Director, Programs

Conair is the largest, privately owned, fixed-wing aerial firefighting company in the world, operating a fleet of 70 specialized aircraft to fight forest fires. We have been supporting government agencies around the globe for over 50 years, with a reputation of providing service excellence, making us an industry leader. We are aerospace engineering experts, creating 15 different airtanker types, converting hundreds of aircraft into airtankers. We are aviation maintenance experts, performing repair, maintenance and overhaul on our fleet. And we are operators, providing airtankers, crew and maintenance on contract over fire seasons to government agencies including Canada, the US, Australia and France. The culture at Conair is built on a teamwork, with a commitment to people, safety and service. We are proud of who we are, what we do and how we do it, protecting our world from wildfires. We currently have an opening for a full-time permanent Director, Programs & Production based in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada.
Reporting directly to the VP of Engineering & Programs, this position necessitates close collaboration with other senior leaders within the company, including those in business development, flight operations, maintenance, supply chain, and engineering, as well as general managers from other Conair locations worldwide. This collaboration is essential for ensuring the alignment of the conversion and production processes with the broader strategic goals of Conair.
The Director of Programs & Production would oversee the entire process of converting next generation airtankers for both Conair’s fleet and external clients, managing everything from the procurement of aircraft to their transformation into airtankers, and ensuring their successful delivery and acceptance by customers. This pivotal role is central to the strategic planning, execution, and management of aircraft delivery, workforce development, and operational efficiency throughout the conversion and production processes. Additionally, the Director will be tasked with executing any multimillion-dollar intercompany strategic projects or programs as assigned by the executive team.
In this role your duties will include the following:
The principal tasks of this role are to orchestrate and refine program management methodologies, spearhead production initiatives that adhere to the highest standards of quality and efficiency, and to champion a culture of continuous improvement and innovation across all facets of the aircraft conversion process. Moreover, this leadership position entails the meticulous coordination of cross-departmental efforts to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet or exceed all technical and safety standards. This can be achieved through:

• Strategic Roadmap Implementation: Developing and executing a 5-year aircraft conversion roadmap that aligns with business development and sales strategies, ensuring long-term growth and market competitiveness.
• Safety Leadership: Championing a culture of safety as the foremost priority, by implementing and enforcing rigorous safety standards and practices throughout the aircraft conversion process, ensuring compliance with all aviation regulations and guidelines to protect both personnel and products.
• KPIs and Reporting: Establishing key performance indicators and implementing robust reporting mechanisms to proactively identify trends, enabling the initiation of strategic actions based on insightful data analysis.
• Streamlining Project Management: Implementing agile project management techniques to enhance flexibility and responsiveness in program execution.
• Enhancing Team Collaboration: Facilitating regular cross-functional meetings and workshops to ensure alignment on project goals, timelines, and resource allocation.
• Investing in Workforce Development: Prioritizing continuous education and training programs to advance the skills and knowledge of the team.
• Optimizing Work & Material Flow: Working closely with the supply chain, maintenance, and engineering departments to streamline work and material flow and reduce lead times.
• Leveraging IT Technology: Adopting advanced technologies and systems for better project tracking, communication, and process automation.
• Fostering Innovation: Encouraging a culture of innovation that invites team members to propose new ideas for processes, technologies, and solutions.
• Quality Assurance: Implementing rigorous quality control measures at each stage of the conversion process to ensure the highest standards are met.
• Customer Engagement: Maintaining open and transparent communication with customers throughout the project to ensure expectations are met and exceeded.
• Risk Management: Proactively identifying potential risks and developing strategies to mitigate them before they impact the project.
• Sustainability Practices: Integrating sustainable practices into the conversion process to minimize environmental impact and support corporate sustainability goals.

We are looking for someone with:

• Industry Experience: A minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in aviation or aerospace industry with a strong emphasis on manufacturing, maintenance, and production processes. Experience in developing and executing Production Management Systems is highly valued. Proven track record in making strategic Make-or-Buy decisions, coupled with experience in implementing new production capabilities effectively.
• Leadership Experience: Proven track record of leading and developing high-performing teams within complex organizational structures. Experience managing cross-functional teams and projects is essential.
• Project Management: Extensive experience in project management, including the successful delivery of large-scale projects on time and within budget. Familiarity with project management software and methodologies is required.
• Strategic Planning: Demonstrated ability in strategic planning and execution, with experience developing and implementing long-term business and operational strategies.
• Safety Management: Deep understanding of safety regulations and standards in the aviation industry, with experience implementing safety protocols and fostering a safety-first culture.
• Technology Integration: Experience with the adoption and integration of advanced technologies and systems to optimize production and operational efficiency.

Competency:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to envision long-term goals and strategies, with the foresight to anticipate challenges and opportunities in the aviation sector.
• Analytical Skills: Strong capability in data analysis and decision-making based on KPIs and performance metrics. Proficiency in identifying trends and making data-driven recommendations.
• Communication: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to a variety of audiences.
• Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills with a proven ability to collaborate effectively with other senior leaders, stakeholders, and external partners.
• Problem-Solving: Exceptional problem-solving skills, with a creative and innovative approach to overcoming obstacles and improving processes.
• Adaptability: High level of adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced and changing environment, with a readiness to tackle new challenges and opportunities, including readiness for business travel as required by the role.

Training/Education:

• minimum of a Bachelor of Engineering/Science in Production/Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent;
• 10-15 years of progressive experience in aviation or aerospace industry;
• P.Eng. designation is considered an asset;
• a proven track record of utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, or other relevant continuous improvement methodologies.

***Must be legally entitled to work in Canada (Canadian citizenship or permanent residency)***

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