De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (DHC) is a storied name in the aerospace industry, recognized worldwide for its pioneering contributions to aviation and its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and reliability. Headquartered in Calgary, AB, DHC currently has approximately 2,400 employees across British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, as well as in markets and distribution hubs world-wide.
Established in 1928, De Havilland Canada has a rich history marked by the development of some of the most iconic and versatile aircraft ever built. These aircraft have served a variety of roles—from bush flying to commercial aviation—and are celebrated for their rugged durability, operational versatility, and excellence in performance.
Over the decades, De Havilland Canada has evolved to meet the changing needs of the aviation industry. Today, we are more than just an aircraft manufacturer; we are a comprehensive aerospace company with capabilities that span design, production, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. Our operations are supported by a team of skilled engineers, technicians, and industry professionals who are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of craftsmanship and innovation.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Operations Manager is responsible for leading the 515 WaterBomber/Twin Otter final assembly 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.
Position opening: Operations Manager
Company Name: De Havilland of Canada LTD
Number of vacancies: 2
Business Address: 4100 Westwinds Dr NE, Calgary, AB T3J 4L2
Language of Work: English
Term: Permanent, full-time
Salary: $120,000 to $155,000. Annual salary reviews with potential for increases.
Benefits: Health, dental, disability, life insurance, RRSP match
Location of Work: This position will work out of one of three De Havilland’s facilities in Calgary, Alberta located at:
- 770 McTavish Road NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7G6
- 7757 8th Street NE, Calgary, AB T2E 8A2
- 3615 34th Street NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 6Z8
Contact Information: [email protected]
403-200-8804
3699 63 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T3J 0G7
Why work at De Havilland?
De Havilland Canada is a Canadian-owned and operated aircraft manufacturer dedicated to providing rewarding opportunities in a diverse and welcoming workplace.
- Work with a team that makes a true difference in the world-making it possible for people to travel around the globe efficiently, comfortably and safely.
- We’ve manufactured over 5,600 aircraft including the most advanced turboprop in the air today. Our experience and expertise in constructing the highest performing aircraft in the industry is second to none.
- Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities are dynamic workplaces led by teams that support and encourage all employees.
- With a passionate team of innovators and a global network of support, De Havilland Canada proudly carries on it’s tradition as a leader in aerospace.
In addition to plenty of opportunities for career growth in a stimulating work environment, De Havilland Canada offers:
- Competitive wages
- Paid vacation
- Extended health benefits (medical, dental, vision, paramedical)
- Life insurance
- RRSP/DPSP Plan
- Employee and family assistance program
At De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (DHC), we are committed to protecting our people, customers, shareholders and the public through Health & Safety Excellence. As such, it is expected that all employees maintain strict adherence to Health & Safety Policies and to perform key physical tasks of the position described in the job description and interview process. This may include but is not limited to the ability to work in a variety of environmental conditions including temperature extremes, confined spaces, working at heights and with or around chemicals. Employees are expected to adhere to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when at work which must include but is not limited to the ability to maintain a positive fit test when mask use is required.
At De Havilland Canada, we aim to be inclusive and diverse and provide equal opportunity for employment. All qualified applicants, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, and disability, are encouraged to apply. De Havilland will accommodate the needs of applicants with disabilities throughout all stages of the selection process. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise your Talent Acquisition representative. Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.
Any offer of employment is conditional on the completion of positive and satisfactory background checks, which may include, proof that you are legally entitled to work in Canada, professional references, verification of employment history, verification of educational background and criminal background checks.
