Manager, Airside Standards and Compliance at Vancouver International Airport Authority (YVR)

YVR is a place of connection, bringing together people, places and cargo while ensuring a safe and efficient experience for everyone. Airside Operations is integral to delivering a safe and efficient operation and is the key in the continued success of the Vancouver Airport Authority.

Position overview

We have a permanent, full-time opportunity for a Manager, Airside Standards and Compliance. Reporting to the Director, Airside Operations, the successful candidate is a subject matter expert – leading a team that develops and manages standards and programs to influence successful delivery against Aviation Regulation and Operational Plans.  This dynamic leader is key in managing the compliance and safety of the airfield and is a strong self-starter and a team player comfortable in a complex and changing environment. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Provides subject matter expertise, advice, and recommendations to the Director, Airside Operations regarding all aspects of the Airside Operating environment with focus on Aviation Standards on manoeuvring areas, Aviation Regulation, and Compliance related issues 
• Ensures regulatory compliance, corporate, operational and safety objectives are achieved and enabled through standards and programs
• Acts as the Airport Authority Airside Operations representative for various stakeholders and working groups including NAV Canada, Transport Canada, Airlines and various internal stakeholders
• Creates, revises, maintains, and implements operating rules, regulations, standards, levels of service and procedures to ensure airport safety and efficiency; monitors and responds to deviations from airport operating rules and regulations; manages all aeronautical publications and AOM updates, revisions and reissuance
• Develops and maintains programs supporting protections of aerodrome related airspace including Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and Airport Zoning requirements
• Collaborates with Airport Planning, Commercial Development, and other key stakeholders to review, short, medium and long-term development plans, ensuring airfield and airport systems are optimized and aligned with organizations strategic approach to enhancing capacity
• Serves as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for airside capital project development and execution, partnering with Engineering and Integration and Readiness teams to ensure all regulatory requirements have been considered
• Develops Concepts of Operations (CONOPs) to enhance organizational and stakeholder understanding of airside systems and operational functions
• Provides leadership to a team of aviation professionals which includes coaching and mentoring, monitoring work efforts and performance and supporting developmental activities.
• Supports the learning and development of airside operations and broader organizational teams by creating and delivering training materials that build knowledge of the airside environment, regulations, and system functionality.
• Investigates safety incidents, including accidents and incursions, and develops recommendations and corrective action plans to enhance airside safety and operating efficiency

Key qualifications include:

• Minimum 5-7 years’ experience working in an airport airside environment, supplemented by a Bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years in a leadership role developing, managing and leading teams; or an equivalent combination of training and experience
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage teams effectively in dynamic and rapidly changing environments
• Strong facilitation, interpersonal, and written communication skills with a proven ability to build and maintain relationships internally and externally
• In-depth technical knowledge of applicable laws, aviation regulations, and Safety Management System principles, including risk management methodologies
• Skilled in conflict resolution and mediation, with the ability to remain impartial during sensitive processes such as violation appeals
• Proven high level of independent judgment, analytical thinking, and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multitask across daily operations and complex projects in ambiguous, high-pressure environments.

This role requires onsite presence at the airport and the flexibility to work irregular hours as needed, depending on operational demands or seasonal fluctuations. A valid Class 5 driver’s licence is essential, as the ability to obtain an Airside Vehicle Operator Permit (AVOP) is a requirement for this position.

Although not required, French language skills are an asset as we are committed to providing bilingual services to our visitors and passengers. Candidates who do not speak French are still strongly encouraged to apply.