Project and Process: Driving Operational Excellence Through Strategic Leadership
Project and Process: Being part of Air Canada means contributing to an organization that represents innovation, reliability, and excellence in global aviation. Recognized as one of the leading airlines in North America, the company offers professionals an opportunity to grow within a dynamic, performance-driven, and inclusive environment. The role of Manager, Project and Process Improvement is designed for individuals who are passionate about transforming operations, improving efficiency, and delivering sustainable business value through structured initiatives and collaborative leadership.
Role Overview and Strategic Purpose
The Manager, Project and Process Improvement plays a critical role in enhancing organizational performance by leading cross-functional projects that align with long-term strategic goals. This position combines structured project management practices with modern process improvement approaches to ensure initiatives are delivered efficiently and generate measurable outcomes. The role requires a strong balance between analytical thinking, leadership capability, and hands-on execution.
Key Responsibilities and Daily Impact
In this role, the manager leads initiatives from concept to completion using a gated project approach. Each project is carefully planned, executed, and monitored to ensure alignment with business objectives and stakeholder expectations. A strong focus is placed on process design, optimization, and continuous improvement using proven methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Agile practices.
The manager works closely with department leaders to gather requirements, define scope, and establish performance baselines. By analyzing existing workflows, identifying bottlenecks, and evaluating inefficiencies, the role supports data-backed recommendations that improve productivity and service quality. Quantifying benefits, calculating return on investment, and developing business cases are essential aspects of the role, especially when presenting proposals to senior leadership.
Project Governance and Risk Management
Effective control of budgets, timelines, and resources is a core responsibility. The manager ensures that projects are delivered within scope while proactively identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies. Clear communication and structured reporting allow leadership teams to stay informed about progress, challenges, and achieved improvements. This governance approach ensures accountability and consistency across initiatives.
Change Management and Continuous Improvement Culture
Beyond execution, the role is instrumental in building a culture of continuous improvement. The manager facilitates workshops, training sessions, and collaborative discussions that encourage innovation and best practice sharing across departments. Change management strategies are developed and deployed to ensure new processes are adopted effectively and sustained over time. Supporting business units in defining and tracking performance indicators ensures long-term success of implemented changes.
Collaboration, Coaching, and Knowledge Sharing
The Manager, Project and Process Improvement acts as a trusted advisor to business leaders and transformation teams. By benchmarking industry best practices and sharing insights from completed initiatives, the role helps shape future change strategies. Mentoring team members, coaching project teams, and providing technical guidance strengthens organizational capability in project delivery and process optimization.
Compliance, Data, and Process Documentation
Ensuring adherence to internal policies and external regulations is a key responsibility. The manager collaborates with process and compliance teams to document workflows, develop process maps, and update control manuals as required. Data and analytics tools are used to monitor trends, support decision-making, and validate performance improvements.
Education and Professional Experience
The role typically requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline such as business administration, industrial engineering, or operations management. Advanced education, including a master’s degree or MBA, is considered an advantage. Candidates should have several years of experience leading projects or process improvement initiatives, with demonstrated success in cross-functional environments and stakeholder engagement.
Technical Skills and Personal Attributes
Strong analytical ability, problem-solving skills, and a proactive mindset are essential. The role demands excellent communication, collaboration, and facilitation capabilities. Familiarity with project management software, process mapping tools, and enterprise systems supports effective execution. The ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to a fast-paced environment, and travel when required is also important.
Workplace Values and Inclusive Environment
The organization is deeply committed to diversity and inclusion, striving to create a workplace that values different perspectives and experiences. Equal opportunity principles guide all employment practices, ensuring a respectful and supportive environment where employees can contribute meaningfully to shared success.
Employment Conditions and Language Preferences
Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the country of employment. While the position is open to all qualified applicants, bilingual candidates may be given preference when qualifications are otherwise equal.