Senior Manager – Ground Operations, YYC (Full Time) 

The Senior Manager - Ground Operations, will be the accountable leader directly responsible for all below the wing ground operations functions in Calgary (YYC) including direct oversight of ramp services vendor (Unifi), baggage and towing teams. They are also the accountable leader for our WestJet ramp teams which support baggage movement and general ground operations oversight. With a strong emphasis on safety, operational excellence, cost management, people leadership and guest experience, this senior leader will ensure that below the wing activities are conducted safely, efficiently and that processes for the management of baggage deliveries and transfers are in place. 

Key Deliverables Include: 

• Ensure team compliance to WestJet and Transport Canada safety and security management standards and respond accordingly to action and audit items 

• Strategic oversight and senior level accountability for the ground handling contract to ensure that safety and service level standards are met and that costs are contained 

• Accountable to ensure that safety standards are in place for ramp services vendor (Unifi) supporting agents, tow, and baggage teams along with our WestJet ramp teams 

• Ensure team compliance with policies, procedures and processes and that measures are in place to validate that they are being consistently followed 

• Accountable to ensure that corporate and local initiatives and associated change management strategies are in place to ensure successful launches and long-term team compliance to meet SPOT, MBR,Cost, Guest Experience and employee engagement metrics 

• Lead all ground operations capital requirements 

• Provide guidance to the Senior Manager, Station Support on capital requirements such as ground service equipment in support of future operational changes and local and corporate initiatives 

• Accountable to oversee IROP and baggage movement processes are in place for coordination between local teams and ramp to minimize guest disruption 

• Represent WestJet at a Senior Level with the local Airport Authority, stakeholders and agencies on strategic initiatives and advanced planning 

• Responsible for ensuring excellence around team relations and performance management processes that are consistent with WestJet Culture and People Department objectives 

• Represent WestJet and provide strategic leadership to the airline community through active participation in carrier committees 

Experience and Qualifications: 

• The Ground Operations Manager must have extensive experience in ground handling and baggage movement and transfer processes. The BTW team has a significant impact on WestJet’s operations including the safety and security of our people, aircraft and guests. 

• A minimum of 7 years airport operations leadership experience is required 

• A minimum of 10 years experience in a high volume airport operation with a significant level of internal and external dependencies and relationships is required 

• Experience in all aspects of airport operations including above and below the wing operations and airport wide flight management processes 

• Proven track record leading a team to meet operational, financial and performance targets 

• Track record of developing and leading effective teams 

• Excellent ability to multitask & handle changing priorities 

• Available on an on call as needed basis to participate in the coordination and management of elevated IROPS and systemic issues 

• Proficient in PC based applications, Microsoft Project, Word, Excel and Outlook