Director Strategy & Operations Jobs in Kitchener, ON

About Vantage Group

Vantage Group is a global leader in airport and transportation investment, development, management, and advisor services.  Since 1994, Vantage's corporate and network-wide team has managed an award-winning portfolio, building strong partnerships that integrate global expertise and local know-how to solve complex transportation challenges at every network location.  Over three decades, Vantage has built a track record of creating customized solutions to transform airports and transportation centers that benefit the passengers, stakeholders, and communities they serve.  Vantage is a wholly owned strategic platform of Investcorp Corsair Infrastructure Partners for capital deployment in the airport and transportation sectors.  Visit vantagegroup.com to learn more.  

Vantage Group has operated Hamilton Airport since 1996. Economic and industrial development in the city and region have contributed to the airport's growth, with over 324,336 passengers welcomed in 2025. Hamilton is located on the western tip of Lake Ontario, an area known as the city of waterfalls. More information: www.flyhamilton.ca.

The Role

The Director, Operations, reporting to the Executive Managing Director, is responsible for all aspects of the airport operations, spanning the day to day to long-term strategic planning and includes accountability for airfield and groundside operations.  As a key member of the senior management team, the position is responsible for developing and implementing annual business plans, budgets and long-term capital plans and participating in board meetings. The Director, Operations interacts with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that the operation of a world class airport that has a focus on safety, security, cleanliness, efficiency and guest experience.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Operations Delivery

• Oversees all operational aspects, including airside, landside and terminal operations, safety and security, emergency response and stakeholder management by:
  • In collaboration with the rest of the YHM leadership team, establishes a vision to help guide the development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, policies and procedures
  • Acts as the senior authority during operational disruptions, including but not limited to weather or security caused IROPs
  • Works with the YHM leadership and Vantage to develop and implement strategies to increase operational effectiveness, capacity and efficiency
  • Provides strong and engaged leadership and direction to reports to ensure effective operations
  • Coordinating construction and infrastructure maintenance activities and projects on airside and groundside while ensuring minimum disruption in airside services or impacts
  • Ensuring compliance with all regulatory and legislated requirements, including all national aviation regulations, including but not limited to: FARs, CARs, SMS and Security
  • Managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders including employees, airlines, community and tenants
  • Services as an ambassador for the airport in the community
  • Overall accountability for the Airport's emergency response plan
• Involved in the creation of and execution on annual business planning and budgeting process along with the development and implementation of the multi-year airport master plan including capacity planning, environmental management, infrastructure requirements
• Mobilize and support functional teams to execute the highestpriority tactics essential to advancing YHM's transformation agenda
• Provides reports and presentations to the EMD, CEO, and the Board of Directors on a regular and as-needed basis
• Represents the airport externally with government and industry stakeholders in a variety of settings
• Is responsible for Operations risk management

Business Development

• In collaboration with Vantage, participate in the pursuit of strategic projects for the airport.
• Leverage industry contacts and relationships to identify, quantify and capture strategic opportunities for YHM.

Other duties and responsibilities commensurate with the position may be assigned.

About You 

• You hold a bachelor's degree in airport management, business, strategy, operations, or related field; MBA or equivalent advanced degree and aviation industry preferred
• At least ten years' experience working in a senior airport operations role with at least 5 years managing high performing teams. 
• Superior knowledge of operational functions and principles, including finance, customer service, production, and employee management
• Proven track record of leading airport operations teams through growth and transformation
• Demonstrated knowledge of managing and overseeing regulatory compliance and driving a safety culture
• Strong knowledge in environmental and sustainability management practices
• Superior interpersonal and negotiating skills in both internal and external settings
• Excellent analytical troubleshooting and creative problem-solving skills, with good judgment and sound decision-making in the absence of complete information
• Proven ability to support rapidly shifting business demands, increase efficiencies and streamline new processes through analysis and innovation
• Multi-tasking, action planning and prioritization skills
• Self-starter, able to work independently and work collaboratively in a team environment, which also operates in a matrix structure
• Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to world class execution, including during periods of high stress.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, high stress environments
• Masterful organizational and administrative capabilities
• In-depth knowledge of diverse business functions and principles
• Ability to work cross-functionally with impacted stakeholders
• Curious about the "why" and able to thrive in ambiguity
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Sound knowledge of project management & delivery techniques
• Demonstratable business acumen
• Critical thinking and analytical skills for the resolution of operational problems
• Ability to navigate ambiguous situations, bring options and provide recommendation
• Solutions driven and self-starter, who understands the importance accuracy and timeliness make a difference and contribute to the success of the business.
• Must be highly proficient in Microsoft suite of applications, in particular, Microsoft PowerPoint, with the ability to create clear, compelling, and visually engaging presentations. Should be able to translate complex ideas into impactful slides tailored to diverse audiences

This position is open to internal and external candidates. Previous relevant job performance will be taken into consideration for all applicants.

Primary Work Location: On-Site at Hamilton International Airport

What we offer

In addition to a competitive compensation, career progression, and access to a global team of talented professionals, we are growing and offer boundless opportunities to make your mark within our organization. If you share our sense of adventure, come, and join us for the journey. 

Compensation: The expected annual compensation for this position includes a base salary of $125,000 - $150,000 per year, plus eligibility for an annual incentive.

AI Disclosure: We may use artificial intelligence-powered tools to support candidate sourcing. All applications are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition and Hiring teams, and all selection and hiring decisions are made by human decision-makers.Vacancy Disclosure: This posting is for an existing vacancy.

To Apply 

Please visit our Careers page at https://www.vantagegroup.com/careers/ and follow prompts to apply with your cover letter and resume.

All qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada will be considered.

At Vantage Group, we seek and welcome unique backgrounds, perspectives, experiences and skills. As a global organization, we are always looking for differentiated points of view. We know that a diverse, inclusive and empowered workforce is essential to our shared success, and we invite you to join us for the journey.

Accommodation for ApplicantsWe are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring experience. If you require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us at careers@vantagegroup.com

We will work with you to provide appropriate support, and requesting an accommodation will not affect your consideration for employment.

For more information about Vantage Group, please visit: www.vantagegroup.com