Regional General Manager

About WestJet

WestJet has been a leading player in Canadian aviation since 1996, committed to enriching lives through outstanding service and a respected corporate culture. Our team has grown to include over 15,000 employees supporting a wide network of approximately 200 aircraft across more than 100 destinations worldwide. WestJet is Canada’s premier value airline and holiday travel provider, delivering affordable and accessible air and vacation options.

Role Overview

As Regional General Manager, you will steer operational and safety leadership across the region, working with contracted service partners to uphold WestJet’s standards. Reporting to the Vice President, Airports, you will lead Regional Managers, ensuring compliance, operational excellence, and exceptional guest experiences throughout the airport network.

Key Responsibilities

• Promote a culture prioritizing safety by monitoring service partners’ performance and addressing risks.
• Lead and develop Regional Managers to achieve operational results, enhance guest satisfaction, improve employee engagement, and meet financial goals.
• Oversee consistent application of WestJet’s operational and guest experience standards across airports.
• Manage regional operational metrics and spearhead continuous improvement via targeted action plans.
• Conduct governance through audits and performance evaluations to identify gaps and enforce corrective measures.
• Analyze operational and safety data to detect trends, focus resources on critical risks, and strengthen oversight.
• Act as the escalation point for complex issues related to operations, guest service, safety, and irregular situations.
• Collaborate with Strategic Procurement to develop and monitor service partner strategies ensuring cost-effective and high-quality service delivery.
• Build and maintain executive relationships with key stakeholders including airport authorities, service providers, government agencies, and unions.
• Lead operational planning to prepare airports for seasonal demand, network expansion, partner transitions, and other initiatives.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement projects to elevate operational efficiency, guest and employee experiences, and financial outcomes.
• Engage with the Airports Leadership Team to align departmental priorities and guide strategic plans.

Required Experience and Skills

• Minimum of 3 years in airports leadership roles.
• Strong business leadership capabilities managing complex internal and external relationships.
• Excellent business acumen for budget and departmental plan execution.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple priorities effectively.
• Confident presenter of materials to senior leadership.
• Post-secondary education preferred, business-related fields advantageous.
• Experience managing multiple teams and locations simultaneously.
• Proficient with PC applications including Microsoft Project, Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively for prolonged periods.
• Project management skills are a plus.
• Knowledge of international regulations and guidelines (e.g., TSA, Civil Aviation authorities) is advantageous.
• Proven record of influencing leadership and developing strong teams and partnerships.
• Experience with IATA SGHA is beneficial.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive total rewards package.
• Inclusive and collaborative workplace culture focused on success.
• Travel privileges extended to employees and their families from the start date.
• Flexible savings and benefit programs tailored to individual needs.

Additional Information

This role supports remote work within Canada under WestJet’s mobile workforce program. Safety is a core value; all safety-sensitive roles require passing a pre-employment alcohol and drug test. WestJet is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. Accommodation requests during hiring can be made through the Talent Acquisition team.