Job Description

Employment Type: Full-time Regular

City: Canada (Remote Work)

Posting Open Date: 07/18/2023

Posting Close Date: 07/25/2023 (Please note the posting will close at 9:59pm MST)

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 eligible for remote work, within Canada, under our mobile workforce program.

Overview of role:

WestJet is seeking two Airport Affairs Managers reporting into our Government, Regulatory, and Airport Affairs team. This individual can demonstrate a high standard of excellence, enjoys challenges, and is results-driven. The incumbent must be highly motivated and demonstrate the ability to work in an agile environment.

The Airport Affairs Manager represents WestJet in its business with airport authorities and supports WestJet\'s operational and business strategy by negotiating and implementing commercial agreements with airport partners. This leader will serve as the primary business contact with airports, represent WestJet by ensuring active participation on Airline Consultative and Airline-Airport Affairs Committees, advising senior management and leading internal efforts to align stakeholders on strategic airport plans and technical projects that impact or relate to airport capital programs. This position will balance both a strategic mindset and an operational and technical understanding of airline and airport interfaces to develop critical business relationships, while developing and implementing long-term strategies and plans that support WestJet\'s commercial and operational business objectives.

There are two openings available, one to be based in Calgary AB and the second may be remotely based anywhere else in Canada, conducting business largely within the Mountain Time Zone. Each leader will be responsible for a portfolio of Canadian and International Airports.

Key deliverables include:

• In conjunction with Director, Government, Regulatory, & Airport Affairs, define and design Airport Affairs strategic plans and goals.
• Negotiate and implement long term agreements with Airport Authorities, establishing strategic alignment of WestJet network goals and airport capital plans including strategic hub development.
• Ensuring financial oversight, organizational implementation, and reporting on financial performance of agreements.
• Develop and maintain strong professional relationships with airport authorities and community stakeholders.
• Partnering with key business stakeholders within WestJet including Network, Schedule Planning, Revenue, Marketing, Airport Operations, Corporate Real Estate, Finance, Government Relations and other departments to ensure all interests are captured and reflect organizational strategic objectives.
• Represents WestJet and leads engagement with airport authorities, acting as the primary representative for the organization on all matters relating to commercial and long term objectives.
• Forge strong, proudent relationships with airport and community partners to ensure that brand reputation and partnership is continually enhanced.
• Ensures that WestJet is an active participant on Airline Consultative Committees (ACCs) and Airline-Airport Affairs Committees (AAACs) in matters pertaining to annual operating and capital budgets, rates and charges, use/lease agreements and negotiations.
• Participate and advise Senior Management and internal stakeholders on technical projects relating to airport capital programs.
• Manage and participate in negotiations related to rates and charges adjustments issued by airports.
• Maintain detailed airport rates and charges models in order to provide accurate budgets and forecasts and work with airports and other carriers towards reductions where possible in order to minimize rates and charges.
• Develop long term plans for strategic airports and ensure that growth models are created which align with airport facility capacity and network plans.
• Continually assess and analyze opportunities and risks which may impact operational decisions, including facility asset utilization such as gates and ticket counters and their associated financial impacts.
• Develops reports, analyses, strategies and concepts for projects, initiatives and opportunities at airports as required.
• Direct the development and implementation of processes to support key strategic airport related projects including business case development, planning and negotiation strategies, and executive level presentations.
• 25% to 50% travel required.

Experience and qualifications:

• Bachelor\'s degree in business, real estate, management, finance, marketing or equivalent.
• 8+ years of experience in an airport or airline operational, finance, or management role.
• Strong background of commercial real estate or contract negotiation experience.
• Strong negotiation skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong presentation and analytical skills, including PowerPoint.
• Ability to balance various corporate objectives and projects at once relating to multiple forms of subject matter.
• Skilled in reviewing and understanding complex contracts and agreements and have a good understanding of commercial airport models.
• Ability to assess risk and build financial models to track costs to forecasts and budgets.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships, lead change, inspire others, communicate clearly and create accountability.
• Highly ethical and trustworthy leader with professional demeanor that will represent the company to critical external audiences.
• Demonstrated aptitude to synthesize and present complex matters to varying audiences.
• Experience working with and presenting to C-level suite within multiple organizations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite of tools including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to receive security clearances as required.
• Ability to legally work in Canada.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally between 25-50% of the time.

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.

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