Director, Data Analytics & Emerging Technology

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 you’ll do:

We are seeking a seasoned leader to spearhead GTAA’s enterprise Data and Analytics (D&A) program and develop emerging technology roadmaps that accelerate our digital transformation strategy.

Strategic Leadership: Define and drive enterprise data & analytics (D&A) strategy aligned with the GTAA’s transformation vision, LIFT capital programs and our long-term Digital Master Plan.

Enterprise Data & Analytics: Lead the D&A Centre of Excellence team to work alongside GTAA business units and airport partners to comprehend core business objectives and facilitate their achievement using data-driven methodologies. Your responsibilities include managing the enterprise data technology stack to ensure a reliable, scalable, and efficient data technology architecture, operational integrations, data pipelines, and optimal performance of the data lake(s).

Ethical Data Use: You oversee data governance, standards, and data quality frameworks to foster a robust data-driven culture and enhance data literacy capabilities. You ensure the responsible and ethical application of data, analytics, and AI, with particular emphasis on governance and risk management in automated decision-making processes.

Emerging Technology Roadmaps: Develop and implement technological roadmaps that accelerate digital transformation, align with key commercial and agency partner strategies, and foster strategic ecosystem partnerships.

Technology Innovation: Identify, evaluate, and prioritize emerging technologies such as biometrics, AI-driven personalization, and IoT to enhance airport operations, while cultivating relationships with tech companies, startups, and relevant research institutions.

Team Leadership & Development: Build, lead, and mentor diverse, multi-disciplinary teams, set clear objectives, establish a healthy work environment, and drive organizational excellence in data and technology.

Financial Stewardship: Manage a multi-million-dollar annual operating budget reporting regularly to committees and the executive leadership and identifying high-potential venture investment opportunities.

This is the role for you, if you have:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, information systems, business administration, or a related field, or equivalent work experience. A master’s degree in data science, analytics, or an MBA with an analytics focus is preferred
• Industry certifications such as Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) and ITIL are a minimum requirement Preferred certifications include Chief Data Officer (CDAO) programs, Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP), and ISACA CET (Certified in Emerging Technology)
• 10+ years of business experience preferred, ideally in data science, analytics, or business intelligence roles, with 2-3 years in technology scouting, market research, and competitive intelligence
• Proven experience leading data transformation initiatives across large organizations and enterprise-wide data strategies
• Familiarity with various analytics technologies and tools (e.g., PowerBI, Tableau) and modern cloud-based analytics platforms (e.g., Microsoft Fabric, GCP, AWS)
• Ability to understand the business significance of data, work with ambiguity, develop creative approaches to analytical problems, and interpret data from an aviation or complex industrial operations perspective
• Experience with data monetization and business value creation from analytics, as well as vendor management and technology partnership development
• Strong expertise in statistical analytical techniques preferred, data mining, and predictive modeling; familiar with tools like SQL, Python, Hadoop, NoSQL databases, and platforms such as Tableau and Power BI.
• Strong understanding of data processes and data flows, SDLC, CI/CD, and cutting-edge data management strategies like Data Mesh
• Experience in risk management and regulatory compliance in data handling
• Background in technology evaluation, proof-of-concept development, and pilot program management, with a track record of strategic tech partnership development and vendor relationships
• 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