strong operational expertise and the confidence to provide clear, concise briefings to Executive leadership during incidents and emerging situations. This role requires a high degree of professionalism and the ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including airline partners, intelligence agencies, government bodies, and international organizations. As a visible and trusted leader, the MOA exercises sound judgment to support operational continuity and deliver an exceptional airport experience.

This dynamic role also offers opportunities to contribute beyond day-to-day operations, with the potential to lead special initiatives and participate in strategic projects that support the ongoing evolution of airport operations.

Operational Responsibilities

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee and support the day‑of operational performance across the airport
• Act as the critical decision maker for airport operational challenges and the key link with the Business Recovery and Crisis Management teams
• Apply knowledge of aviation regulations such as Transport Canada, Border Protection, Law Enforcement, Health Agencies, etc.
• Monitor and report on planned and unplanned activities such as labor actions, traffic management initiatives, and cascading impacts from other airports or agencies
• Lead capacity management initiatives and organize, prepare and host weather planning calls, etc with relevant stakeholders
• Weather analysis application and preparatory measures
• Create, amend and cancel NOTAMs and permits relative to day‑of operations
• Audit incident reports for deviation in process and inefficiencies in procedures
• Collaborate with the Communications team to provide media statements relating to events that impact guest experience
• Collaborates with Security, Safety and Environment teams to make decisions
• Partner with various stakeholders with a focus on comprehensive guest satisfaction and operational excellence
• Complete specific duties or special projects relating to IOC programs and initiatives as required
• Activate the Airport Emergency Operations Centre and represent the IOC in high‑level events when required
• Work twelve (12) hour shifts through varying hours of the day, 24/7/365.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead an IOC team of various specialists and provide guidance to day‑of operational delivery teams
• Act as upper management’s representation to provide direction in navigating policy/procedure violations that impact day‑of operations
• Provide guidance, coaching and support on employee performance, correcting and coaching in the moment, while modeling YYC’s core values
• Oversight of the IOC employee’s schedules, ensuring appropriate coverage for sick time or other absences for day‑of operations teams
• Strong understanding of the Collective Agreement as it relates to Unionized employees and equitably applying the IOC Terms of Reference
• Foster and lead with an attitude of one‑team spirit that extends across all levels and functions, representing our values in support of our YYC strategy and culture.

What Do You Need To Bring

• The ability to gain and maintain a RAIC (RAIC Program and Application Information)
• Post‑secondary education in Aviation Management, Operations or Business Management, Logistics or related discipline. Relevant experience in lieu of education may be considered.
• Minimum of 7+ years of experience navigating complex operational challenges and making critical decisions, with a strong preference for experience in the aviation industry
• A minimum of 3+ years of direct experience leading people, and leading and influencing teams effectively in a matrix environment.
• Strong working knowledge of relevant federal, provincial and municipal legislation as it applies to aviation
• Proven confidence in making high‑profile decisions and interpreting legislation
• Critical thinker that clearly and calmly communicates during periods of high stress and ability to make timely decisions with competing priorities
• Proficiency with computer and web‑based applications, strong application of Microsoft suite and proficient professional acumen

What Additional Skills Are An Asset

• Bilingual in English and French.

What Does Diversity Mean To Us

We are committed to building a team where exceptional leadership shines, and our crew thrives both at work and at home. We believe that deliberate steps such as creating a workplace that is physically and psychologically safe, equitable to all, and actively and diligently taking steps along the path to reconciliation are the keys to making this a reality.

Our Values

We prioritize genuine concern and compassion for everyone we engage with, from our team members to our partners and guests, always striving to help and support one another.

We actively seek diverse perspectives in our decision‑making and collaboratively tackle challenges.

We work together with trust and transparency, supporting one another to achieve the collective goals of our organization.

We grow, evolve, and adapt with purpose, continually aligning our actions with our vision.

We embrace curiosity and boldly challenge the status quo, exploring new opportunities and taking thoughtful, responsible risks that drive purposeful innovation.