Senior Manager Technical Operations Tooling & GSE

WestJet; Calgary; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian airline in Calgary is looking for a Senior Manager, Tooling and GSE. The successful candidate will lead the tooling program, ensuring compliance with aviation standards and improving operational processes. Key qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree and over 8 years of experience in aviation maintenance. This role offers a full-time position and the opportunity to develop a diverse range of skills in a critical area of airline operations.

Benefits

Competitive total rewards package

Travel privileges for employees and their families

Flexible savings and benefit programs

Qualifications

• 8+ years in aviation maintenance support, tooling, or GSE management.
• Strong knowledge of Transport Canada, FAA, and ICAO regulations.
• Familiarity with SMS principles and risk management.
• Prior AME experience is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Develop and enforce a tooling policy aligned with regulatory standards.
• Conduct regular audits of tooling and GSE to maintain compliance.
• Improve tooling availability and control processes.

Skills

Technical understanding of aircraft tooling and GSE

Strong leadership and team development skills

Analytical mindset with ability to implement process improvements

Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Supply Chain, or related field

Tools

ERP/MRO systems (TraxeMRO preferred)

RFID technology

Job description

Overview

Employment Type: Full-time Regular

City: Calgary, AB (YYC)

Posting Open Date: 01/28/2026

Posting Close Date: 02/18/2026 (Posting will close at 9:59pm MST)

This position requires in-person collaboration up to 5 days per week. Please note this arrangement is subject to change with business requirements.

Why WestJet

Every WestJet journey has the potential to enrich lives; a career with us is no exception.

WestJet arrived on the Canadian airline scene in 1996 and changed the industry for the better. We made air travel more affordable for Canadians and now we\'re going global.

Join us, this is where your career story takes off.

The Senior Manager, Tooling and GSE will lead the airline’s tooling and ground support equipment (GSE) program to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, adherence to company tooling policies, and operational readiness. This role focuses on improving tooling control, lifecycle management, and supporting maintenance operations through robust processes and technology integration.

Key Responsibilities

Tooling Program Management

• Develop and enforce a comprehensive tooling policy aligned with Transport Canada, FAA, and ICAO standards.
• Ensure all tools and GSE meet calibration, certification, and safety requirements.
• Oversee tooling lifecycle management, including acquisition, maintenance, and retirement.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure strict adherence to the company’s Safety Management System (SMS) policies.
• Conduct regular audits of tooling and GSE to maintain compliance with aviation regulations.
• Implement risk mitigation strategies for tooling-related hazards.

Operational Excellence

• Improve tooling availability and control processes to support line and heavy maintenance.
• Integrate technology solutions (e.g., RFID tracking, eMRO stock module) for real-time visibility and accountability.
• Develop KPIs for tooling utilization, calibration compliance, and turnaround times.
• Spearhead a Tooling Committee to drive network-wide alignment within the company and maintain consistency around tooling policies.

Vendor & Resource Management

• Manage relationships with tooling and GSE suppliers for procurement and repair services.
• Optimize outsourcing vs. in-house repair strategies while maintaining union agreements.
• Lead a team responsible for tooling logistics and GSE maintenance.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify process gaps and implement lean initiatives to reduce delays and improve efficiency.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Maintenance to align tooling requirements with operational needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Supply Chain, or related field.
• 8+ years in aviation maintenance support, tooling, or GSE management.
• Strong knowledge of Transport Canada, FAA, and ICAO regulations.
• Familiarity with SMS principles and risk management.
• Experience with ERP/MRO systems (TraxeMRO preferred) and RFID technology.
• Prior AME experience an asset.

Skills & Competencies

• Technical understanding of aircraft tooling and GSE.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Analytical mindset with ability to implement process improvements.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement.

Benefits

WestJet provides all WestJetters with a competitive total rewards package. On top of that, we offer:

• A fun and friendly culture with colleagues who work together to win
• Travel privileges for you and your family, effective from your start date
• Savings and Benefit programs that are flexible to meet your specific needs

About WestJet Group of Companies

WestJet took to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations. Since then, WestJet has pioneered low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half, and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following integration with Sunwing in 2025, more than 14,000 WestJetters support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. WestJet Group includes WestJet Airlines, Sunwing Vacations Group and WestJet Cargo, and is Canada’s leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider.

Our Safety Promise

At WestJet, safety and security are core values. All roles identified as safety sensitive require passing a Pre-Employment Alcohol and Drug Test as per WestJet\'s policy.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We embrace what makes us each unique and welcome diverse skills, experiences, and backgrounds. If you require accommodation at any stage, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at [e-mail].

We value the time and effort you put into your application. Our recruitment process is highly competitive; only those selected to move forward will be contacted with next steps. For more information about WestJet, please visit WestJet.com.