About The Role

As a key member of PGAA’s senior leadership team, the Director of Operations provides strategic direction and oversight for all airport operational functions. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, this role ensures the safe, secure, efficient, and sustainable operation of the airport through high-level planning, policy development, and leadership.

This position is fundamentally about leading people. The Director is responsible for cultivating a high-performing, collaborative, and safety-focused operational team. Through direct leadership of the Operations Management team, the Director ensures that teams are empowered, supported, and aligned with PGAA’s values and standards. The role demands a strong commitment to mentorship, accountability, and fostering a workplace culture built on trust, respect, and continuous improvement.

The Director oversees infrastructure planning, project delivery, operational budgeting, and regulatory compliance. A key part of the role includes emergency preparedness and response, ensuring that safety programs and emergency response services are fully integrated into operational readiness.

Regular reporting to the President & CEO includes updates on operational performance, risks, and strategic progress, along with ensuring consistent implementation and monitoring of PGAA policies across all operational areas.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

The Director of Operations sets the strategic direction for airport operations, ensuring alignment with PGAA’s corporate objectives. This includes leading long-term planning efforts, guiding cross-functional initiatives to improve efficiency and sustainability, and overseeing the development and implementation of operational policies and performance metrics. A key part of this leadership is fostering a culture of safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement across all operational areas. The Director is expected to model integrity, professionalism, and accountability, and to inspire high performance through clear communication, trust-building, and shared purpose.

Oversight & Management

This role provides direct leadership to the Operations management team, ensuring their teams are well-supported, empowered, and aligned with PGAA’s standards. The Director is responsible for cultivating a positive and inclusive work environment, where staff are engaged, supported in their development, and held to high standards of performance. Seamless coordination between operational and safety functions is essential to maintaining regulatory compliance and certification. The Director also establishes and monitors key performance indicators to ensure operational excellence and accountability throughout the organization.

Infrastructure & Project Delivery

The Director leads the planning and execution of infrastructure upgrades and operational projects. This includes managing procurement processes, overseeing contractor performance, and ensuring that all projects meet strategic goals, budget expectations, and regulatory requirements. The role demands a hands-on approach to project governance and operational readiness.

Budgeting & Financial Stewardship

Responsible for preparing and managing both operational and capital budgets, the Director ensures financial plans are aligned with strategic priorities. The role includes monitoring expenditures, evaluating cost-effectiveness, and ensuring resources are deployed efficiently to support safe and reliable airport operations.

Safety, Regulatory Compliance & Emergency Response

Maintaining compliance with federal, provincial, and municipal regulations—including those from Transport Canada, ICAO, and the Canada Labour Code—is a core responsibility. The Director oversees the implementation of safety programs and regulatory frameworks, and plays a key leadership role in emergency preparedness and response. This includes ensuring that emergency services, including ARFF, are fully integrated into operational planning and readiness.

Qualifications

· Commitment to safety as a priority.

· Post-secondary degree in aviation management, business administration, engineering, or a related field

· Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in airport or technical operations

· Proven experience in strategic planning, team leadership, and regulatory compliance

· Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets of varying sizes.

· Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills

· Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive organizational change

· Ability to obtain and maintain Transport Canada Security Clearance and other required certifications

Hours of Work

Based on a 35-hour work week, this position supports our core business hours Monday through Friday, with the understanding that there may be times of increased demand within the role driven by operational needs.

What We Offer

· A safe and respectful workplace

· Long-term career potential in a stable work environment

· Learning and development opportunities

· Flexible work arrangements

· A comprehensive Total Rewards compensation package