Airworthiness Manager

Conair is the largest, privately owned, fixed-wing aerial firefighting company in the world, operating a fleet of 80 specialized aircraft to fight forest fires. We have been supporting government agencies around the globe for over 50 years, with a reputation of providing service excellence, making us an industry leader. We are aerospace engineering experts, creating 16 different airtanker types, converting hundreds of aircraft into airtankers. We are aviation maintenance experts, performing repair, maintenance and overhaul on our fleet. And we are operators, providing airtankers, crew and maintenance on contract over fire seasons to government agencies including Canada, the US, Australia and France. The culture at Conair is built on a teamwork, with a commitment to people, safety and service. We are proud of who we are, what we do and how we do it, protecting our world from wildfires.

The Airworthiness Manager is responsible for the leadership, performance, and strategic direction of the Airworthiness Department, including Technical Records and Aircraft Maintenance Planning. The position ensures the continued airworthiness, regulatory compliance, and maintenance program integrity of Conair’s fleet through effective management of maintenance programs, technical records, planning activities, aircraft inductions and configuration control.

The Airworthiness Manager provides leadership, professional expertise, and strategic oversight to ensure that all maintenance planning, technical records, and airworthiness activities are conducted in accordance with Transport Canada regulations, international regulatory requirements, OEM instructions, and company policies.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Airworthiness Department, including Technical Records and Maintenance Planning personnel.
• Establish performance expectations, support staff development, and promote a positive, accountable, and safety-focused work environment aligned with company values.

Airworthiness & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure continued airworthiness of the fleet through compliance with all applicable regulatory, OEM, and company requirements.
• Maintain working knowledge of CARs and other applicable regulations.
• Ensure all Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ADs, SBs, ICA, repairs, EO’s, etc.) are evaluated, incorporated, and controlled within the maintenance program.

Maintenance Programs, Planning & Configuration Control

• Oversee the development, accuracy, and control of aircraft maintenance programs.
• Provide long-term maintenance forecasting and oversee maintenance planning to support operational readiness and heavy maintenance scheduling.
• Ensure work packages, planning data, and configuration control are accurate, compliant, and efficient.
• Develop and improve planning, forecasting, and program control processes.

Technical Records Management

• Oversee technical records to ensure accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure records systems support maintenance tracking, audits, and planning requirements.
• Maintain integrity of electronic and manual record systems, including ERP / AMS platforms.
• Ensure all maintenance, repairs, modifications, and inspections are properly documented.

Aircraft Induction, Disposition & Leasing

• Manage airworthiness requirements related to aircraft acquisition, induction, bridging, leasing, export, and disposition.
• Ensure aircraft records, configuration, and compliance status are maintained during fleet transitions.
• Coordinate with Maintenance, Quality, and Operations during fleet changes.

Strategic Planning & Process Development

• Develop and implement strategic plans for the Airworthiness Department.
• Improve processes to enhance efficiency, capability, and regulatory compliance.
• Provide analysis and reporting on long-term maintenance requirements, reliability, and cost improvements.
• Support company growth and provide airworthiness support to subsidiaries and international operations as required.

Communication & Coordination

• Communicate airworthiness and maintenance requirements across departments.
• Provide updates to management and represent the department in internal and external meetings.
• Coordinate with Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Supply Chain to support fleet readiness.
• Ensure airworthiness policies and procedures are clearly communicated within the organization.

General

• Perform duties in accordance with company manuals, policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain familiarity with company bulletins, procedures, and regulatory updates.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of aircraft maintenance programs, planning, and technical records.
• Strong understanding of MSG-3, maintenance program control, and configuration management.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian Aviation Regulations and international airworthiness requirements.
• Proven leadership ability managing technical or airworthiness teams.
• Strong planning, forecasting, and organizational skills.
• Ability to develop processes and drive continuous improvement.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Detail-oriented with high standards for accuracy and compliance.
• Ability to make sound decisions in a dynamic operational environment.
• Experience with ERP / AMS systems (Ramco experience considered an asset).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office / Office 365.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum 10 years related experience with aircraft maintenance programs, planning and project management.
• AME license or equivalent required.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing technical teams.
• Demonstrated experience in aircraft maintenance, planning or project management.
• Post-Secondary accredited courses related to project management or planning an asset.

***Must be legally entitled to work in Canada (Canadian citizenship or permanent residency)***