Associate Director, Operations Modernization & Capacity Enablement

Toronto, ON
On-site
Posted Sep 20, 2026
1 position

Opens an external site

Employment type: Full-time
Experience level: Lead · 10+ years
Minimum education: Professional degree
Posting language: English
Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job summary

The Associate Director will lead cross-functional operational modernization initiatives to optimize capacity and performance across airport operations. They will act as a strategic advisor to senior leadership, developing roadmaps and governance frameworks to drive organizational efficiency.

Job details

Toronto Pearson is transforming. Now’s the time for your career to fly. The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) is a unique and dynamic place to work, with a bold plan to make Toronto Pearson, Canada’s leading global hub airport, a global leader in airport performance, customer care and sustainability. Together with our partners, approximately 2,100 GTAA employees are working to create a next-generation airport by innovating in all we do and striving for the most uplifting, safe and efficient experience for our passengers – all while championing the prosperity of our people, the community we call home, and our aviation partners. Join us on our journey together, as we put the joy back into travel and make Toronto Pearson the chosen place to fly and work. What's in it for you? * An opportunity to grow, develop, and thrive within a dynamic, and fast-growing company alongside thoughtful and passionate individuals dedicated to their work and community * Comprehensive benefits, including a flexible retirement program with employer matching, along with voluntary savings options (RRSP, TFSA, and Non-Registered Savings Plans) * A flexible work environment, continuous internal and external learning opportunities, and a meaningful reward and recognition program What can you expect from this position? Reporting to the Director, Operations Planning and Modernization, the Associate Director, Operational Modernization & Capacity Enablement will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of airport operations at Toronto Pearson. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity to drive transformative initiatives that unlock capacity and improve operational performance within a dynamic and fast-paced environment that results in a more seamless experience for passengers, employees, and partners. Working across Airport Operations and key business partners, this role will drive modernization efforts, optimize processes and planning practices, and advance scalable operating models that support passenger growth, service excellence, productivity, and cost performance. As a trusted advisor to senior leaders, the Associate Director will help shape Airport Operations strategy, monitor progress on key transformation initiatives, and provide executive- and Board-level reporting that supports informed decision-making across the organization. As an Associate Director, Operational Modernization & Capacity Enablement, you will: * Lead a portfolio of cross-functional operational modernization and continuous improvement initiatives across Airport Operations. * Develop and execute multi-year roadmaps that improve operational effectiveness, efficiency, and capacity utilization. * Identify and implement opportunities to simplify processes, optimize resources, and improve organizational performance. * Lead initiatives focused on unlocking latent and virtual airport capacity through advanced planning, forecasting, and operational optimization. * Build a technology and data focused integrated demand and capacity planning framework that spans the entire journey of passenger and bags across landside, terminals, airfield, and baggage functions. * Partner with operational leaders to establish performance measures and improve planning methodologies through data-driven decision-making. * Develop business cases, governance frameworks, implementation plans, and strategic recommendations to shape modernization initiatives. * Lead the development of executive briefings, Board materials, presentations, and strategic updates for senior leadership. * Monitor and communicate progress against strategic priorities and continuous improvement initiatives. * Foster a culture of innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across Airport Operations. * Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to team members while building organizational capabilities in change management, project management, and improvement methodologies. This is the role for you, if you have: * 10+ years of progressive experience in operations, operational strategy, process improvement, operational planning, or organizational effectiveness. * 5+ years of leadership experience leading teams and driving organizational change. * Demonstrated success delivering large-scale operational modernization, productivity improvement, capacity enhancement, or operating model transformation initiatives. * Strong experience developing business cases, strategic plans, and executive-level recommendations. * Proven ability to lead complex cross-functional initiatives and influence senior stakeholders. * Exceptional communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, including experience supporting executive leadership teams, governance committees, or Boards. * Experience in aviation, transportation, logistics, infrastructure, or other large-scale operational environments is considered a strong asset. * Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies, Lean principles, operational excellence, and change management practices. * Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Aviation Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Transportation Planning, or a related discipline. * MBA, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Project Management, or Change Management certification is considered an asset. * Ability to obtain and retain Transportation Security Clearance. The GTAA is committed to Employment Equity and maintaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. This position is exempt from Ontario's 2026 pay transparency requirements under Regulation 476/24.

What you’ll do

Requirements

Candidates must have over 10 years of experience in operations or strategy, with at least 5 years in a leadership capacity. A bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required, and the ability to obtain a transportation security clearance is mandatory.