Cargo Operations Manager Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

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This position reports to the Senior Director, Cargo Operations, and has full accountability for the Toronto Cargo Hub encompassing cargo handling, workforce planning, operational excellence, freighter operations, and continuous improvement programs. Provides strategic leadership to Senior Managers and Managers, driving performance and results across the cargo operations stream. Develops and implements 3- to 5-year strategic plans, champions key programs and policies, and directs a large organization of 40+ direct and indirect managers and 690+ unionized employees. Partners with internal and external stakeholders to establish KPIs and continuous improvement initiatives that ensure consistent service delivery. Serves as the primary strategic interface to global senior leadership, aligning on tactical execution and long-term hub development. Additionally, manages an operating expense budget exceeding $80M.

Responsibilities:

• Direct all aspects of cargo hub operations, including cargo handling, warehouse management, workforce planning, continuous improvement, and freighter operations at the Toronto Cargo Hub.
• Direct, support, coach, and develop a team of 20+ Managers by providing clear leadership, mentorship, and preparing succession plans.
• Ensure the safe, compliant, and efficient movement of cargo through strategic planning, operational excellence, and robust warehouse management.
• Act as the primary liaison and strategic interface between the Toronto Cargo Hub and global senior leadership, providing transparent updates on tactical execution, operational performance, risks, and strategic milestones to align hub activities with overarching corporate objectives.
• Communicate complex operational data, performance metrics, and strategic recommendations to senior executives globally, ensuring alignment on resource allocation, capital investments, and network-wide capacity planning.
• Collaborate with senior managers at the YYZ Hub in the development of performance goals and long-term operational plans.
• Maximize efficiency and productivity through extensive process/data analysis and interdepartmental collaboration to improve daily operations.
• Set strategic goals for operational efficiency and increased productivity, measure effectiveness, and ensure customer SLAs are met.
• Work with direct reports in the development of financial and budgetary plans for both short-term and long-term objectives.
• Ensure Cargo IQ and performance metrics for the Toronto Cargo Hub align with station capabilities and set targets for the team.
• Understand and ensure the consistent application of the IAM contract for 690+ members and maintain beneficial relations with union members and executives.
• Lead, develop, implement, and monitor day-to-day Management operational systems and processes to provide visibility into the goals, progress, and obstacles of key initiatives.
• Champion data-driven decision-making by analyzing shipment performance, cargo irregularities, dwell time, and customer satisfaction.
• Draw on relationships with department heads, external partners, and vendors to make decisions regarding operational activity and strategic goals.
• Devise strategies for ensuring the growth of programs with the majority of the focus on CHIP, and implement transition plans to maximize output and minimize costs.
• Ensure the company's policies and standards pertaining to H&S, CLC, regulatory and governing bodies are being followed.
• Work closely with Human Resources, Workforce Planning teams, and the union to lead the team with integrity and to establish and maintain a trusting, inclusive, and productive environment.
• Provide leadership and act for the region on all Cargo service matters.
• Give direction in the development of mainline and freighter aircraft and road feeder service schedules; evaluate trade-offs and submit recommendations.
• Oversee all cargo handling operations, including ULD build-up/breakdown, cargo acceptance, screening, storage, documentation, and loading/unloading.
• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders in coordinating all truck movements, connections, bookings, etc.
• Work closely with airport management to drive improvements for the Cargo business.
• Provide advice and information to other management staff globally.
• Work closely with all internal and external stakeholders to obtain maximum use of space and increase revenue for all destinations.
• Ensure 24/7 operational readiness, including shift scheduling, equipment availability, and contingency planning for irregular operations (IROPs).
• Drive innovation through the integration of new technologies (e.g., AI/ML-based forecasting tools, advanced analytics platforms) to support faster, data-led decision-making.
• Lead initiatives to automate warehouse operations and optimize cargo flow, security control, and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in cargo operations, logistics, or related fields, with a focus on leadership and management roles.
• Experience in the aviation industry, particularly in air cargo operations, is highly desirable.

Leadership and Management Skills:

• Proven track record of effectively leading and managing a large team, including direct and indirect reports.
• Strong leadership abilities to provide clear direction, mentorship, and coaching to managers and employees.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare succession plans and foster talent development within the organization.

Operational Excellence and Process Improvement:

• Solid understanding of operational excellence principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience in analyzing complex processes and data to identify areas for optimization and enhanced efficiency.

Financial Acumen:

• Ability to develop and manage financial and budgetary plans for short-term and long-term objectives.
• Experience in analyzing financial data and performance metrics to make data-driven decisions.

Communication and Stakeholder Management:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with union representatives, executives, department heads, and vendors.

Safety and Regulatory Compliance:

• Comprehensive knowledge of health and safety standards and their application in an operational environment.
• Familiarity with applicable regulatory requirements and the ability to ensure compliance.

Strategic Thinking and Goal Setting:

• Strategic mindset with the capability to set operational efficiency goals and measure their effectiveness.
• Ability to align operational plans with long-term organizational objectives.

Relationship Management:

• Strong ability to negotiate, facilitate, and manage contracts with suppliers and external partners.
• Demonstrated skill in collaborating with various departments and stakeholders to achieve common goals.

Cargo Industry Knowledge:

• Thorough understanding of the air cargo industry, including freighter operations, transportation logistics, and cargo space utilization.
• Familiarity with cargo service contracts, aircraft schedules, and related logistics.

Problem-Solving and Decision-Making:

• Exceptional problem-solving skills to address operational challenges and make effective decisions under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate trade-offs and submit informed recommendations.

Regulatory Compliance and Policies:

• Awareness of relevant regulatory and governing bodies' policies, standards, and compliance requirements.
• Proven track record of adhering to industry-specific regulations and company policies.

Collaborative and Inclusive Leadership:

• A team-oriented and inclusive leadership style to promote a trusting, inclusive, and productive work environment.
• Ability to work closely with human resources, union representatives, and workforce planning teams.

Conditions of Employment:

Candidates must be eligible to work in the country of interest at the time any offer of employment is made and are responsible for obtaining any required work permits, visas, or other authorizations necessary for employment. Prior to their start date, candidates will also need to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the country of interest.

Linguistic Requirements

Based on equal qualifications, preference will be given to bilingual candidates.

Diversity and Inclusion

Air Canada is strongly committed to Diversity and Inclusion and aims to create a healthy, accessible and rewarding work environment which highlights employees' unique contributions to our company's success.

As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all to help us build a diverse workforce which reflects the diversity of our customers, and communities, in which we live and serve.

Air Canada thanks all candidates for their interest; however only those selected to continue in the process will be contacted.