Director - Hub Operations - Cargo

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Reporting to the Senior Director, Cargo Operations, the incumbent is fully responsible for the Toronto hub, including cargo handling, workforce planning, operational excellence, freighter operations, and continuous improvement programs. The incumbent provides strategic leadership to senior management and managers, driving performance and results across all cargo operations. They develop and implement 3-to-5-year strategic plans, lead key programs and policies, and oversee a vast organization of over 40 direct and indirect managers, as well as over 690 unionized employees. They collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to establish key performance indicators and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure consistent service delivery. They act as the primary strategic contact for the global senior management team, driving tactical execution and the long-term development of the hub. Furthermore, they manage an operating expense budget of over $80 million.

responsibilities:

• Direct all cargo hub operations, including cargo handling, warehouse management, workforce planning, continuous improvement, and freighter operations at the Toronto cargo hub.
• Lead, support, coach, and develop a team of over 20 directors, ensuring clear leadership, mentorship, and preparing succession plans.
• Ensure the safe, compliant, and efficient movement of cargo through rigorous strategic planning, operational excellence, and solid warehouse management.
• Act as the primary liaison and strategic interface between the Toronto cargo hub and the global senior management team, providing transparent updates on tactical execution, operational performance, risks, and strategic milestones to align hub activities with the Corporation's overall goals.
• Communicate complex operational data, performance metrics, and strategic recommendations to senior global leaders, ensuring alignment of resource allocation, capital expenditures, and capacity planning across the network.
• Collaborate with senior YYZ hub executives to establish performance targets and long-term operational plans.
• Maximize efficiency and productivity through in-depth process and data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to improve daily operations.
• Establish strategic goals for operational efficiency and productivity growth, measure their effectiveness, and ensure compliance with customer service level agreements.
• Collaborate with direct reports to develop financial and budget plans aimed at short- and long-term objectives.
• Ensure that Cargo iQ and performance metrics for the Toronto cargo hub match station capabilities and set goals for the team.
• Understand and ensure consistent application of the collective agreement of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) for over 690 members and maintain positive relationships with union members and senior management.
• Lead, develop, implement, and monitor daily operational management systems and processes to provide visibility into goals, progress, and obstacles related to key initiatives.
• Promote data-driven decision-making by analyzing shipment performance, cargo irregularities, downtime, and customer satisfaction.
• Leverage relationships with service managers, external partners, and suppliers to make decisions regarding operational activities and strategic objectives.
• Develop strategies to ensure program growth, focusing on the Cargo Hub Improvement Program (CHIP), and implement transition plans to maximize results and reduce costs.
• Ensure compliance with Corporation health and safety policies and standards, the Canada Labour Code, and regulatory and governing bodies.
• Work closely with Human Resources, Workforce Planning teams, and the union to lead the team with integrity and to establish and maintain a trusting, inclusive, and productive environment.
• Provide leadership regarding all Air Canada Cargo service matters for the region and act accordingly.
• Provide direction in establishing freighter and main schedule operations, as well as trucking services. Evaluate trade-offs and make recommendations.
• Supervise all cargo handling activities, including unit load device buildup and teardown, cargo acceptance, control, warehousing, documentation, loading, and unloading.
• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to coordinate all truck shipments, connections, bookings, etc.
• Work closely with Airport management to make improvements to cargo operations.
• Provide advice and information to other members of management globally.
• Work closely with all internal and external stakeholders to achieve maximum space utilization and increase revenue for all destinations.
• Ensure operational readiness at all times, including shift assignments, equipment availability, and contingency planning for operational irregularities.
• Foster innovation through the integration of new technologies (e.g., AI-based forecasting tools, machine learning, advanced analytics platforms) to support faster, data-driven decision-making.
• Lead initiatives to automate warehouse operations and optimize cargo flow, security control, and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, logistics, supply chain management, or a related field.
• At least ten years of progressive experience in cargo operations, logistics, or related fields in leadership and management positions.
• Experience in the aviation industry, particularly in cargo operations, highly desired.

Leadership and Management Skills

• Proven experience effectively leading and managing a large team, including direct and indirect reports.
• Strong leadership skills to provide clear direction, mentorship, and coaching to managers and employees.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare succession plans and foster talent development within the organization.

Operational Excellence and Process Improvement

• Solid understanding of operational excellence principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience analyzing complex processes and data to identify areas for optimization and improvement.

Financial Acumen

• Ability to develop and manage financial and budget plans for short- and long-term objectives.
• Experience analyzing financial data and performance indicators to make data-driven decisions.

Communication and Stakeholder Management

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with union representatives, senior leaders, service managers, and suppliers.

Safety and Regulatory Compliance

• In-depth knowledge of health and safety standards and their application in an operational environment.
• Familiarity with applicable regulatory requirements and the ability to ensure compliance.

Strategic Thinking and Goal Setting

• Strategic mindset and ability to establish operational efficiency goals and measure their effectiveness.
• Ability to align operational plans with long-term organizational goals.

Relationship Management

• Strong ability to negotiate, facilitate, and manage contracts with external suppliers and partners.
• Proven skills in collaborating with various departments and stakeholders to achieve common goals.

Cargo Industry Knowledge

• In-depth understanding of the air cargo sector, including freighter operations, transport logistics, and cargo space utilization.
• Knowledge of cargo service contracts, flight schedules, and related logistics.

Problem Solving and Decision Making

• Exceptional problem-solving skills to address operational challenges and make effective decisions under pressure.
• Proven ability to evaluate trade-offs and make informed recommendations.

Regulatory and Policy Compliance

• Knowledge of relevant regulatory bodies and regulations, policies, standards, and compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to adhere to industry-specific policies and regulations.

Collaborative and Inclusive Leadership

• Team-oriented and inclusive leadership style, fostering a work environment built on trust, inclusion, and productivity.
• Ability to work closely with Human Resources, union representatives, and Workforce Planning teams.

Employment Conditions:

Candidates must be eligible to work in the country concerned at the time an offer of employment is presented and are responsible for obtaining necessary work permits, visas, or other authorizations. Proof of eligibility must be provided prior to the start date.

Language Requirements

All things being equal, 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 workplace that highlights the unique contribution of our employees to our company's success.

As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage diverse applications so that we can build a varied workforce representative of our customers and the communities where we live and serve.

Air Canada thanks all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.