Senior Fleet/Planning Manager - #194572

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (DHC) is a storied name in the aerospace industry, recognized worldwide for its pioneering contributions to aviation and its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and reliability. Headquartered in Calgary, AB, DHC currently has approximately 1,400 employees across British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, as well as in markets and distribution hubs world-wide.

Established in 1928, De Havilland Canada has a rich history marked by the development of some of the most iconic and versatile aircraft ever built. These aircraft have served a variety of roles—from bush flying to commercial aviation—and are celebrated for their rugged durability, operational versatility, and excellence in performance.

Over the decades, De Havilland Canada has evolved to meet the changing needs of the aviation industry. Today, we are more than just an aircraft manufacturer; we are a comprehensive aerospace company with capabilities that span design, production, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. Our operations are supported by a team of skilled engineers, technicians, and industry professionals who are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of craftsmanship and innovation.

We are seeking a results-driven Senior Fleet/Planning Manager to lead and optimize our MRO planning operations within the aerospace sector. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in aircraft maintenance planning, capacity and resource optimization, and cross-functional coordination to support operational efficiency and compliance with aviation regulatory standards.

This role is critical to ensuring the timely and cost-effective execution of aircraft maintenance programs—leveraging data-driven planning, strong supplier and stakeholder engagement, and a continuous improvement mindset.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end planning process for scheduled and unscheduled aircraft maintenance, heavy checks, modifications, and special projects.
• Develop and manage long-range maintenance forecasts aligned with customer commitments and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, and Quality Assurance to develop executable work packages and resource plans.
• Drive schedule adherence, resource optimization (labor, hangar space, materials), and KPI improvements (TAT, OTD, etc.).
• Oversee material and parts forecasting in coordination with Supply Chain to mitigate shortages and minimize turnaround delays.
• Analyze performance metrics and implement planning strategies that improve efficiency, reduce cost, and increase throughput.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to a team of planners and schedulers, support training, development, and succession planning.
• Act as primary planning liaison during customer visits, audits, and program reviews.
• Ensure compliance with aviation regulations (Transport Canada, FAA, EASA), and company policies.
  
  
  

Qualifications

• AME (Aircraft Maintenance Engineer), Degree in Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum 10-15 years of progressive planning experience in aerospace, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience within an MRO environment is essential (preferably heavy maintenance or component overhaul).
• In-depth understanding of aircraft maintenance programs, planning systems, and regulatory standards.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to manage cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-complexity operational environment.
  
  
  

Preferred Skills / Assets

• Experience working with OEMs (e.g., Bombardier, De Havilland, Airbus, Boeing) or Tier 1 MRO providers.
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• PMP or equivalent project management certification is a plus.
  
  
  

At De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (DHC), we are committed to protecting our people, customers, shareholders and the public through Health & Safety Excellence. As such, it is expected that all employees maintain strict adherence to Health & Safety Policies and to perform key physical tasks of the position described in the job description and interview process. This may include but is not limited to the ability to work in a variety of environmental conditions including temperature extremes, confined spaces, working at heights and with or around chemicals. Employees are expected to adhere to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when at work which must include but is not limited to the ability to maintain a positive fit test when mask use is required.

At De Havilland Canada, we aim to be inclusive and diverse and provide equal opportunity for employment. All qualified applicants, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, and disability, are encouraged to apply. De Havilland will accommodate the needs of applicants with disabilities throughout all stages of the selection process. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise your Talent Acquisition representative. Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

Any offer of employment is conditional on the completion of positive and satisfactory background checks, which may include, proof that you are legally entitled to work in Canada, professional references, verification of employment history, verification of educational background and criminal background checks.