Sr. Manager Technical Operations Tooling & GSE

Employment Type: Full-time Regular  

City: Calgary, AB (YYC)  

Posting Open Date: 01/28/2026  

Posting Close Date: 02/18/2026    (Please note the posting will close at 9:59pm MST)

This position requires in-person collaboration up to 5 days per week. *Please note this arrangement is subject to change with business requirements.* 

Why WestJet:

Every WestJet journey has the potential to enrich lives; a career with us is no exception. 

WestJet arrived on the Canadian airline scene in 1996 and changed the industry for the better. We made air travel more affordable for Canadians and now we're going global. 

Join us, this is where your career story takes off.

The Senior Manager, Tooling and GSE will lead the airline’s tooling and ground support equipment (GSE) program to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, adherence to company tooling policies, and operational readiness. This role focuses on improving tooling control, lifecycle management, and supporting maintenance operations through robust processes and technology integration. 

Key Responsibilities 

Tooling Program Management 

• Develop and enforce a comprehensive tooling policy aligned with Transport Canada, FAA, and ICAO standards. 


• Ensure all tools and GSE meet calibration, certification, and safety requirements. 


• Oversee tooling lifecycle management, including acquisition, maintenance, and retirement. 

Compliance & Safety 

• Ensure strict adherence to the company’s Safety Management System (SMS) policies. 


• Conduct regular audits of tooling and GSE to maintain compliance with aviation regulations. 


• Implement risk mitigation strategies for tooling-related hazards. 

Operational Excellence 

• Improve tooling availability and control processes to support line and heavy maintenance. 


• Integrate technology solutions (e.g., RFID tracking, eMRO ezStock module) for real-time visibility and accountability. 


• Develop KPIs for tooling utilization, calibration compliance, and turnaround times. 


• Spearhead a Tooling Committee to drive network wide alignment within the company and maintain consistency around tooling policies. 

Vendor & Resource Management 

• Manage relationships with tooling and GSE suppliers for procurement and repair services. 


• Optimize outsourcing vs. in-house repair strategies while maintaining union agreements. 


• Lead a team responsible for tooling logistics and GSE maintenance. 

Continuous Improvement 

• Identify process gaps and implement lean initiatives to reduce delays and improve efficiency. 


• Collaborate with Engineering and Maintenance to align tooling requirements with operational needs. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Supply Chain, or related field. 


• 8+ years in aviation maintenance support, tooling, or GSE management. 


• Strong knowledge of Transport Canada, FAA, and ICAO regulations. 


• Familiarity with SMS principles and risk management. 


• Experience with ERP/MRO systems (Trax eMRO preferred) and RFID technology. 


• Prior AME experience an asset.  

Skills & Competencies: 

• Technical understanding of aircraft tooling and GSE. 


• Strong leadership and team development skills. 


• Analytical mindset with ability to implement process improvements. 


• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement. 

The benefits of being a WestJetter:  

WestJet provides all WestJetters with a competitive total rewards package.  On top of that, we offer:   

• A fun and friendly culture with colleagues who work together to win  


• Travel privileges for you and your family, effective from your start date


• Savings and Benefit programs that are flexible to meet your specific needs  

Think we are a fit?  Apply now!  

About WestJet Group of Companies  

WestJet took to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations. Since then, WestJet has pioneered low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half, and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following integration with Sunwing in 2025, more than 14,000 WestJetters support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.
 
As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, Sunwing Vacations Group and WestJet Cargo, the WestJet Group is Canada’s leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians.  

Our Safety Promise  

At WestJet, the safety and security of our people and our guests is a core value and at the heart of what we do. As safety and security is a shared responsibility, it is expected that you will use safe work practices to ensure your well-being and the safety of others.  

WestJet recognizes that the use of Alcohol and Drugs can adversely impact a safe work environment and the well-being of others including guests, suppliers and the public, as well as place WestJet's operations at risk. All roles that are identified as safety sensitive are required to pass a Pre-Employment Alcohol and Drug Test as per WestJet's Alcohol and Drug Policy.   

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion 

We embrace what makes us each unique, and what makes us uniquely WestJet.  We welcome diverse skills, experiences, and backgrounds, and if you're passionate about this role, we encourage you to apply - even if you don't meet every qualification listed. WestJet is committed to inclusiveness, equity, and accessibility throughout the selection process. If you require accommodation at any stage, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at [email protected].  

We value the time and effort you put into your application.  Our recruitment process is highly competitive, and while every applicant will receive communication regarding their application status, only those selected to move forward will be contacted with next steps.  We encourage you to explore future opportunities with us if this role isn't the right fit at this time.

For more information about everything WestJet, please visit WestJet.com.