Program Manager, Network Planning

WestJet Group; Calgary; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

WestJet Group is seeking a Program Manager, Network Planning to drive the development and optimization of the airline’s flight network. You will coordinate with the Network Planning team, commercial group, and operations to maximize financial performance and efficiency.

You will lead analytical work, present findings to executives, and guide strategic initiatives across Domestic, Transborder, Sun, and International routes, while staying ahead of industry trends and maintaining key stakeholder

Qualifications

• Lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders to deliver strategic outcomes.
• Strong financial and analytical skills for major initiatives.
• Ability to present complex concepts to executive audiences.
• Excel in synthesizing data into actionable strategies and reports.
• Collaborative leader with airline industry knowledge is a plus.
• Strong analytic ability to synthesize input from multiple sources into actionable strategies and initiatives.
• Collaborative leader who builds relationships and drives alignment across teams.
• Deep airline industry knowledge with robust financial and analytical skills; ability to make high-impact decisions.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate development and implementation of Domestic, Transborder, Sun, and International route networks.
• Lead reporting processes to analyze route performance for commercial and executive teams.
• Develop and present sophisticated financial and strategic analyses supporting decisions.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to achieve strategic objectives and support stakeholders.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Stakeholder influence

Financial analysis

Strategic planning

Executive communication

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/economics/finance/engineering or related field

Engineering degree

Job description

Overview of Role:

As the Program Manager, Network Planning at WestJet, you will support a dynamic team dedicated to crafting and optimizing the airline's flight network. This pivotal role involves orchestrating collaborative efforts within the Network Planning team, as well as the overall commercial group and operational stakeholders, ensuring the efficient and strategic utilization of WestJet's fleet. The primary focus is a keen emphasis on maximizing financial performance and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Facilitate the development and implementation of comprehensive Domestic, Transborder, Sun, and International route networks.
• Lead the processes to build and maintain reporting necessary to analyze and articulate route performance to commercial teams and the Executive team through impactful presentations.
• Spearhead the development and presentation of sophisticated financial and strategic analyses supporting executive decisions.

• Lead cross-functional initiatives and support high-performing teams in achieving strategic objectives

• Stay abreast of industry trends, changes, and the competitive landscape.
• Cultivate relationships with internal stakeholders, external vendors, and partners for data collection and analysis.
• Provide adept support to various commercial and operational teams within WestJet, showcasing strong collaboration and leadership skills.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Degree in business, economics, finance, engineering, or a relevant field is required.
• 3+ years of experience in network planning, strategy, commercial planning, finance, consulting, or a related analytical field; airline planning and analysis experience is preferred.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders to deliver strategic outcomes
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present complex concepts and recommendations to executive audiences.
• Proven organizational and project management skills, demonstrating the ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects under tight deadlines.
• Strong intellect with the ability to assimilate input from multiple internal and external sources, translating it into effective and actionable strategies and initiatives.
• Proven skills in developing complex analyses for major strategic initiatives where errors in logic, judgment, and/or math are extremely costly.
• Collaborative leader who excels at building relationships, influencing stakeholders, and driving alignment across teams.
• Solid business acumen with robust financial and analytical skills, coupled with deep airline industry knowledge; ability to make high-impact decisions based on quantitative and qualitative factors.
• Positive track record of synthesizing qualitative and quantitative analyses into clear, concise, and insightful reports and presentation materials.
• High degree of diplomacy, good judgment, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

Demonstrated Skills and Accomplishments:

• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and provide guidance to analysts and cross-functional teams in support of strategic initiatives.
• Proven capability to develop intricate analyses for major strategic initiatives and present them in a concise, simplified manner.
• Conduct detailed financial and strategic analyses, providing clear implications and recommendations.
• Synthesize qualitative and quantitative analyses into insightful reports and presentations.
• Strong commercial acumen with a strategic, big-picture mindset.