The GM, GSE Operations is accountable for all aspects of Air Canada Ground Support Equipment operations and asset management throughout Canadian Airports, Maintenance, Cargo and Cabin Grooming. The incumbent is responsible for day-to-day management of the equipment serviceability, and staffing including operational decisions and overall coordination of activities to safely deliver operational excellence and financial objectives. The incumbent provides leadership for all direct staff and the execution of deliverables and metrics. He/she also oversees daily safety compliance within the Ground Service Equipment operations.

Responsibilities: 

Inspire and motivate a team of 285 unionized employees, 11 non-unionized,18 bases nationwide, managing and maintaining 18,000 Air Canada assets with an overall replacement value of $550-$600M.Lead and provide overall direction to GSE operations managers and frontline staff to ensure that Safety, Security, and Service standards are observed, monitored, and practiced consistently.Provides overall direction, support and coaching to management and unionized staff within the Ground Support Equipment organization.Foster a culture of continuous improvement, professional growth and high performance through regular feedback, training and development initiatives.Drive operational excellence by achieving key performance indicators (KPIs) such as On-Time Performance (OTP) and serviceability.Accountable for the optimal deployment and allocation of staff to ensure desired productivity levels and operational efficiency.Responsible for all GSE shop operations, functionality, programs, and output to maintain high serviceability rates.Manage risks related to Safety and Security, ensuring they are addressed, root cause identified, and corrective measures implemented. Lead employee engagement initiatives to enhance team morale and productivity.Where self-audit or regulatory audit activities have revealed vulnerabilities, ensure identification of root cause, implementation of corrective measures to address them, as well to verify effectiveness.Ensure the Ground Support Equipment department operates in accordance with local, provincial, national and corporate safety and environmental standards and regulations. Immediate follow-up on non-compliance issues.Oversee and support the implementation and audit of Air Canada SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), as well as the regular follow up meetings with Stakeholders internally and externally.Manage compliance with standards of IOSA, SMS and other applicable authorities.Anticipate and identify safety, security, service, and operational problems, and resolve them with the branch safety team while maintaining the focus on safety.Provide operational leadership interface on GSE issues with Airports, Maintenance, Cargo and Cabin Grooming partners, and other external customers with respect to standards, policies and procedures.Proactively lead the development of effective working relationships with other branches, Unions, Airports & Government Agencies.Responsible for the administration of the Collective Agreement and enforcement of company theft and loss control policies within GSE. Attends level 1, 2 and 3 hearings as/where required.Accountable for all assigned GSE related flight delays and mitigations.In collaboration with Air Canada Corporate Safety, Environment and Quality and Corporate Training departments, ensures GSE compliance with mandatory safety, and regulatory training goals.

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, operations management or equivalent years of experience.Minimum 10 years of operations experience, preferably in a technical and/or airline environment. Demonstrated ability to lead a large group of direct/indirect managers and front-line employees in a technical operations environment.Sound technical and working knowledge of airline ground support equipment.Comprehensive knowledge of ramp handling and aircraft ground handling requirements.Previous experience and expertise in managing a large, unionized workforce.Labour relations knowledge and experienced in practicable application of the IAM&AW collective agreement.Strong focus on continuous improvement and achievement of objectives while maintaining positive and productive relationships both within and outside the work group.The ability to deal professionally with conflict situations.Demonstrated change management and coaching skills.Self-starter with demonstrated strong interpersonal skills and problem-solving skills.A highly developed entrepreneurial spirit, good judgement and a superior sense of initiative.Very strong communication and organizational skills.Aptitude to multitask in a fast-paced environment.Proven project management experience.Strong analytical skills - background in statistics and/or Six Sigma an asset.Strong negotiating skills and knowledge of supply and customer contracts administration.Strong knowledge of Air Canada products and services, competencies, strategies, policies, organizational structure, functions and metrics.Proficient in the use of personal computers and common office software applications (MS Office Suite) and other Air Canada Ground Support Equipment computer applications (GroundStar, i-Ramp, M5, E-Sage, etc.).Ability to obtain Transport Canada airport security clearance.Traveling within the US and Canada will be frequently required.Technical accreditation (relevant trade’s license/endorsements) is an asset.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the country of interest, at the time any offer of employment is made and seeking any required work permits/visas or other authorizations which may be required is the sole responsibility of the candidates applying for this position.

Based on equal qualifications, preference will be given to bilingual candidates.

Air Canada is strongly committed to Diversity and Inclusion and aims to create a healthy, accessible and rewarding work environment which highlights employees’ unique contributions to our company’s success.

Air Canada thanks all candidates for their interest; however only those selected to continue in the process will be contacted.