Operations Manager

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited; Calgary; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Paid vacation

Health, dental, vision benefits

Job summary

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited in Calgary seeks an Operations Manager to lead manufacturing, quality, logistics, inventory and maintenance with a focus on safety and cost-effective execution. You will guide multi-functional teams across production and engineering to meet business objectives.

You will partner with senior leaders to drive planning, workforce development and process improvements, while upholding AS9100 standards and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations.
• Minimum 5 years managing managers, supervisors, and cross-functional teams.
• Experience in aerospace manufacturing or similarly regulated environments.
• Strong knowledge of ERP/MRP systems for planning, scheduling and inventory.
• Proven track record implementing Lean, Kaizen and 5S initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead all manufacturing operations to meet safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity goals.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Develop and execute operations plans, budgets, and resource strategies with the Director of Operations.
• Coach and develop production managers and teams to high performance.
• Ensure schedules meet customer quality and delivery expectations.
• Drive continuous improvement through Lean, Kaizen, and operational excellence.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Maintenance, and Program Management to resolve issues.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

ERP/MRP

Lean / Kaizen

5S / Continuous improvement

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic planning

Problem solving

Communication

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Leadership/Management training

Lean/Six Sigma training

Tools

ERP/MRP software

Job description

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (DHC) is a storied name in the aerospace industry, recognized worldwide for its pioneering contributions to aviation and its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and reliability. Headquartered in Calgary, AB, DHC currently has approximately 2,400 employees across British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, as well as in markets and distribution hubs world-wide.

Established in 1928, De Havilland Canada has a rich history marked by the development of some of the most iconic and versatile aircraft ever built. These aircraft have served a variety of roles—from bush flying to commercial aviation—and are celebrated for their rugged durability, operational versatility, and excellence in performance.

Over the decades, De Havilland Canada has evolved to meet the changing needs of the aviation industry. Today, we are more than just an aircraft manufacturer; we are a comprehensive aerospace company with capabilities that span design, production, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. Our operations are supported by a team of skilled engineers, technicians, and industry professionals who are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of craftsmanship and innovation.

About De Havilland Aircraft of Canada

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (DHC) is one of Canada's most recognized aerospace companies, with a proud legacy of designing and manufacturing world-class aircraft since 1928. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, DHC employs approximately 2,400 people across British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and international markets.

For nearly a century, we've built aircraft renowned for their durability, versatility, and performance, connecting communities and supporting commercial, regional, and remote operations around the world. Today, DHC is a full-service aerospace company providing aircraft design, manufacturing, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), supported by a team dedicated to quality, innovation, and excellence.

Are you ready to help build the future of Canadian aviation? If you take pride in precision craftsmanship and want to see your work take flight around the world, join De Havilland Canada. Your skills will help build world-class aircraft, including products like the Canadair 515 waterbomber, supporting missions that protect lives, strengthen communities, and safeguard natural landscapes around the world.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Operations Manager is responsible for leading the operations in Calgary, Alberta, ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution of manufacturing activities. The role provides strategic and operational leadership across production, quality, logistics, inventory, maintenance, and continuous improvement functions while fostering a high-performance, safety-first culture.

The Operations Manager partners with cross-functional teams to achieve operational objectives related to safety, quality, cost, delivery, inventory management, and employee engagement. This position also supports business growth through operational planning, workforce development, process optimization, and the successful execution of sustaining and new manufacturing programs.

Direct Accountabilities

• Lead all manufacturing operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity objectives.
• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture that prioritizes employee health and regulatory compliance.
• Develop and execute operational strategies, business plans, budgets, and resource plans in partnership with the Director of Operations.
• Lead, coach, and develop production managers, supervisors, and manufacturing teams to build a highly engaged and accountable workforce.
• Ensure production schedules are achieved while meeting customer quality and delivery expectations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, and Operational Excellence methodologies.
• Monitor operational performance through KPIs and implement corrective actions to achieve business objectives.
• Optimize inventory levels, material flow, asset utilization, and manufacturing processes to improve operational efficiency.
• Support new product introductions, production transfers, production ramp-ups, and sustaining manufacturing programs.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Maintenance, and Program Management to resolve operational challenges and improve customer satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100 quality standards, company policies, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Support succession planning, workforce development, and organizational capability building.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and operational excellence.

Education Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, Manufacturing, or a related discipline. Equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• Formal leadership or management development training is preferred.
• Training or certification in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Operational Excellence, or other continuous improvement methodologies is preferred.

Experience, Skills, and Attitude

Required

• Minimum 7 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations.
• Minimum 5 years managing managers, supervisors, and cross-functional manufacturing teams.
• Experience in aerospace manufacturing, aerostructures, aircraft assembly, final assembly, or another highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading production, quality, logistics, inventory, maintenance, and manufacturing support functions.
• Strong working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems for production planning, scheduling, and inventory management.
• Proven success implementing Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience developing, monitoring, and improving KPIs related to safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.
• Experience managing operational budgets, resource planning, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to coach, mentor, and develop high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities with a focus on delivering operational results.

Preferred

• Experience supporting aircraft final assembly and flight operations.
• Experience leading new program launches, production transfers, manufacturing start-ups, or production ramp-up activities.
• Experience working within AS9100 or other aerospace quality management systems.
• Experience managing both unionized and non-unionized workforces.
• Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing operations.
• Demonstrated success leading operational excellence, productivity improvement, inventory optimization, and cost reduction initiatives.

Assets

• Experience supporting sustaining aerospace programs and work package transfers.
• Experience within Twin Otter, regional aircraft, or similar aerospace manufacturing programs.
• Certification in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Project Management (PMP), or equivalent.
• Knowledge of Transport Canada or other aviation regulatory requirements.
• Experience leading large-scale cross-functional operational improvement projects.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC).
• Bilingual (English/French) is considered an asset.

Why Join De Havilland Canada?

At DHC, you'll do more than build aircraft—you'll help connect people, strengthen communities, and shape the future of aviation.

Join a collaborative team that has manufactured more than 5,600 aircraft, including some of the world's most respected turboprop platforms. Our modern manufacturing facilities provide opportunities to learn, grow, and build a rewarding career alongside talented professionals who are passionate about aerospace.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation
• Paid vacation
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and paramedical benefits
• Life insurance
• RRSP/DPSP retirement savings program
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Ongoing learning, development, and career growth opportunities

Our Commitment

At De Havilland Canada, the safety of our employees, customers, and communities is our highest priority. We are committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Employees are expected to follow all Health & Safety policies, use required personal protective equipment (PPE), and be able to safely perform the physical requirements of their role. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all qualified candidates and provide accommodations throughout the recruitment process upon request. Employment offers are conditional upon the successful completion of applicable background checks, which may include verification of work eligibility, employment history, education, professional references, and criminal record checks where required.

Why work at De Havilland?

De Havilland Canada is a Canadian-owned and operated aircraft manufacturer dedicated to providing rewarding opportunities in a diverse and welcoming workplace.

• Work with a team that makes a true difference in the world-making it possible for people to travel around the globe efficiently, comfortably and safely.
• We've manufactured over 5,600 aircraft including the most advanced turboprop in the air today. Our experience and expertise in constructing the highest performing aircraft in the industry is second to none.
• Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities are dynamic workplaces led by teams that support and encourage all employees.
• With a passionate team of innovators and a global network of support, De Havilland Canada proudly carries on it's tradition as a leader in aerospace.

In addition to plenty of opportunities for career growth in a stimulating work environment, De Havilland Canada offers:

• Competitive wages
• Paid vacation
• Extended health benefits (medical, dental, vision, paramedical)
• Life insurance
• RRSP/DPSP Plan
• Employee and family assistance program

At De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (DHC), we are committed to protecting our people, customers, shareholders and the public through Health & Safety Excellence. As such, it is expected that all employees maintain strict adherence to Health & Safety Policies and to perform key physical tasks of the position described in the job description and interview process. This may include but is not limited to the ability to work in a variety of environmental conditions including temperature extremes, confined spaces, working at heights and with or around chemicals. Employees are expected to adhere to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when at work which must include but is not limited to the ability to maintain a positive fit test when mask use is required.

At De Havilland Canada, we aim to be inclusive and diverse and provide equal opportunity for employment. All qualified applicants, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, and disability, are encouraged to apply. De Havilland will accommodate the needs of applicants with disabilities throughout all stages of the selection process. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise your Talent Acquisition representative. Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

Any offer of employment is conditional on the completion of positive and satisfactory background checks, which may include, proof that you are legally entitled to work in Canada, professional references, verification of employment history, verification of educational background and criminal background checks.