Regional General Manager

About WestJet

Since its launch in 1996, WestJet has been dedicated to enriching the lives of all its stakeholders. It is recognized as one of Canada's most admired corporate cultures, consistently aiming for excellence in service and business achievements. WestJet is Canada's leading value airline and vacation provider, supporting nearly 200 aircraft and over 100 destinations globally following the integration of Sunwing Airlines.

Job Overview

The Regional General Manager will spearhead strategic leadership and oversight to ensure safe, high-performing operations and exceptional guest services through contracted service partners across a specified region. Working closely with the Vice President of Airports and leading a team of Regional Managers, this position is responsible for maintaining regulatory compliance, fostering partnerships, and upholding WestJet's operational standards and guest experience throughout the region's airports.

Key Responsibilities

• Cultivate a culture prioritizing safety by ensuring contracted partners meet safety benchmarks and addressing operational risks.
• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of Regional Managers focused on operational success, guest satisfaction, employee engagement, and financial performance.
• Oversee airport operations to guarantee consistent delivery of WestJet’s operational and guest service standards.
• Achieve regional goals related to operations, guest experience, and finances through the development and execution of station action plans.
• Monitor and govern operations by conducting audits and performance reviews to detect risks and enforce corrective actions.
• Analyze safety and operational data to identify trends, support decision-making, allocate resources, and reinforce oversight procedures.
• Act as the senior escalation resource for complex issues involving operations, guest services, commercial concerns, safety, and irregular activities.
• Collaborate with Strategic Procurement to develop and implement service partner strategies ensuring cost-effective and safe operations.
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with airport authorities, service partner leadership, government bodies, bargaining groups, and other key stakeholders.
• Lead operational planning for seasonality, network expansions, start-ups, transitions, and station closures to secure appropriate resource readiness.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement initiatives leveraging data to enhance operations, guest experience, employee morale, and financial outcomes.
• Contribute as a core member of the Airports Leadership Team, shaping departmental goals, strategies, and initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of 3 years in airports leadership roles.
• Proven business leadership skills managing complex relationships and dependencies.
• Strong commercial acumen with fiscal responsibility for departmental planning and budgeting.
• Adept at multitasking and adapting to shifting priorities.
• Confidently delivers presentations and reports to senior management levels.
• Post-secondary education, preferably with a business focus, is advantageous.
• Experience managing multiple leaders and multiple locations concurrently.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite including Project, Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Willingness and availability for travel requiring extended periods away from home.
• Project management capabilities considered a plus.
• Familiarity with international regulations and guidelines such as TSA, Civil Aviation authorities, or UK High Commission is beneficial.
• Demonstrated ability influencing leadership teams and developing strong managing partners.
• Experience with IATA SGHA desirable.

Benefits

• Engaging and collaborative workplace culture focused on team success.
• Travel benefits available for employees and their families starting on the first day of employment.
• Flexible savings and benefit programs tailored to individual needs.

Additional Information

This position qualifies for remote work within Canada as part of WestJet's mobile workforce initiative.

WestJet is firmly committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, welcoming applications from candidates who reflect diverse backgrounds and experiences. Accommodations are available upon request during the hiring process.

Safety is a foundational value at WestJet, requiring adherence to safe work practices and compliance with policies, including pre-employment alcohol and drug testing for safety-sensitive functions.