Director, Airline Relations and Development

Toronto Pearson is transforming. Now’s the time for your career to fly.

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) is a unique and dynamic place to work, with a bold plan to make Toronto Pearson, Canada’s leading global hub airport, a global leader in airport performance, customer care and sustainability. Together with our partners, approximately 1,900 GTAA employees are working to create a next-generation airport by innovating in all we do and striving for the most uplifting, safe and efficient experience for our passengers – all while championing the prosperity of our people, the community we call home, and our aviation partners.  Join us on our journey together, as we put the joy back into travel and make Toronto Pearson the chosen place to fly and work.

What's in it for you?

• An opportunity to grow, develop, and thrive within a dynamic, and fast-growing company alongside thoughtful and passionate individuals dedicated to their work and community  
• Comprehensive benefits, including a flexible retirement program with employer matching, along with voluntary savings options (RRSP, TFSA, and Non-Registered Savings Plans)
• A flexible hybrid work environment, continuous internal and external learning opportunities, and a meaningful reward and recognition program

What can you expect from this position?

As the Director of Airline Relations and Development, you will be instrumental in driving the expansion and success of air services at Toronto Pearson. This pivotal role involves overseeing all air service development initiatives, managing airline partnerships, fostering cargo business growth, and leading market expansion efforts, including the creation and implementation of incentive programs. Your primary focus will be to strengthen Toronto Pearson’s global connectivity, grow cargo operations, and protect against competitive threats to air service, while adapting strategy as market factors evolve. This influential position requires you to advocate for airline partners within the GTAA, ensuring their needs are represented across the organization, and influencing planning for terminal and airside development, cargo infrastructure, and hangar development to support future growth.

Who are we looking for?

You are a strategic and dynamic leader, capable of conceptualizing, designing, and executing comprehensive air service development strategies to safeguard and expand business, support existing traffic, and attract new airlines, routes, and destinations, all while aligning with the airport's growth and connectivity objectives. You will lead the development of robust business cases, negotiations, and deal delivery with both internal and external stakeholders, effectively demonstrating the benefits and feasibility of new air service and cargo development initiatives.

You should excel at building and maintaining strong relationships with current and prospective airline partners, skillfully negotiating agreements, incentives, and collaborations to enhance connectivity and revenue streams. You will own and manage the airport's crucial relationships with airline partners, serving as the primary advocate for GTAA’s commercial, operational, and infrastructure development interests, and acting as the voice of airlines within the airport. Furthermore, a core focus will be to develop and manage comprehensive cargo business development strategies to attract new cargo carriers, increase cargo traffic, and optimize revenue, alongside leading market research and analysis to navigate a dynamic, competitive, and fast-changing business environment by identifying emerging trends, new markets, and passenger demands to inform data-driven decisions. Critically, you will embody and deliver on the people leader promise by building and developing diverse, multi-skilled teams, fostering a culture that actively promotes air service, and providing essential coaching, mentoring, and development to both individuals and teams.

This is the role for you, if you have:

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field. A Master's degree in Business Administration or Aviation Business Management is preferred
• 10+ years of demonstrated, relevant work experience in progressively senior roles, with proven experience in air service development, route planning, or airline network planning within the aviation industry
• Strong knowledge of airline industry dynamics, route development processes, and market trends
• 15+ years of demonstrated, relevant work experience in progressively senior roles and strong knowledge of airline revenue management and network planning are preferred
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills are essential
• An analytical mindset with the ability to interpret market data and trends to inform route development strategies
• The ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including airline executives and government officials, is crucial, along with the ability to influence outcomes and drive a culture of performance and excellence
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and market research methodologies, and proven project management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously
• Ability to obtain and retain a Transportation Security Clearance

The GTAA is committed to Employment Equity and maintaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive