Nutrien | Captain

Nutrien is seeking a Senior Director, Aviation Operations for an on-site role in Calgary, AB or Saskatoon, SK. This leadership position involves active flying duties to ensure the safety, efficiency, and professionalism of the company's aviation operations, including strategic leadership, risk management, and team development.

About the Role

The Senior Director, Aviation Operations is an active flying leadership role responsible for overseeing and managing all facets of the company's aviation operations. This includes ensuring safety, efficiency, reliability, and professionalism in all aviation services. The position provides strategic leadership for the aviation function, encompassing safety culture, operational risk management, regulatory compliance, fleet and maintenance oversight, executive service, and leading a high-performing aviation team. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain flight currency and serve as an operating pilot as business needs require.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, develop, and hold accountable the aviation operations team, including pilots, maintenance staff, and administrative personnel.
• Provide strategic leadership through clear expectations, coaching, mentorship, performance feedback, and a positive work environment.
• Champion a proactive, safety-first culture and promote a just culture that encourages hazard and incident reporting.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure high standards of safety and efficiency.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and management of all aviation missions.
• Maintain flight currency and actively participate as an operating pilot in company aircraft.
• Lead operational risk management practices, including flight planning, weather, crew duty, aircraft maintenance, passenger security, and international operations.
• Advise senior executives on aviation risk, operational feasibility, aircraft availability, and safety-related decisions.
• Ensure adherence to aviation regulations, safety standards, and best practices.
• Lead, maintain, and improve the Aviation Safety Management System.
• Develop and maintain safety programs, conduct safety audits, and implement risk management strategies.
• Develop long-term plans for the aviation department, including fleet management, budgeting, and personnel development.
• Collaborate with other departments to align aviation operations with company goals.
• Manage the aviation department's budget and expenditures.
• Oversee procurement and maintenance of aircraft and aviation equipment.
• Manage aircraft airworthiness, maintenance planning, reliability, and vendor performance.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders regarding aviation operations.
• Prepare and present reports to senior management.

Requirements

• Minimum 2000 hours Pilot-In-Command (PIC) on a large turbine aircraft.
• Licensed with a Gulfstream 550/450 type rating and relevant experience.
• Relevant aviation certifications, such as a TC/FAA ATP certificate.
• Bachelor's degree in aviation management, business administration, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• 15+ years of experience in corporate aviation operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Willingness and ability to actively fly company aircraft as part of the role.
• Exceptional leadership, conflict resolution, coaching, performance management, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to build, motivate, develop, and hold accountable a high-performing aviation team.
• Strong aviation technical knowledge and operational judgment.
• Demonstrated experience leading a mature aviation safety culture, including Safety Management System oversight.
• Strong executive presence, discretion, and judgment.
• Experience managing complex corporate aviation operations, including international travel and executive support.
• Experience managing a multi-aircraft fleet in a corporate aviation environment is preferred.
• Ability to make disciplined, safety-first decisions under pressure.
• Knowledge of fatigue risk management, crew resource management, aviation security, and operational risk assessment practices.
• Strong knowledge of aviation regulations and standards.
• First-class medical and ability to cross international borders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.