Winair

Company Description

In the mid-1980s, WinAir’s founders, Bert and Helen Vergeer, recognized the inefficiencies in aviation maintenance, which relied heavily on paper-based processes. Their vision led to the development of AV-BASE, one of the first digital aviation record-keeping and inventory management systems. Today, WinAir is a fully browser-based solution, used in more than 30 countries. As it celebrates over 35 years in operation, WinAir remains the longest-standing aviation management software provider, continuously innovating to support clients worldwide. With a legacy built on reliability, adaptability, and industry expertise, WinAir continues to shape the future of aviation maintenance management.

Vision Statement

To be the global standard in aviation software—powering safe, efficient, and connected operations through innovation, dependability, and passion.

Mission Statement

We deliver intuitive, reliable aviation software that empowers operators and maintenance teams to work smarter. By combining deep industry knowledge with cutting-edge technology, we streamline operations, ensure compliance, and help our clients keep aircraft flying safely and efficiently.

Our Values

1. Curiosity – A drive to explore, learn, and innovate by asking questions and seeking better solutions.

2. Collaboration – Working together openly and respectfully to achieve shared goals and create stronger outcomes.

3. Dependability – Being reliable, consistent, and accountable in delivering on promises and responsibilities.

4. Efficiency – Maximizing productivity and resources by working smart, staying organized, and reducing waste.

5. Passion – Bringing energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to everything we do, inspiring others through commitment.

Environment & Physical

• Candidate must reside in Ontario, Canada

• Work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities

• Be able to work remotely and on-site upon request

• Be able to sit for prolonged periods

Why Work for Us?

We offer a competitive compensation package based on experience and a proven track record of success relative to the deliverables of the role. Benefits offered at WinAir include extended healthcare, dental, EAP, RRSP matching program, etc.

We are also proud to offer a flexible work schedule, including "Summer Friday hours" maximizing good work-life balance, different social committee events, and quarterly Town Hall meetings to foster teamwork and a strong, long-lasting work relationship.

Job Description

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Managing Director is responsible for the overall leadership and performance of WinAir. This role sets strategic direction, aligns and holds accountable the leaders of each functional area, and ensures the organization operates cohesively toward its goals. The Managing Director works closely with the Board to translate strategy into results and will also support the continued growth and success of the organization by assisting with other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

Strategic & Executive Leadership

• Provide overall executive leadership for WinAir, accountable to the Board of Directors for organizational performance.

• Translate Board-approved strategy into an executable operating plan, with clear priorities and resource allocation across the organization.

• Provide regular, transparent reporting to the Board on organizational performance, risks, and strategic progress.

• Identify and evaluate opportunities for growth, efficiency, and risk mitigation at the organizational level.

Leading Through Functional Directors

• Set clear expectations and goals for each functional director and hold them accountable for the performance of their respective areas.

• Ensure alignment and coordination across functions, so that plans and priorities are integrated rather than siloed.

• Support functional directors in resolving cross-departmental issues, removing obstacles, and securing resources needed for their teams to succeed.

• Preserve and reinforce each director's ownership and accountability for their function, while ensuring the organization operates as a unified whole.

Organizational Effectiveness

• Build a high-performing, accountable leadership team across all functions.

• Support succession planning and organizational design as the company grows.

• Champion a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the organization.

• Represent WinAir externally with customers, partners, and industry stakeholders as required.

AI and Operational Innovation

• Champion WinAir's internal adoption of AI tools and workflows, setting the tone from the top that the organization is committed to working smarter and evolving how it operates.

• Work with the director team to identify and implement AI-driven improvements across functions, from sales and marketing to development, operations, and customer support.

• Foster a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement, where the team is encouraged to test, learn, and embed new tools into everyday work.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience, with a significant portion at the senior management or executive level.

• Proven track record running a software or SaaS operating unit with full P&L ownership, not project management or department leadership, but actual accountability for the result.

• Experience operating under a board of directors and producing written board-level reporting on a standing cadence.

• Demonstrated experience directly managing a multi-functional director-level team across Finance, Product, Development, and/or Sales.

• Has led a business or product through significant change such as a platform transition, competitive repositioning, or market expansion.

• Aviation, MRO, or regulated vertical B2B experience is an asset but not required; we will prioritize operating discipline and leadership track record.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Commerce, or a related field required; MBA an asset.

Skills & Aptitudes

• Strong external presence: comfortable representing the company at the customer, partner, and industry level.

• Comfortable working in a founder-led, family-owned environment where context, history, and relationships matter.

• Demonstrated interest in or experience with AI adoption and operational transformation; a genuine curiosity about how emerging tools can change the way a business works.

Additional Information

To ensure your application is properly received please apply by visiting https://winair.ca/careers/ and select “apply now” on the appropriate position. 

Thank you in advance for your interest. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. If you require any accommodation at any point of recruitment process, please let us know.