Sr. Director, Aviation
Requisition ID: 33079
Location: Calgary, AB, CAN, T2J 7E8
| Saskatoon, SK, CAN, S7K 5R6
Workplace Type: On-Site
Experience Level: Director
Job Type: Full Time
The Senior Director, Aviation Operations oversees and manages all aspects of the company's aviation operations, ensuring the safety, efficiency, reliability, and professionalism of aviation services. This is an active flying leadership role and the successful candidate will be expected to maintain flight currency and serve as an operating pilot as business needs require. This role provides strategic leadership for the aviation function, including safety culture, operational risk management, regulatory compliance, fleet and maintenance oversight, executive service, and leadership of a high-performing aviation team.
What You'll Do:- Leadership and Management
- Lead, motivate, develop, and hold accountable the aviation operations team, including chief pilots, pilots, maintenance staff, and administrative personnel
- Provide strategic leadership to the aviation team through clear expectations, coaching, mentorship, performance feedback, succession planning, and a positive, collaborative work environment
- Champion a proactive, safety-first culture where risk identification, open reporting, disciplined decision-making, and continuous learning are embedded in day-to-day operations
- Promote a just culture that encourages timely reporting of hazards, incidents, and near misses while maintaining clear accountability for professional standards and regulatory compliance
- Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure the highest standards of safety and efficiency
- Operational Oversight
- Oversee the planning, execution, and management of all aviation missions
- Maintain flight currency and actively participate as an operating pilot in company aircraft, as required by business and operational needs
- Lead operational risk management practices covering flight planning, weather, crew duty and fatigue, aircraft maintenance status, passenger security, international operations, and mission-critical executive travel
- Exercise sound, independent judgment in advising senior executives on aviation risk, operational feasibility, aircraft availability, and safety-related decisions
- Safety and Compliance
- Ensure adherence to aviation regulations, safety standards, and best practices
- Lead, maintain, and continuously improve the Aviation Safety Management System, including hazard reporting, risk assessment, incident investigation, corrective action tracking, and safety performance monitoring
- Develop and maintain safety programs and protocols
- Conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments
- Develop and implement risk management strategies, emergency response plans, and business continuity practices for irregular operations, incidents, security events, and other aviation-related disruptions
- Strategic Planning
- Develop long-term plans for the aviation department, including fleet management, budgeting, and personnel development
- Collaborate with other departments to align aviation operations with the overall goals of the company
- Develop and execute the department's goals and objectives in alignment with the overall organizational strategy, by providing vision and direction to the aviation team
- Financial Management
- Strong focus on data driven decision making aligned with our business executives
- Manage the aviation department's budget and expenditures, overseeing operating expenses, capital expenditures, and implementing cost control measures
- Oversee procurement and maintenance of aircraft and aviation equipment
- Oversee aircraft airworthiness, maintenance planning, reliability, vendor performance, and lifecycle decisions to ensure safe, efficient, and dependable fleet operations
- Manage relationships and performance expectations with external aviation partners, including maintenance providers, training providers, FBOs, charter operators, and other third-party service providers
- Stakeholder Communication
- Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders regarding aviation operations
- Prepare and present reports to senior management and other stakeholders
- Maintain the highest standards of professionalism, discretion, confidentiality, and service quality
What You'll Bring:- Bachelor's degree in aviation management, business administration, or a related field (Master's degree preferred)
- 15+ years of experience in corporate aviation operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role
- Relevant aviation certifications (e.g., TC/FAA ATP certificate)
- Licensed to fly Gulfstream 550/450 type rating with experience
- Willingness and ability to actively fly company aircraft as part of the role, while balancing leadership, safety, and operational oversight responsibilities
- Exceptional leadership, conflict resolution, coaching, performance management, and organizational skills
- Proven ability to build, motivate, develop, and hold accountable a high-performing aviation team
- Strong aviation technical knowledge and operational judgment to support disciplined, safety-first decision-making
- Demonstrated experience leading a mature aviation safety culture, including Safety Management System oversight, incident review, risk management, and corrective action follow-up
- Strong executive presence, discretion, and judgment, with the ability to advise senior leaders on aviation risk and operational trade-offs
- Experience managing complex corporate aviation operations, including international travel, executive support, aircraft maintenance oversight, vendor management, and emergency response planning
- Preference will be given to candidates with experience managing a multi-aircraft fleet in a corporate aviation environment
- Demonstrated ability to make disciplined, safety-first decisions under pressure, including delaying, cancelling, or modifying missions when conditions warrant
- Knowledge of fatigue risk management, crew resource management, aviation security, and operational risk assessment practices
- Minimum 2000 PIC hours on a large turbine aircraft
- Strong knowledge of aviation regulations and standards
- First class medical and ability to cross international borders
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure
What You'll Get:- Purpose-Driven Work - Make an impact as part of a global team feeding the future and support farmers locally and around the world
- Excellent Benefits - Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, plus a retirement program with generous employer matching for your future
- Grow Your Career - Tuition assistance for future education and ongoing learning and training opportunities for career advancement pathways across the organization
- Support When it Matters - Employee Assistance Programs, inclusive leaves, and paid time for holidays, volunteering, vacation, and wellness
- Thrive in a Strong Culture - Guided by our core values we put safety first, act with integrity, are stronger together, and deliver with excellence in a collaborative, high-performing environment
Ready to make an impact with us? Apply today! The estimated salary that Indeed, Glassdoor and LinkedIn lists does not represent Nutrien's compensation structure.
