GSE Fleet Country Manager

Job summary

The GSE Fleet Country Manager will lead equipment operations across four Canadian airports, ensuring fleet availability, reliability, and safety. They are responsible for managing budgets, vendor relationships, and a team of mechanics to support operational excellence.

Job details

Samsic Assistance is part of the global Samsic Group, a leader in aviation services, facility management, and customer experience across more than 30 countries. Samsic Assistance Canada operates in all five of Canada’s major airports: Toronto Pearson, Montréal-Trudeau, Vancouver International, Calgary International, and Edmonton International. The company’s Canadian headquarters are located in Montréal, Québec. Our Mission We are committed to delivering safe, reliable, and high‑quality ground handling services that support the success of our airline partners and the smooth flow of the airport. Joining Samsic means becoming part of a dynamic, people‑focused organization where operational excellence, innovation, and teamwork drive everything we do. "Our organization is strong, and our greatest pride is to have the support of the men and women who contribute to our collective success day after day. Together, we will continue to grow and ensure our sustainability, now and into the future.” ~ Groupe Samsic. Samsic Assistance Canada offers competitive salary packages, an incredible work environment, and career advancement opportunities. This position will be based at the address below: 455 Bd Fénelon, Suite 202, Dorval, QC H9S 5T8 For more information about our company, visit our websites at: www.samsic.aero or www.samsic.com The Impact You'll Make Our Ground Support Equipment (GSE) team is the backbone of our service, ensuring that the machinery powering airport operations is always ready, reliable, and compliant. As our GSE Fleet Country Manager, you will be the driving force behind our equipment operations at Samsic Assistance Canada across our 4 Canadian airports: YUL, YYZ, YVR, and YYC. You’ll lead a skilled team of mechanics and technicians, ensuring that every vehicle, tow bar, and conveyor belt is maintained to the highest standards. Your leadership will directly impact operational safety, turnaround times, and overall passenger experience. What You'll Do (Key Responsibilities) Fleet Availability & Reliability * Ensure sufficient GSE availability to support operations and peak periods. * Monitor fleet utilization, availability, downtime, reliability, and equipment performance. * Identify recurring equipment failures and drive corrective actions. * Ensure consistency in fleet management practices between stations. * Monitor inventory of parts and tools, ensuring availability for urgent repairs for the YUL station and offer expertise across our other Canadian stations to support strong decision-making. Fleet Acquisition & Lifecycle Management * Lead fleet planning, replacement, refurbishment, rental, and acquisition decisions. * Develop lifecycle plans based on age, utilization, reliability, maintenance cost, and operational requirements. Financial & Cost Management * Own country-level fleet OPEX and CAPEX budgets. * Monitor maintenance, rental, fuel/energy, insurance, and replacement costs. * Identify opportunities to reduce total cost of ownership. * Track budget versus actuals and implement corrective actions. Safety, Compliance & Risk * Work closely with QSSE and Operations on fleet-related risks. Operational Support * Support major operational disruptions, seasonal peaks, new contracts, and station start-ups. * Establish contingency plans for critical equipment failures or shortages. * Provide escalation support for major fleet-related operational issues. * Act as the technical reference point for the team, providing guidance and troubleshooting expertise, as well as negotiating arguments to support each station in getting the best service at the best price for their GSE needs. * Collaborate closely with operations managers to align equipment readiness with flight schedules. Fleet Data & Performance Management * Implement a standardized national fleet dashboard. * Track KPIs * Use data to drive investment and operational decisions. * Track performance metrics and implement continuous improvement initiatives. Vendor & Supplier Management * Manage strategic relationships with GSE manufacturers, maintenance providers, rental companies, and other suppliers. * Negotiate pricing, service levels, warranties, and maintenance agreements. * Monitor supplier performance against agreed KPIs. Team Leadership * Support the Montreal GSE team to ensure their lifecycle activities, compliance with safety regulations and operational needs comply to high-quality standards and that repairs, replacements and purchases are carefully planned on an annual and quarterly basis. * Support the GSE Team to ensure their planning and coordination of inventory is optimal to support airport operations * Ensure the local team has up-to-date plans to manage preventive maintenance programs to minimize downtime and extend equipment lifespan. * Lead, mentor, and develop your team, fostering a culture of accountability and pride in workmanship. What You'll Bring * Proven experience of at least 10 years in GSE maintenance management, fleet management in the aviation industry, or equivalent experience. * Strong knowledge of airport ground support equipment and related safety standards. Knowledge of Samsic Equipment is an asset. * Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. * Leadership qualities that inspire trust, respect, and high performance. * Ability to interpret technical manuals and troubleshoot complex mechanical issues. * Experience managing large purchasing agreements and subcontracting service agreements with third-party service providers. * Proficiency in maintenance tracking systems and reporting tools. * A commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence. Why You'll Love It Here * Work in the heart of airport operations, where your impact is immediate and visible. * Competitive salary and comprehensive health benefits. * Opportunities for ongoing training and certifications in GSE and safety standards. * A supportive team culture that values collaboration and professional growth. * Access to cutting-edge equipment and tools. * The satisfaction of keeping critical airport operations running smoothly every day. Join Us Ready to lead a team that keeps the airport moving? Send us your resume and a brief note about a time you solved a complex equipment challenge under pressure. We can’t wait to see how you’ll make an impact at Samsic Assistance Canada. Work Environment The GSE Fleet Country Manager will primarily work in an airport environment, with exposure to various weather conditions and the noise of aircraft operations. The role may require flexible hours, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays. Conditions of Employment Candidates must be eligible to work in Canada 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. Employment Equity Samsic Assistance Canada is an equal opportunity employer that makes hiring decisions based on business needs and the best-qualified candidates available. The Company encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women, members of visible minorities, and others who may contribute to diversification. Accessibility Samsic Assistance Canada aims to enhance diversity among its employees. We are committed to ensuring our recruitment processes are accessible and offer accommodations as needed for applicants. If you anticipate requiring accommodations during the interview process, please reach out to us.

What you’ll do

The GSE Fleet Country Manager will lead equipment operations across four Canadian airports, ensuring fleet availability, reliability, and safety. They are responsible for managing budgets, vendor relationships, and a team of mechanics to support operational excellence.

Requirements

Candidates must have at least 10 years of experience in GSE maintenance or fleet management within the aviation industry. Strong leadership, technical troubleshooting skills, and experience managing large purchasing agreements are required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive health benefits
• Ongoing training
• Professional growth opportunities

Listed skills

• Leadership · Preferred
• Preventive Maintenance · Preferred
• Data analysis · Preferred
• Safety Compliance · Preferred
• Operational Excellence · Preferred
• Negotiation · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• GSE maintenance management
• Fleet management
• Aviation industry knowledge
• Leadership
• Budget management
• Vendor management
• Preventive maintenance
• Technical troubleshooting
• Data analysis
• KPI tracking
• Strategic planning
• Safety compliance
• Operational excellence
• Negotiation
• Team development
• Employment Equity
• Total Cost Of Ownership
• Supplier Management
• Business Metrics
• Equipment Operation
• Inventory Monitoring
• Accountability
• Organizational Skills
• Planning
• Budgeting
• Cost Management
• Management
• Decision Making
• Customer Service
• Contingency Planning
• Continuous Improvement Process
• Performance Management
• Occupational Safety And Health
• Facility Management
• Innovation
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Machinery
• Mechanics
• Operational Excellence
• Operations Management
• Operations
• Performance Metric
• Safety Standards
• Purchasing
• Quality Management
• Relationship Building
• Subcontracting
• Supplier Performance Management
• Team Leadership
• Technical Communication

Job areas

• Logistics
• Transportation
• Management & Leadership
• Engineering
• Security & Safety
• Fleet Manager
• Fleet Maintenance Supervisor
• Mechanical Engineering Technicians
• First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

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