ABOUT WASCO:
Winnipeg Airport Services Corp. (WASCO) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Winnipeg Airports Authority that provides quality airport operations, management, facility maintenance and technical services to Canadian Airports.

WASCO has been retained by airports, to develop, implement and manage the Safety Management System (SMS) and Quality Assurance Program (QAP) for thirty-three certified and registered airports. All airports are northern and remote that have service daily scheduled/charter air services and are a vital link of goods and critical services to each community in which they serve.

Job Title: Manager, Safety and Compliance

Type: Full-time, Permanent

Reports to: Director, Airports WASCO

Closing Date: October 3, 2025

OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW:
Reporting directly to the Director, Airports, this role is accountable for leading, developing, and overseeing aviation safety and quality assurance services provided by WASCO. The incumbent provides strategic direction, operational oversight, and leadership to the employees within this department, ensuring their priorities are aligned with the broader organizational strategy.

Beyond managing day-to-day operations, this role is responsible for fostering strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and exercises discretionary decision-making authority on matters critical to WASCO’s operations.

This position also contributes to shaping organizational priorities by providing expert advice, strategic guidance, and input on fiscal and resource planning within the safety services and quality assurance portfolio. As a part of the WASCO leadership team, the incumbent plays an active role in corporate management and strategic planning initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides strategic oversight and operational management of each client’s individual Safety Management Programs, ensuring alignment with regulatory standards and client needs
• Manages departmental workload capacity by continuously evaluating actual labour hours against staff availability and forecasted demand. Leverages data-driven insights to optimize workforce planning, reallocate resources, and ensure high-priority tasks are completed on time
• Delivers or coordinates the delivery of required safety training, ensuring staff meet competency and compliance requirements
• Proactively identifies safety trends, emerging risks, and improvement opportunities
• Champion and model a collaborative, safety-focused organizational culture within the aviation safety and quality assurance team and across client programs
• Ensure the overall delivery, effectiveness, and regulatory compliance of aviation safety and quality assurance services in alignment with Transport Canada requirements and industry best practices
• Oversee the implementation of safety management programs, including securing necessary approvals from Transport Canada
• Lead the coordination and management of resources to support the daily operation of the aviation safety and quality assurance department
• Interact daily with local airports and team members to collect, review, and analyze reports and operational data
• Partner with Airport Managers to conduct root cause analyses and draft corrective action plans
• Participate in Hazard Identification Risk Assessments in accordance with the approved SMS
• Assess historical and technical data for hazard, event, and occurrence trends, identifying risk mitigation strategies as part of continuous improvement
• Promote a customer service culture in the delivery of services to clients
• Build, mentor, and lead a growing team of aviation safety professionals, fostering both technical growth and leadership development
• Collaborate with Human Resources to recruit, select, and retain high-performing staff
• Establish clear performance expectations, objectives, and timelines to ensure accountability and alignment with organizational goals
• Conduct regular one-on-one performance discussions and lead the annual performance evaluation process in partnership with HR
• Support employees in navigating workplace challenges, fostering a positive and productive work environment
• Oversee the use of Dayforce for vacation management, including timely review and approval of requests

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• University degree and/or college diploma in aviation, risk management, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• Previous leadership or management experience, preferably within an aviation or regulatory environment
• In-depth knowledge of airport operations and emergency planning
• Strong understanding of applicable federal, provincial, and municipal legislation, regulations, and policies
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and inspire large teams, fostering a collaborative environment that values diverse perspectives
• Demonstrated success in planning, organizing, negotiating, and resolving conflict effectively
• Ability to anticipate future business needs and develop strategic initiatives that align with organizational goals
• Track record of proactively identifying and implementing innovative improvements
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to adapt messaging across various audiences
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and influence others
• Resourceful and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Flexible and open to taking on new or evolving responsibilities.
• Professional designation in aviation or risk management (asset)
• Experience in policy development and process management (asset).
• Demonstrated experience applying methodologies such as LEAN or Six Sigma to drive operational improvements (asset)

WORK WITH US!

• Highly competitive salary.
• Full Benefits package of Health, Dental & Vision
• DC Pension Plan
• Healthcare Spending Account to use on additional benefit expenses
• Lifestyle Spending Account to use on Wellness expenses such as health and fitness
• Employee Assistance Program
• Supported Training & Development opportunities
• Opportunity to work with a high functioning team of professionals working on a diversified portfolio
• WASCO is a subsidiary of Winnipeg Airports Authority, which has been proudly named one of Manitoba’s Top Employers annually since 2011

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Based at the WASCO corporate offices at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport
• Occasional travel to airport sites and client offices (approximately 1–5 times per year)
• Work involves periods of extended standing, walking, bending, lifting up to 30 pounds, as well as sitting at a computer workstation

A condition of employment is the ability to obtain and maintain an Airport Restricted Area Identification Card. Winnipeg Airports Authority is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. We encourage all qualified applicants experiencing barriers to equity to

self-identify in their application. Accommodations are available upon request during the assessment and selection process.