Production Manager

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited; Sidney; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent aerospace manufacturer in Sidney, British Columbia, seeks a Production Manager to oversee daily production functions. The role requires ensuring compliance with health and safety protocols and leading the team to meet short-term objectives. Candidates should possess a degree in Aviation/Aerospace and have over 4 years of leadership experience in the aerospace sector. The position offers competitive wages and benefits, contributing to innovative aircraft manufacturing.

Benefits

Competitive wages

Paid vacation

Extended health benefits

Life insurance

RRSP/DPSP Plan

Employee and family assistance program

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years in progressively responsible aviation/aerospace leadership roles.
• Experience in coaching and supervising employees in a union environment is an asset.
• Experience in continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to ensure team alignment with goals.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety policies.
• Escalate operational risks to management.

Skills

Leadership

Planning

Troubleshooting

Coaching Front-line Employees

Education

Certificate, Diploma or Degree in Aviation / Aerospace

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 1,400 employees across British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, as well as in markets and distribution hubs worldwide.

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.

Position Summary

The Production Manager has direct accountability for the production functions on a daily/weekly basis. This role acts as liaison between direct employees and the Operations Manager. The Production Manager has primary accountability for ensuring the execution of the short-term objectives for the team.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to ensure that the team remains aligned to the specific short‑term goals and objectives set and meets daily/weekly/monthly targets as identified.
• Ensure employees are adhering to all health and safety policies/procedures on site; support and resource all health and safety activities including meetings, investigations, audits, etc.
• Ensure the direct staff and leads remain compliant with all applicable regulations (including Transport Canada), standards and laws.
• Ensure employees have all required initial and recurrent training as directed by the organization.
• Establish and reinforce positive, respectful, transparent communications and interactions.
• Ensure the team has executable action plans in place to execute daily/weekly tasks and are monitored for risks, delays and issues.
• Ensure appropriate resources are available for planned work tasks.
• Escalate operational risks, delays and other issues to appropriate level of management.
• Maintain awareness of employee “pulse”, ensure culture is in line with organizational direction, and report issues as required.

Additional Accountabilities

• Ensure appropriate metrics are clearly defined, communicated to, and understood by the operational team.
• Provide daily and weekly updates on work progress and mitigation plans.
• Ensure charge‑hands are providing support, training and development to individuals; manage performance, identify progressive discipline where required, and implement performance improvement plans as needed.
• Ensure the team is resourced to execute the work plans.
• Provide recommendations to improve processes and performance in the operation.

Education & Experience

• Certificate, Diploma or Degree in Aviation / Aerospace or equivalent combination of education / experience.
• 4+ years in progressively responsible aviation / aerospace leadership roles, preferably in a manufacturing or aerostructures environment.
• Prior experience in coaching and supervising front‑line employees and supervisors in a union environment is an asset.
• Experience in continuous improvement initiatives / programs.
• Superior planning and trouble‑shooting skills.
• Experience in facilitating meetings, training, etc. is an asset.

Other Requirements

• Travel may be required; the successful candidate must maintain the ability to legally travel both domestically and internationally.

Why Work at De Havilland?

• Work with a team that makes a true difference in the world—enabling people to travel around the globe efficiently, comfortably and safely.
• Manufactured over 5,600 aircraft, including the most advanced turboprop in the air today.
• State‑of‑the‑art manufacturing facilities led by teams that support and encourage all employees.
• Passionate team of innovators and a global network of support—De Havilland Canada proudly carries on its tradition as a leader in aerospace.

Benefits

• 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 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.