Program Manager, Strategic Partnerships - #95006

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 and love where you’re going.

Remote Work:

This position is a hybrid remote work position, and requires collaboration at the WestJet Campus (22 Aerial Place NE, Calgary) 3+ days a week.

Overview of role:

The Strategic Partnerships team exists to provide oversight and drive the transformation of WestJet’s Commercial partnerships portfolio and programming. These roles will manage critical external partnership relationships to unlock significant value by aligning the Commercial partnership strategy to the WestJet Group strategy and orchestrating cross-functional execution.

We are seeking a Program Manager to join the Strategic Partnerships team to develop and implement enhanced partnership programming. These roles require a unique skill set of being able to plan a holistic engagement strategy and solve complex problems while also using your strong business acumen and interpersonal skills to foster relationships with external partners and internal WestJet teams. Overall, this role blends Commercial acumen, business intuition, relationship management, and project leadership to build and execute WestJet’s partnership strategy.

Our Commercial partnerships portfolio includes, but is not limited to, destination marketing, sponsorship, and any revenue generating commercial partnership. This team is focused on growth and will have a mandate to expand this portfolio as this team procures new opportunities in alignment with our WestJet Group strategy.

In summary, your role goes beyond traditional partnership management, encompassing strategic thinking, execution excellence, financial acumen, and brand stewardship. You will be a key driver of innovation and growth, contributing to WestJet's position as a leader in the aviation industry.

Key deliverables include:

This role is accountable for the WestJet Group Sponsorship Portfolio which includes partners such as the Toronto Blue Jays, Canadian Football League, Calgary Stampede, Canadian Premiership League and many more critical sponsorships partners.

Strategic Relationship Management:

• Cultivate and maintain high-level relationships with external partners, aligning their objectives with WestJet's commercial goals and overall group strategy.

• Define and communicate a compelling vision for WestJet’s corporate sponsorship program, ensuring alignment with broader strategic objectives.

Program Execution and Accountability:

• Spearhead the day-to-day execution of sponsorship programs, collaborating seamlessly with external partners and internal stakeholders.

• Drive accountability by ensuring timely delivery on sponsorship commitments, serving as the liaison between partner expectations and WestJet's operational capabilities.

Holistic Portfolio Leadership:

• Lead cross-functional projects related to sponsorships, from inception to completion, assessing scope and recommending effective approaches.

• Demonstrate a keen understanding of organizational dynamics, identifying and involving the right stakeholders to ensure successful project implementation.

Data-Driven Decision Making:

• Conduct thorough analysis and economic modeling to inform business cases, facilitating executive-level decisions on strategic sponsorship initiatives.

• Develop and present compelling content that distills complex information into actionable insights for key decision-makers.

Financial Management:

• Manage the sponsorship portfolio providing monthly reporting and overseeing budgetary considerations.

• Apply financial acumen to optimize funding allocation and drive maximum return on sponsorship investments.

Sponsorship Procurement and Activation:

• Proactively identify and assess new sponsorship opportunities, negotiating terms that maximize mutual benefit.

• Collaborate with WestJet delivery and activation teams to seamlessly integrate and optimize collaborative initiatives.

Brand Stewardship and Market Amplification:

• Uphold and enhance the WestJet brand through strategic sponsorships, ensuring alignment and creating opportunities to amplify our presence in key markets.

• Stay abreast of industry trends, changes, and the competitive landscape to inform sponsorship strategies and maintain a competitive edge.

  
  

Experience and qualifications:

• University degree required, ideally in business, economics, marketing or finance

• Strong process and project management skills, with ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects, priorities, and deliverables simultaneously.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with senior level stakeholders across partners and WestJet teams

• Experience conducting detailed financial and strategic analysis, drawing out implications and recommendations

• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to think “big picture” and understand what potential outcomes could be and using creative thinking to solve complex problems

• Exceptional presentation skills with the ability to communicate at an executive level with information that tells a story, highlights key insights, and influences business decisions

• Proficient skills in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)

  
  

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

Together with WestJet's regional airline, WestJet Encore, we offer scheduled service to more than 100 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe and to more than 175 destinations in over 20 countries through our airline partnerships.

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. WestJet is committed to inclusiveness, equity, and accessibility and if you require accommodation during the selection process, please let our Talent Acquisition team know. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply. We thank all applicants for their interest in WestJet; however, only those candidates who are selected will be contacted.

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

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