Program Manager - Operational Audit

Overview of the role:
WestJet is seeking a Program Manager - Operational Audit. Reporting to the Senior Manager - Group Audit, Investigations & Safety Data, this role plays a critical role in ensuring WestJet’s operational safety audit program exceeds regulatory and industry benchmarks. The successful candidate will travel frequently throughout the WestJet network (must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. L-1B Visa) to oversee system and operational quality assurance, lead company-wide safety audits, and provide actionable insight on safety and quality performance.
Key deliverables include:
Manage and continue developing the company-wide operational safety audit program through detailed planning, scoping, execution, and review. Ensure audits are properly resourced, meet quality standards, and deliver meaningful results to stakeholders.
Create comprehensive audit engagement plans and checklists with input and agreement from business leaders.
Oversee the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification program for all WestJet Group certificates. Document departmental standards and procedures for all standards and recommended practices. Implement standards in the operation, coordinate mandatory observations and interviews, and address corrective actions promptly for both external and internal audits biannually.
Identify and report systemic and operational safety deficiencies to the Executive Vice Presidents (EVPs), Vice Presidents (VPs), operations managers, and personnel responsible for the area of deficiency as needed. Coordinate with various business leaders to ensure ongoing improvement and maintain focus on WestJet’s safety programs.
Develop, deliver, and maintain initial and recurrent training for all operational auditors. Ensure oversight is conducted on operational auditors, including identifying opportunities for individual auditor continuous improvement. Gather and analyze feedback from audit surveys, incorporating lessons learned into training, procedures, and team practices.
Lead, execute, and document operational quality audits in compliance with the standards outlined by Transport Canada, IATA, and internal protocols. Additionally, lead focused audits and ad hoc audits driven by the needs of the airline's Safety Management System (SMS).
Collaborate with external consultants, safety auditors, and regulatory authorities as needed to ensure comprehensive audit coverage and compliance with industry standards.
Establish a systematic approach for conducting comprehensive quality control checks on Operational Auditors, ensuring strict adherence to documented policies and procedures.
Identify areas for improvement and efficiency within the audit team, contributing to continuous process improvement.
Extensive travel is required, with the potential to spend up to 26 weeks per year across WestJet’s network. The successful candidate must be willing and able to travel frequently, including overnight and international travel.
Experience and qualifications:
3 to 6 years of audit experience and/or relevant airline operational experience
Professional Auditor Training and IOSA Auditor Training are required
In-depth knowledge of aviation regulatory, compliance, and audit requirements
Strong knowledge of Transport Canada regulations and IOSA standards and expectations
Demonstrated leadership skills with proven experience influencing and managing stakeholders across multiple operational areas
Expertise in Safety Management System (SMS) principles, including operational risk management, occurrence investigations, safety culture, human and organizational factors, continuous improvement, and quality management systems
Experience using iAuditor and Company Reporting Systems (CRS)
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization
Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills, with experience balancing the needs and expectations of diverse stakeholder groups
Education and/or experience in quality assurance, quality control, auditing, or compliance management
Valid passport and, where applicable, a valid Canadian Permanent Resident Card, with the ability to travel without restriction to all WestJet destinations
Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. L-1B visa