At Canadian North, we dont just fly planes, we connect people, deliver essential goods, and support 25 northern communities that rely on us every day. Whether youre on the ground or in the air, working with us means being part of something bigger.

Youll help strengthen communities, honor Indigenous cultures, and bring vital services to some of the most remote and respanable places in Canada.

• Purpose-Driven Work – Your skills keep northern communities connected
• Competitive Pay & Benefits – Comprehensive medical, dental, and retirement plan
• Discounted Travel + Free Travel Passes – Enjoy worldwide flight privileges after probation
• Career Growth – Build your aviation career with the trusted airline of the Arctic

We’re committed to offering a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, security, and future.

• Extended health, dental, and life insurance (after 1 month)
• Short- & long-term disability coverage (after 1 month)
• Retirement savings plan (after 6 months)
• Travel privileges with Canadian North (after 1 month) and partner airlines (after 6 months)
• Cargo shipping privileges (per company policy)
• Opportunities for advancement within a trusted Canadian airline

The Vice President (VP), Flight Operations is a senior executive responsible for the strategic leadership, regulatory compliance, operational integrity, and financial performance of the Canadian North’s flight operations in accordance with the Canadian Aeronautics Act and the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs).

The VP Flight Operations typically serves as the Accountable Executive as defined under Transport Canada regulations and holds overall responsibility for the safe and efficient conduct of flight operations. This role ensures compliance with applicable standards set by Transport Canada, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and where applicable, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The VP leads all aspects of flight operations including pilots, dispatch/flight operations control, cabin safety oversight (where applicable), safety management systems (SMS), training, operational control, and operational strategy. The role is accountable for fostering a safety-first culture while achieving operational excellence, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

Reports to: President & CEO

Duties & Responsibilities:

Regulatory Compliance & Accountable Executive Functions

• Serve as Canadian North’s primary liaison with Transport Canada and other aviation regulatory authorities.
• Ensure full compliance with the Canadian Aeronautics Act, Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), applicable Commercial Air Service Standards (CASS), and company Operations Manuals.
• Act as the designated Operations Manager and/or Accountable Executive under CARs Subpart 705/704/703 (as applicable).
• Ensure regulatory approvals for routes, fleet additions, training programs, MELs, SOP amendments, and operational specifications.
• Oversee internal and external audits, inspections, and regulatory findings resolution.
• Ensure compliance with international requirements for operations outside Canada (ICAO SARPs, FAA requirements, EASA where applicable).

Safety & Safety Management Systems (SMS)

• Champion and maintain an effective Safety Management System in compliance with CARs SMS requirements.
• Promote a just culture and proactive safety reporting environment.
• Review and analyze safety data, flight data monitoring (FDM/FOQA), and operational risk assessments.
• Chair or co-chair the Safety Review Board and Flight Safety Committee.
• Ensure corrective and preventive actions are implemented and monitored.
• Maintain oversight of emergency response planning and crisis management protocols

Operational Control & Flight Operations Oversight

• Ensure safe initiation, continuation, diversion, and termination of flights in accordance with Canadian North standards and regulatory standards.
• Oversee operational control systems, dispatch/flight watch, and crew resource management standards.
• Ensure safe movement of passengers and aircraft through coordination with Maintenance, Ground Operations, and Cabin Safety.
• Monitor on-time performance, irregular operations management, and operational reliability.
• Establish and maintain SOPs for normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures.
• Provide executive oversight during significant operational disruptions or emergency situations.

Leadership & People Management

• Provide executive leadership to Chief Pilots, Fleet Captains, Director of Flight Operations, Dispatch Manager, and Training Managers.
• Lead workforce planning for pilots and operational staff, including recruitment, retention, and succession planning.
• Oversee pilot performance management, professional standards, and disciplinary processes.
• Foster a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and operational excellence.
• Serve as executive liaison with pilot associations or unions, where applicable.

Training & Standards

• Ensure development and oversight of approved training programs including initial, recurrent, upgrade, CRM, and line indoctrination.
• Maintain oversight of simulator and training device approvals.
• Ensure pilot qualification and currency requirements are met.
• Monitor training effectiveness and regulatory compliance of training syllabi.
• Drive continuous improvement in operational standards and best practices.

Financial & Budgetary Oversight

• Develop and manage the Flight Operations annual operating and capital budgets.
• Monitor cost drivers including crew costs, training expenses, simulator contracts, and operational efficiency metrics.
• Identify opportunities for cost control without compromising safety or compliance.
• Contribute to fleet acquisition planning and aircraft evaluation from an operational perspective.

Strategic Planning & Operational Performance

• Develop long-term operational strategy aligned with Canadian North’s growth objectives.
• Participate in route planning, fleet expansion, and operational feasibility assessments.
• Drive key performance indicators (KPIs) including safety metrics, completion factor, on-time performance, fuel efficiency, and crew utilization.
• Support ESG initiatives and sustainable aviation strategies where applicable.
• Represent Flight Operations at executive leadership and board-level meetings

Risk Management & Crisis Response

• Lead response to major operational events, incidents, or accidents.
• Serve as executive decision-maker during emergency situations.
• Coordinate with regulatory authorities, emergency services, and corporate communications as required.
• Ensure proper post-incident investigation and implementation of safety improvements.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) issued by Transport Canada.
• Current or previously held command experience on multi-crew turbine aircraft (preferred).
• Post-secondary degree in Aviation, Aerospace Engineering, Business Administration, or related field (asset).
• Executive leadership training or MBA (asset).
• Minimum 10–15 years of progressive leadership experience in commercial aviation operations.

• Prior experience as Chief Pilot, Director of Flight Operations, or equivalent senior operational role.
• Demonstrated experience interacting with aviation regulators.
• Experience managing unionized pilot groups (preferred).
• Proven track record in implementing SMS and operational improvement initiatives.
• Deep knowledge of Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) and CASS.
• Strong understanding of ICAO standards and international operational requirements.
• Advanced knowledge of flight operations, dispatch systems, crew scheduling, and performance engineering.
• Exceptional leadership, decision-making, and crisis management skills.
• Strong financial acumen and budget management capabilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Closing Date: April 10, 2026