Program Manager - Operational Audit

WestJet Group; Calgary; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

WestJet Group is seeking a Program Manager for Operational Audit to lead the company-wide safety audit program and ensure compliance with IOSA and national standards. The role requires frequent travel across WestJet’s network and eligibility for a U.S. L-1B visa where applicable.

You will develop auditing frameworks, train auditors, and coordinate with senior leaders to implement corrective actions and continuous improvement in safety and quality performance.

Qualifications

• 3–6 years of audit experience or relevant airline operational experience
• IOSA Auditor Training and Professional Auditor Training are required
• In-depth knowledge of aviation regulatory, compliance and audit requirements
• Strong knowledge of Transport Canada regulations and IOSA standards/expectations
• Demonstrated leadership across multiple operational areas
• Expertise in Safety Management System (SMS) principles and continuous improvement
• Experience using iAuditor and CRS in audit programs
• Excellent verbal and written communication to engage stakeholders at all levels

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop the company-wide operational safety audit program from planning to review
• Create audit engagement plans and checklists with input from business leaders
• Oversee IOSA certification program for all WestJet Group certificates and implement standards
• Identify and report systemic safety deficiencies to executives and partners
• Develop and deliver training for operational auditors and drive continuous improvement
• Lead quality audits in line with Transport Canada, IATA and internal protocols
• Collaborate with external consultants, safety auditors and regulatory authorities
• Establish systematic quality control checks on Operational Auditors
• Identify areas for improvement and drive efficiency within the audit team
• Extensive travel up to 26 weeks per year across WestJet’s network

Skills

Audit experience

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Safety Management System

IOSA knowledge

Regulatory knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Auditor training

IOSA training

Tools

iAuditor

CRS (Company Reporting Systems)

Job description

Overview of the role:

WestJet is seeking a Program Manager - Operational Audit. Reporting to the Senior Manager - Group Audit, Investigations & Safety Data, this role plays a critical role in ensuring WestJet’s operational safety audit program exceeds regulatory and industry benchmarks. The successful candidate will travel frequently throughout the WestJet network (must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. L-1B Visa) to oversee system and operational quality assurance, lead company-wide safety audits, and provide actionable insight on safety and quality performance.

Key deliverables include:

• Manage and continue developing the company-wide operational safety audit program through detailed planning, scoping, execution, and review. Ensure audits are properly resourced, meet quality standards, and deliver meaningful results to stakeholders.
• Create comprehensive audit engagement plans and checklists with input and agreement from business leaders.
• Oversee the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification program for all WestJet Group certificates. Document departmental standards and procedures for all standards and recommended practices. Implement standards in the operation, coordinate mandatory observations and interviews, and address corrective actions promptly for both external and internal audits biannually.
• Identify and report systemic and operational safety deficiencies to the Executive Vice Presidents (EVPs), Vice Presidents (VPs), operations managers, and personnel responsible for the area of deficiency as needed. Coordinate with various business leaders to ensure ongoing improvement and maintain focus on WestJet’s safety programs.
• Develop, deliver, and maintain initial and recurrent training for all operational auditors. Ensure oversight is conducted on operational auditors, including identifying opportunities for individual auditor continuous improvement. Gather and analyze feedback from audit surveys, incorporating lessons learned into training, procedures, and team practices.
• Lead, execute, and document operational quality audits in compliance with the standards outlined by Transport Canada, IATA, and internal protocols. Additionally, lead focused audits and ad hoc audits driven by the needs of the airline's Safety Management System (SMS).
• Collaborate with external consultants, safety auditors, and regulatory authorities as needed to ensure comprehensive audit coverage and compliance with industry standards.
• Establish a systematic approach for conducting comprehensive quality control checks on Operational Auditors, ensuring strict adherence to documented policies and procedures.
• Identify areas for improvement and efficiency within the audit team, contributing to continuous process improvement.

Extensive travel is required, with the potential to spend up to 26 weeks per year across WestJet’s network. The successful candidate must be willing and able to travel frequently, including overnight and international travel.

Experience and qualifications:

• 3 to 6 years of audit experience and/or relevant airline operational experience
• Professional Auditor Training and IOSA Auditor Training are required
• In-depth knowledge of aviation regulatory, compliance, and audit requirements
• Strong knowledge of Transport Canada regulations and IOSA standards and expectations
• Demonstrated leadership skills with proven experience influencing and managing stakeholders across multiple operational areas
• Expertise in Safety Management System (SMS) principles, including operational risk management, occurrence investigations, safety culture, human and organizational factors, continuous improvement, and quality management systems
• Experience using iAuditor and Company Reporting Systems (CRS)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization
• Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills, with experience balancing the needs and expectations of diverse stakeholder groups
• Education and/or experience in quality assurance, quality control, auditing, or compliance management
• Valid passport and, where applicable, a valid Canadian Permanent Resident Card, with the ability to travel without restriction to all WestJet destinations
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. L-1B visa