Operations Manager

About De Havilland Aircraft of Canada

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (DHC) is one of Canada's most recognized aerospace companies, with a proud legacy of designing and manufacturing world-class aircraft since 1928. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, DHC employs approximately 2,400 people across British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and international markets.

For nearly a century, we've built aircraft renowned for their durability, versatility, and performance, connecting communities and supporting commercial, regional, and remote operations around the world. Today, DHC is a full-service aerospace company providing aircraft design, manufacturing, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), supported by a team dedicated to quality, innovation, and excellence.

Are you ready to help build the future of Canadian aviation? If you take pride in precision craftsmanship and want to see your work take flight around the world, join De Havilland Canada. Your skills will help build world-class aircraft, including products like the Canadair 515 waterbomber, supporting missions that protect lives, strengthen communities, and safeguard natural landscapes around the world.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Operations Manager is responsible for leading the operations in Calgary, Alberta, ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution of manufacturing activities. The role provides strategic and operational leadership across production, quality, logistics, inventory, maintenance, and continuous improvement functions while fostering a high-performance, safety-first culture.

The Operations Manager partners with cross-functional teams to achieve operational objectives related to safety, quality, cost, delivery, inventory management, and employee engagement. This position also supports business growth through operational planning, workforce development, process optimization, and the successful execution of sustaining and new manufacturing programs.

Direct Accountabilities

• Lead all manufacturing operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity objectives.
• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture that prioritizes employee health and regulatory compliance.
• Develop and execute operational strategies, business plans, budgets, and resource plans in partnership with the Director of Operations.
• Lead, coach, and develop production managers, supervisors, and manufacturing teams to build a highly engaged and accountable workforce.
• Ensure production schedules are achieved while meeting customer quality and delivery expectations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, and Operational Excellence methodologies.
• Monitor operational performance through KPIs and implement corrective actions to achieve business objectives.
• Optimize inventory levels, material flow, asset utilization, and manufacturing processes to improve operational efficiency.
• Support new product introductions, production transfers, production ramp-ups, and sustaining manufacturing programs.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Maintenance, and Program Management to resolve operational challenges and improve customer satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100 quality standards, company policies, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Support succession planning, workforce development, and organizational capability building.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and operational excellence.

Education Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, Manufacturing, or a related discipline. Equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• Formal leadership or management development training is preferred.
• Training or certification in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Operational Excellence, or other continuous improvement methodologies is preferred.

Experience, Skills, and Attitude

Required

• Minimum 7 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations.
• Minimum 5 years managing managers, supervisors, and cross-functional manufacturing teams.
• Experience in aerospace manufacturing, aerostructures, aircraft assembly, final assembly, or another highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading production, quality, logistics, inventory, maintenance, and manufacturing support functions.
• Strong working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems for production planning, scheduling, and inventory management.
• Proven success implementing Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience developing, monitoring, and improving KPIs related to safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.
• Experience managing operational budgets, resource planning, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to coach, mentor, and develop high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities with a focus on delivering operational results.

Preferred

• Experience supporting aircraft final assembly and flight operations.
• Experience leading new program launches, production transfers, manufacturing start-ups, or production ramp-up activities.
• Experience working within AS9100 or other aerospace quality management systems.
• Experience managing both unionized and non-unionized workforces.
• Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing operations.
• Demonstrated success leading operational excellence, productivity improvement, inventory optimization, and cost reduction initiatives.

Assets

• Experience supporting sustaining aerospace programs and work package transfers.
• Experience within Twin Otter, regional aircraft, or similar aerospace manufacturing programs.
• Certification in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Project Management (PMP), or equivalent.
• Knowledge of Transport Canada or other aviation regulatory requirements.
• Experience leading large-scale cross-functional operational improvement projects.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC).
• Bilingual (English/French) is considered an asset.

Why Join De Havilland Canada?

At DHC, you'll do more than build aircraft—you'll help connect people, strengthen communities, and shape the future of aviation.

Join a collaborative team that has manufactured more than 5,600 aircraft, including some of the world's most respected turboprop platforms. Our modern manufacturing facilities provide opportunities to learn, grow, and build a rewarding career alongside talented professionals who are passionate about aerospace.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation
• Paid vacation
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and paramedical benefits
• Life insurance
• RRSP/DPSP retirement savings program
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Ongoing learning, development, and career growth opportunities

Our Commitment

At De Havilland Canada, the safety of our employees, customers, and communities is our highest priority. We are committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Employees are expected to follow all Health & Safety policies, use required personal protective equipment (PPE), and be able to safely perform the physical requirements of their role. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all qualified candidates and provide accommodations throughout the recruitment process upon request. Employment offers are conditional upon the successful completion of applicable background checks, which may include verification of work eligibility, employment history, education, professional references, and criminal record checks where required.