Production Manager - Tooling

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

Job summary

An established industry player in aerospace is seeking a Production Manager - Tooling to lead tooling functions and ensure production excellence. This role involves collaborating across departments to optimize tooling processes, maintain compliance with quality standards, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, along with a solid background in aviation or aerospace. Join a company that values innovation and quality, and play a key role in supporting the production of iconic aircraft that have made a mark in the aviation world.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership skills with experience in aviation/aerospace.
• Proven experience in tooling management is a strong asset.

Responsibilities

• Oversee tooling functions and ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Lead the team to meet production goals and maintain safety protocols.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Critical thinking

Communication

Continuous improvement

Education

Certificate, Diploma or Degree in Aviation/Aerospace

4+ years in aviation/aerospace leadership roles

Tools

Tooling Management Systems

Job description

Posted Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 7:00 AM

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 - Tooling has direct accountability for the tooling functions on a daily/weekly basis. In this role, the Manager will oversee the design, development, maintenance, and optimization of tooling that supports the production activities. The Manager will collaborate with methods, engineering, production, and other key functions to identify tooling requirements, resolve issues and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to ensure that the team remains aligned to the specific goals and objectives set and meets daily/weekly/monthly targets as identified.
• Ensure employees are adhering to all Site health and safety policies/procedures; support and resource all health and safety activities including meetings, investigations, audits, etc.
• Ensure that the tool design, tool fabrication, and the direct staff remain compliant to the DHC Quality system and 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 a positive, respectful working environment with transparent communications and interactions.
• Ensure the team has executable action plans in place to execute daily/weekly tasks and are monitored for risks/mitigations, delays and issues on a daily basis.
• Ensure appropriate resources available for work tasks planned.
• 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, report issues as required.

Additional Accountabilities

• Ensure appropriate metrics are clearly defined, communicated to, and understood by the underlying operational team.
• Provide daily and weekly updates on work progress to plan/mitigation plans.
• Establish training and development for individuals; manage performance.
• Develop and manage the tooling budget, estimation of time/schedule for new requirements, ensuring cost-effective solutions are in place.
• Provide recommendations to improve process(es) and performance in the operation.

Personal Attributes

• Actively listens
• Respects others
• Sound judgement
• Takes accountability
• Possesses problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Has integrity
• Is results-oriented
• Is adaptable
• Is resilient

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.
• Proven experience in tooling and/or tooling management will be considered a strong asset.
• Experience in continuous improvement initiatives/programs.
• Superior planning and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience in facilitating meetings, training, etc. is an asset.

Other Requirements

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

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.