About the Faculty of Business, Communication Studies and Aviation

The Faculty of Business, Communication Studies and Aviation at Mount Royal University's mission is to foster a community of leaders and changemakers committed to advancing a sustainable future. Within this academic environment, students explore diverse programs in business, communications, media and aviation management. Through experiential learning and community engagement, we prepare students for the challenges they will face.

With strong connections to Calgary's business community and a dedication to ethical leadership, the Faculty equips students to make a meaningful impact in their careers and society. Aspiring to provide a diverse and inclusive learning environment, the Faculty challenges students to become community leaders. Using fundamentals of experiential learning and small class sizes, students are provided with opportunities to connect with industry professionals and local communities throughout their degree.

We offer a different kind of education to students who want to make a change in our world. The educational experience is very unique, challenging students to put knowledge into practice by engaging in real client projects and directed research. By studying in any of our programs our students will transform their degree into their passion.

The School of Communication Studies consists of four programs: Public Relations, Broadcast Media Studies, Journalism, and Information Design. The Bissett School of Business has seven majors: Accounting, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Marketing, Human Resources, International Business and General Management. The Aviation program has both an Aviation Diploma and Bachelor or Aviation Management.

The Faculty of Business, Communication Studies and Aviation is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive learning environment that furthers equity, inclusion and social justice.

About the Aviation Program

The MRU Aviation program is celebrating 55 years of the Aviation Diploma. Expansion of the diploma is occurring now and continuing in the next few years. The newly launched Bachelor of Aviation Management in September 2024 is opening doors to new program possibilities in MRU Aviation’s long-term plan. The hangar operations will be moving to a new facility at the Springbank Airport in August 2025. Additional aircraft and simulators are being added, as well as additional faculty. This expansion requires additional employee roles to manage the various functions of the program and to provide excellent education to students.

About the Role

The Operations Manager is a newly created position that will support the growing aviation program and report to the Dean of Faculty of Business, Communication Studies and Aviation.. This is a full-time, in-person position with minimal supervision and a high level of decision-making. The successful applicant will oversee the operations of the Aviation Facility at the Springbank Campus. This includes the day-to-day operations of flight training as well as long-term planning for the success of the flight training program. Critical aspects of the role include overseeing daily operations, ensuring a productive and collaborative work environment, and driving strategy and plans to achieve operational excellence. Cultivating an environment of continuous improvement and efficiency through innovation is required for success.

Experience in flight training is not a requirement, as this role intersects closely with that of the Academic Director and Chief Flight Instructor, who is responsible for Operational Control and meeting Transport Canada flight training standards, as well as overseeing the academic programming, and building and maintaining connections to industry.

The majority of the work is conducted at the Springbank Campus at the Springbank Airport. Since the role requires working with others in the aviation leadership team and aviation faculty, some time will be required at the Lincoln Park Campus in Calgary.

Responsibilities

Oversee Hangar Operations

• Oversight of information systems related to financial management, maintenance, inventory management, scheduling and training
• Ensure safe and efficient daily movements of aircraft and pilots
• Oversee logistics of daily operations, ensuring efficient operation of the hangar, adhering to university policies and procedures, and effective resolution of any issues that arise
• Work with Safety Officers to implement ongoing safety improvements and review hazards and incidents related to hangar operations
• Oversee building operations/contracts including security, snow removal, hangar and aircraft cleaning, landscaping, and fuel deliveries
• Responsible for collaborating with Springbank Airport and the Calgary Airport Authority to address any issues that may arise regarding MRU’s Springbank Operations (lease agreement management)
• Responsible for managing and implementing hangar operations projects
• Serve as a liaison with other university departments, including but not limited to Finance, Registrar’s Office, and Information Technologies
• Ensure compliance with Mount Royal University Collective Agreements

Financial, People Management and Development

• Ensure flight scheduling, maintenance, invoicing and flight training payment processes are conducted accurately and efficiently
• Manage contract and purchasing processes related to hangar operations
• Financial planning and responsibility for operating the flight school and hangar in alignment with established budgets
• Oversee student payments
• Supervise and manage the performance of the staff within the parameters of University policies, and applicable Collective Agreements and/or Term and Conditions
• Recruit, train and supervise hangar operations and maintenance staff 
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment by promoting team work and addressing staff concerns appropriately
• Coach, mentor, and oversee performance management; providing timely and constructive feedback, setting clear goals to support professional development and alignment with departmental objectives

Aircraft and Simulator

• Responsible for data collection and analysis to inform fleet planning
• Responsible for overseeing maintenance of aircraft and simulators at Springbank and the MRU main campus
• Contract negotiations, in coordination with Procurement, to support hangar operations (maintenance, snow removal, leasing of planes, etc.) 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree, preferably in Aviation or Operations Management
• Three to six years of experience in a senior operations or management role, ideally within the aviation industry
• Experience leading and supervising others
• Project management experience
• Prior budgeting and financial management responsibility
• Knowledge of the aviation industry  
• Experience with contract management and warehouse operations
• Experience with data management, analysis, reporting and control
• Familiarity with Flightlogger, WinAir, inventory control and financial management systems. 

Skills

• Ability to provide exceptional leadership and a demonstrated understanding of the importance of team
• Excellent communication skills
• An ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently, able to switch tasks and areas of focus throughout the day
• Experience in building new processes in a dynamic environment
• Problem Solving and attention to detail
• Leadership and integrity
• Empower others, foster growth and be inclusive
• Engage and support others
• Take risks and are innovative
• Knowledge of Canadian Aviation Regulations preferred
• An understanding or overview of flight training requirements preferred

Salary:                 $86,406.00 - $119,238.00 per annum

Closing Date:      Open until a suitable candidate is found

A cover letter and resume should be submitted in one .pdf document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number], [Document Title].pdf (ex. Smith, 999999, CV.pdf).