Every WestJet journey has the potential to enrich lives; a career with us is no exception.
WestJet arrived on the Canadian airline scene in 1996 and changed the industry for the better. We made air travel more affordable for Canadians and now were going global.
Join us and love where you’re going.
Overview of role:
The Maintenance Operations Control Director (OCC) is responsible for overseeing all maintenance control and planning personnel and ensuring optimal performance in fleet maintenance and compliance in the Maintenance Operations Control Centre (MOCC).
Acting as the key counterpart to the Director of OCC, this role requires a strategic balance between commercial decisions and their impact on fleet compliance, maintenance efficiency, and aircraft utilization. A key aspect of this role is ensuring real-time operational support for the airline’s fleet.
This critical role involves managing and coordinating maintenance actions, tracking fleet status, and mitigating operational disruptions to maintain high levels of safety and reliability. The Director will lead a team responsible for implementing processes that enable efficient fleet management, effective troubleshooting, and regulatory compliance.
Key deliverables and responsibilities include:
Operational Oversight
- Direct the day-to-day operations of the Maintenance Operations Control Center to ensure safe, reliable, and on-time fleet performance.
- Work closely with the Director of Operations Control Center (OCC) to influence scheduling and aircraft positioning strategies.
- Oversee the coordination of all maintenance control activities, including troubleshooting, real-time decision-making to resolve in-flight or on-ground maintenance issues and approving aircraft for return-to-service to minimize operational impact and ensure compliance with regulations.
- Accountable for the development of maintenance plans for all aircraft within the WestJet Group fleets.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure maintenance schedules align with regulatory requirements and operational needs.
Regulatory Compliance and Safety
- Ensure all maintenance operations are conducted in compliance with regulatory requirements and organizational safety standards.
- Coordinate with Safety departments to address findings from audits, implement corrective actions, and ensure ongoing adherence to safety protocols.
- Regularly review and report on maintenance performance metrics, ensuring adherence to regulatory and company standards.
- Promote a safety-first culture within the maintenance team and across operational departments.
Leadership and Team Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of maintenance planners and controllers, fostering a high-performance culture with a focus on safety, efficiency, and accountability.
- Provide ongoing training and development opportunities, ensuring team members are equipped with the skills and knowledge to manage complex maintenance situations.
- Conduct regular performance reviews, set goals, and provide coaching to promote individual and team growth.
Process Optimization and Performance Tracking
- Implement best practices and innovative approaches to optimize maintenance processes, reduce response times, and improve fleet availability.
- Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational efficiency, reliability, and effectiveness of the MOC team.
- Use data-driven insights to identify areas for improvement, streamline workflows, and enhance overall MOC performance.
- Experience with Lean thinking, root cause problem solving and kaizen facilitation is preferred.
Experience and qualifications:
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Maintenance, Engineering, or a related field; or equivalent experience.
- Minimum of 8 years of experience in aircraft maintenance or maintenance operations control, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within an airline.
Licenses and Certifications
- Valid Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) license preferred.
- In-depth knowledge of regulatory compliance standards (TCCA, FAA, etc.).
- PRM capabilities are preferred.
Skills and Abilities
- Strong decision-making skills with the ability to remain calm under pressure and make critical decisions in real time.
- Proficiency in maintenance tracking and fleet management software.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively across departments.
- Demonstrated leadership capabilities with a focus on team development, safety, and operational excellence.
- Knowledge of operational efficiency methods, including Lean or Six Sigma, is a plus.
Working Conditions:
- The role will be based in Calgary (Main WestJet Campus). The director will be located out of the OCC and might need to adjust their working hrs from time to time to support their shift-based teams and to provide 24/7 operational coverage as necessary.
- Occasional travel to outstations or other operational hubs may be required.
- Role includes working in a fast-paced environment with the potential for high-stress decisions.
The benefits of being a WestJetter:
WestJet provides all WestJetters with a competitive total rewards package. On top of that, we offer:
- A fun and friendly culture with colleagues who work together to win
- Travel privileges for you and your family, effective from your start date
- Savings and Benefit programs that are flexible to meet your specific needs
Think we are a fit? Apply now!
About WestJet Group of Companies
Together with WestJets regional airline, WestJet Encore, we offer scheduled service to more than 100 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe and to more than 175 destinations in over 20 countries through our airline partnerships.
Our Safety Promise
At WestJet, the safety and security of our people and our guests is a core value and at the heart of what we do. As safety and security is a shared responsibility, it is expected that you will use safe work practices to ensure your well-being and the safety of others.
WestJet recognizes that the use of Alcohol and Drugs can adversely impact a safe work environment and the well-being of others including guests, suppliers and the public, as well as place WestJets operations at risk. All roles that are identified as safety sensitive are required to pass a Pre-Employment Alcohol and Drug Test as per WestJets Alcohol and Drug Policy.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
We embrace what makes us each unique, and what makes us uniquely WestJet. WestJet is committed to inclusiveness, equity, and accessibility and if you require accommodation during the selection process, please let our Talent Acquisition team know. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply. We thank all applicants for their interest in WestJet; however, only those candidates who are selected will be contacted.
For more information about everything WestJet, please visit WestJet.com.
LI-LC1
