VP Canada

Top Aces; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedule

Attractive benefit plan

Job summary

Top Aces is seeking a VP Canada to drive operational excellence across Canadian programs, cultivate defense-industry relationships, and grow the business. You will oversee P&L, contract execution, safety, and regulatory compliance while guiding Program Managers toward customer satisfaction and growth.

You will lead a high‑impact team, collaborate with senior leadership, and ensure service levels align with agreements. A top-level, strategic, and communicative leader is essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering or related field.
• Ten years of experience with military flight and maintenance operations.
• Five years of supervisory experience with the RCAF in aviation roles.
• Five years of program management experience within the last decade.
• Strong business acumen with proven revenue growth and financial targets.
• Leadership experience overseeing complex multi‑discipline projects.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinker able to develop and execute plans.
• Knowledge of Project Management, Flight Operations, Aircraft Maintenance, Budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive business strategy to achieve revenue and profitability targets.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align Canadian operations with corporate goals.
• Lead a high-performing team with cross-functional collaboration.

Skills

Bilingual English/French

Strategic leadership

Program management

Communication skills

Stakeholder relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or Engineering

Job description

Bilingual English/French

A flexible schedule;

Attractive benefit plan.

Founded in 2000 by three former Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CF-18 fighter pilots who identified an opportunity to improve military readiness training, Top Aces has since established itself as the world leader in contracted adversary air (ADAIR) services and joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) training.

We pride ourselves on our unblemished safety record, having flown an industry leading 130,000+ hours of operational training without accident in support of customers worldwide, including Canada, the U.S., Germany, and multiple other NATO allies and international partner nations.

Our vision is to be the most trusted provider of innovative defense training solutions, continuously elevating standards in an industry where "Experience Matters." This commitment to innovation and technology ensures we remain adaptable, training allied militaries to succeed against evolving threats.

Top Aces’ dynamic team contributes to delivering on our purpose of training the next generation of combat leaders by living our values of Service, Integrity, Excellence, and Together every day!

Join our team!

VP Canada

The VP Canada is responsible for ensuring operational excellence across all Canadian programs, fostering key relationships within the defense industry and driving growth. They are accountable for all program P&L, contract execution, customer satisfaction, budget planning and execution, safety and employee engagement. They have oversight of and will collaborate with Program Managers who will hold primary accountability for contract and regulatory compliance, environmental health and safety, facilities and manpower management for each Program. The VP Canada will support PMs as needed with Customer liaison, and support BD with growth partner relations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive business strategy to achieve revenue and profitability targets.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align Canadian operations with overall corporate goals and objectives.
• Lead and inspire a high-performing team, ensuring effective communication and collaboration across functions.
• Ensure the delivery of service and financial performance for each of the Canadian programs.
• Ensure a complete understanding of program Performance Specification, Terms and Conditions, binding documents and related regulations.
• Support Program Managers with customer Program Review Meetings and rectification of deficiencies, as required.
• Ensure collaboration between Canadian programs and Technical Services in order to maintain necessary service levels in accordance with the Service Level Agreement.
• Collaborate with PMs and the Global Safety organization to ensure safe and compliant operations.
• Ensure compliance with Canadian regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators, providing regular updates to executive leadership.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement to enhance service delivery and client satisfaction.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders in the Canadian military and defense sector.
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and with government agencies.
• Advisory role on Airworthiness council.
• Support the Business Development Team and identify new business opportunities and partnerships to expand the company's footprint in the Canadian market.
• Other related duties may be assigned.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Engineering or other related field or 15 years of comparable experience
• Minimum ten (10) years of experience with military flight and maintenance operations either as an Engineer or flight crew
• Minimum five (5) years of supervisory experience with RCAF in aviation related positions
• Minimum five (5) years of experience as a program manager within the last 10 years
• Strong business acumen with a track record of successfully driving revenue growth and achieving financial targets
• Proven leadership experience in a senior management role overseeing complex projects and large multifunctional teams
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships at all levels
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute effective business plans
• Knowledge of Project Management, Supervision of Flight Operations and Aircraft Maintenance, Financial Knowledge and Budgeting Skills
• In-depth knowledge of the Canadian defense industry, including its policies, regulations, and procurement processes
• Knowledge of Airworthiness processes with DND, Transport Canada, FAA. Controlled Goods Program, Security Management and ITAR. Military and civilian maintenance. Quality Control. General knowledge of business operations and local legislation.
• Bilingual English/French

Working Conditions

• Regular travel required

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervisory responsibilities include but are not limited to: Health and safety, training, mentoring and performance management

This position has the following direct reports:

• Program Managers
• Sr Director Maintenance
• Health and Safety Coordinator

This position has the following partners from support functions:

• HR Business Partner
• Finance Business Unit Controller
• Will be responsible for approving timesheets (if applicable) for these employees
• Will be responsible for approving vacation requests and expense reports of all employees.

Security Clearance Requirements/ CGP / ITAR

Position requires controlled good clearance and Canadian Level 2 (secret) security clearance.

By joining Top Aces, you will find

• A work environment in which service, integrity, excellence and teamwork are highly valued;
• Opportunities for development and growth;
• Multidisciplinary and multicultural collaboration at a local and global level;
• A flexible schedule;
• Attractive benefit plan.

Come share your passion with us! Here, you’ll be encouraged, empowered, and challenged to be your best self.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At Top Aces, all employees are welcome regardless of race, nationality, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability or age. The masculine form may be used in this job description solely for ease of reading but refers to men, women and gender diversity.