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The Manager Continuous Improvement Pairing Optimization will be responsible for improving operational efficiencies and cultivating a culture of continual improvement within our organization. This role will work closely with cross-functional teams to discover, implement, and sustain improvements across multiple planning processes. This position will oversee the continuous improvement of Air Canada’s Jeppesen Crew Pairing Optimizer. This will include strategic analysis and assessment of both the IFS and FOPS pairing systems for both immediate and future requirements. The role will also provide SME guidance for all initiatives related to the Jeppesen Optimizer and its functions and provide shared oversight on all future development requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Lead process improvement initiatives and change efforts to increase operational efficiencies at the department.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to establish effective partnerships and ensure alignment in continuous improvement strategies.
• Explore opportunities and communicate effectively with departments that have a direct impact on or are influenced by PBS Blocking choices, such as Base Management, Crew Training, Crew Scheduling, Manpower Planning, and Pairing.
• Chair focus groups within the various Flight Operations and IFS departments to streamline processes and ensure desired output achieved.
• Develop and maintain metrics to measure the success of Crew Blocking compare against continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead root cause analysis efforts to address underlying issues contributing to blocking inefficiencies.
• Identify automation possibilities across various departments and internal teams.
• Work with Crew IT to identify and leverage new software capabilities by representing Crew Planning business needs during Ops Modernization Scoping.
• Provide training and mentorship to team members by enhancing collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Collaborate with leadership to integrate continuous improvement efforts with broader business strategy.
• Regularly assess and adapt pairing development strategies based on changing corporate schedule needs.
• Develop a roadmap for future optimizer developments. This will be accomplished in partnership with all stakeholders who use and support the system.
• Analyze all union / management proposals for system changes. Provide an impact assessment to determine total costs, efficiency, and alignment with other systems.
• Collaborate with PBS / Pairings / Netline system users to identify and address their concerns. Develop an improvement strategy accordingly.
• Continually assess the pairing optimizer function to maximize software capabilities and efficiency for system users.
• Collaborate closely with IT on optimizer development and testing. Provide a business perspective on how the system is used.
• Document and report all system upgrades to users, including new vendor or in-house development, to ensure alignment and awareness of changes.
• Report progress versus projected timelines to ensure development goals and budgets are on track.
• Ensure system users understand the new logic's function and impact. Create structural maps to explain this new logic.
• Assess and report on prospective new system functionalities and features. This will include calculating the cost and value of deploying these additional capabilities.
• Ongoing development to maintain and reorganize software logic. The goal will be to establish a reasonable organization that will help users become more efficient.
• Develop synergies between FOPS and IFS Jepp software.
• Provide extensive reporting and analysis of system functions as needed.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and merging trends in continuous improvement strategies.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the organization.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field or 10+ years experience in Crew Resources, Flight Operations and/or In-Flight Service area.
• Management / leadership experience an asset.
• Demonstrated capability for inspiring and developing teams for success.
• Ability to cultivate strong collaborative working relationships and viewed as credible.
• Experience driving process improvement strategies across different areas and business processes.
• Effective organizational skills and an aptitude for managing the pace of change.
• Strong analytical skills and a passion for delivering results.
• Analytical and applied logic background with experience using operational, financial reporting, data querying and modelling tools and software such as Netline, Forum, Jeppesen Crew Planning tools,
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Visio, Project), SQL, Python, RAVE, Power BI.
• Creative problem solver who thinks strategically, is results oriented and attentive to details.
• Strong presentation skills and the ability to explain complex subjects to others with limited knowledge of
  processes.
• In-depth knowledge of the Air Canada/ACPA and Air Canada/CUPE Collective Agreements, Crew
• Legalities and Operational Constraints.
• Excellent communication, diplomacy, and tact as well as negotiation skills required for the interaction with the Pilot and Flight Attendant Association, senior leadership and external branches (Finance, Training & Crew Scheduling).
• Proven ability to delegate workload and meet tight deadlines.
• MS Office proficiency (Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Graphical and statistical applications).
• Ability to travel as needed.

Conditions of Employment:

Candidates must be eligible to work in the country of interest, at the time any offer of employment is made and seeking any required work permits/visas or other authorizations which may be required is the sole responsibility of the candidates applying for this position.

Linguistic Requirements

Based on equal qualifications, preference will be given to bilingual candidates.

Diversity and Inclusion

Air Canada is strongly committed to Diversity and Inclusion and aims to create a healthy, accessible and rewarding work environment which highlights employees’ unique contributions to our company’s success.

As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all to help us build a diverse workforce which reflects the diversity of our customers, and communities, in which we live and serve.

Air Canada thanks all candidates for their interest; however only those selected to continue in the process will be contacted.