Regional General Manager

About WestJet

Established in 1996, WestJet has become a leader in affordable air travel in Canada, expanding significantly to operate nearly 200 aircraft serving over 100 destinations worldwide. The company prides itself on its respected corporate culture and commitment to enriching the lives of its employees and guests.

Role Summary

The Regional General Manager will oversee the strategic direction and operational leadership of airport services in a specific region, ensuring safe and high-quality guest experiences through contracted service partners. Reporting to the Vice President of Airports, this leadership position requires managing a team of Regional Managers to maintain compliance with regulations, foster strong partner relationships, and uphold WestJet's standards across all airport touchpoints.

Key Responsibilities

• Promote a "Safety Above All" culture by guiding Regional Managers to ensure safety targets are met, risks are identified, and performance trends are managed.
• Lead and mentor a team of Regional Managers to achieve operational excellence, guest satisfaction, employee engagement, and financial goals.
• Oversee consistent implementation of WestJet's operational protocols and guest service standards throughout the region.
• Drive regional performance by meeting operational, guest experience, and financial objectives, supporting continuous improvement initiatives through station action plans.
• Conduct governance through audits, reviews, and assessments to ensure compliance, identify risks, and enforce corrective measures.
• Analyze performance and safety metrics to detect trends and inform decision-making priorities.
• Act as the primary escalation point for Regional Managers, guiding resolution of complex operational, safety, and guest service challenges.
• Collaborate with Strategic Procurement to formulate service partner strategies, support selection, and ensure cost-effective, safe, high-quality operations.
• Establish and maintain executive relationships with airport authorities, partner leadership, government agencies, unions, and other stakeholders.
• Lead regional operational planning to prepare airports for seasonal demand changes, growth initiatives, start-ups, service transitions, and other strategic projects.
• Encourage innovation and continuous improvement using data-driven initiatives to enhance operations, guest experience, engagement, and financial results.
• Contribute as a member of the Airports Leadership Team by setting departmental priorities and developing strategic initiatives.

Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years in airport leadership roles.
• Strong business leadership skills managing multiple internal and external stakeholder relationships.
• Business acumen to develop and manage departmental budgets and plans.
• Ability to multitask and adapt to shifting priorities effectively.
• Confident public speaker capable of presenting to senior leadership levels.
• Post-secondary education; business-related credentials are a plus.
• Experience managing multiple teams across various locations.
• Proficiency in PC software including Microsoft Project, Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively, including extended periods away from home.
• Project management experience is advantageous.
• Knowledge of international aviation regulations and guidelines (e.g., TSA, Civil Aviation authorities, UK High Commission) is beneficial.
• Proven success influencing leadership teams and managing partner relations to build strong direct leadership.
• Experience with IATA SGHA standards is desirable.

Benefits

• A vibrant, supportive, and collaborative workplace culture.
• Travel privileges available from your first day, applicable to you and your family.
• Flexible savings and benefits programs tailored to individual needs.

Additional Information

This role qualifies for remote work within Canada under WestJet's mobile workforce program. Safety and security are foundational values; roles identified as safety-sensitive require passing a pre-employment alcohol and drug test. WestJet is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages applicants from varied backgrounds. Reasonable accommodations can be provided during the hiring process upon request.