Program Manager - Operational Audit

WestJet Verified Job Source
Program Manager - Operational Audit Toronto, ON Hybrid Posted Sep 23, 2026 1 position Employment type
Full-time Experience level
Senior · 5+ years Minimum education
Professional degree Apply by
Oct 5, 2026 Posting language
English Working hours
40 hours per week Office presence
5 days per week
Job summary The Program Manager will lead and develop the company-wide operational safety audit program to ensure compliance with regulatory and industry benchmarks. This role involves conducting audits, managing the IOSA certification process, and providing actionable safety insights to executive leadership. Job details This position requires in-person collaboration up to five days a week. This arrangement is subject to change based on business requirements. This position is eligible to candidates based in Calgary or Toronto. Why WestJet: Since our story took off in 1996, WestJet has strived to enrich the lives of everyone in our world; a career with us is no exception. We’re proud to be one of Canada’s most admired and respected corporate cultures and continuously aim for the highest standards of service and success. Join us, this is where your career story takes off. Overview of the role: WestJet is seeking a Program Manager - Operational Audit. Reporting to the Senior Manager - Group Audit, Investigations & Safety Data, this role plays a critical role in ensuring WestJet’s operational safety audit program exceeds regulatory and industry benchmarks. The successful candidate will travel frequently throughout the WestJet network (must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. L-1B Visa) to oversee system and operational quality assurance, lead company-wide safety audits, and provide actionable insight on safety and quality performance. Key deliverables include: Manage and continue developing the company-wide operational safety audit program through detailed planning, scoping, execution, and review. Ensure audits are properly resourced, meet quality standards, and deliver meaningful results to stakeholders. Create comprehensive audit engagement plans and checklists with input and agreement from business leaders. Oversee the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification program for all WestJet Group certificates. Document departmental standards and procedures for all standards and recommended practices. Implement standards in the operation, coordinate mandatory observations and interviews, and address corrective actions promptly for both external and internal audits biannually. Identify and report systemic and operational safety deficiencies to the Executive Vice Presidents (EVPs), Vice Presidents (VPs), operations managers, and personnel responsible for the area of deficiency as needed. Coordinate with various business leaders to ensure ongoing improvement and maintain focus on WestJet’s safety programs. Develop, deliver, and maintain initial and recurrent training for all operational auditors. Ensure oversight is conducted on operational auditors, including identifying opportunities for individual auditor continuous improvement. Gather and analyze feedback from audit surveys, incorporating lessons learned into training, procedures, and team practices. Lead, execute, and document operational quality audits in compliance with the standards outlined by Transport Canada, IATA, and internal protocols. Additionally, lead focused audits and ad hoc audits driven by the needs of the airline's Safety Management System (SMS). Collaborate with external consultants, safety auditors, and regulatory authorities as needed to ensure comprehensive audit coverage and compliance with industry standards. Establish a systematic approach for conducting comprehensive quality control checks on Operational Auditors, ensuring strict adherence to documented policies and procedures. Identify areas for improvement and efficiency within the audit team, contributing to continuous process improvement. Extensive travel is required, with the potential to spend up to 26 weeks per year across WestJet’s network. The successful candidate must be willing and able to travel frequently, including overnight and international travel. Experience and qualifications: 3 to 6 years of audit experience and/or relevant airline operational experience Professional Auditor Training and IOSA Auditor Training are required In-depth knowledge of aviation regulatory, compliance, and audit requirements Strong knowledge of Transport Canada regulations and IOSA standards and expectations Demonstrated leadership skills with proven experience influencing and managing stakeholders across multiple operational areas Expertise in Safety Management System (SMS) principles, including operational risk management, occurrence investigations, safety culture, human and organizational factors, continuous improvement, and quality management systems Experience using iAuditor and Company Reporting Systems (CRS) Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills, with experience balancing the needs and expectations of diverse stakeholder groups Education and/or experience in quality assurance, quality control, auditing, or compliance management Valid passport and, where applicable, a valid Canadian Permanent Resident Card, with the ability to travel without restriction to all WestJet destinations Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. L-1B visa 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’re a great fit? ! About WestJet Group of Companies WestJet took to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations. Since then, WestJet has pioneered low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half, and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Since the Sunwing Airlines integration in 2025, more than 15,000 WestJetters support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to our global network of more than 100 destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. The WestJet Group is a major Canadian employer and includes WestJet Airlines, WestJet Encore and Sunwing Vacations Group. We’re Canada’s leading value airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians. 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. Safety and security are shared responsibilities all team members are expected to use safe work practices to ensure their 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 Safey-Sensitive are required to pass a Pre-Employment Alcohol and Drug Test as per WestJet's Alcohol and Drug Policy. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion We embrace what makes each of us unique, and what makes us uniquely WestJet. We welcome diverse skills, experiences and backgrounds so if you're passionate about this role, we encourage you to apply – even if you don't meet every qualification listed. WestJet is committed to inclusiveness, equity and accessibility throughout the selection process. If you require accommodation at any stage, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at [email protected]. We value the time and effort you put into your application. Our recruitment process is highly competitive and while every applicant will receive communication regarding their application status, only those selected to move forward will be contacted with next steps. If this role isn’t the right fit, we encourage you to explore future opportunities with us. For more information about everything WestJet, please westjet.com/aboutus. If you wish to withdraw your application or request that your personal information be deleted, please contact us at [email protected]. What you’ll do The Program Manager will lead and develop the company-wide operational safety audit program to ensure compliance with regulatory and industry benchmarks. This role involves conducting audits, managing the IOSA certification process, and providing actionable safety insights to executive leadership. Requirements Candidates must have 3 to 6 years of audit or airline operational experience along with professional auditor training. Proficiency in Transport Canada regulations, SMS principles, and the ability to travel extensively are essential requirements for this position. Benefits • Travel privileges • Savings programs • Benefit programs Listed skills
Quality assurance · Preferred
Regulatory Compliance · Preferred
Leadership · Preferred
Data analysis · Preferred
Risk Management · Preferred
Quality Control · Preferred
Communication · Preferred
Process Improvement · Preferred
Stakeholder Management · Preferred
Other relevant skills Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above. Operational audit
Safety management system
IOSA standards
Quality assurance
Regulatory compliance
Risk management
Stakeholder management
Audit planning
Aviation regulations
Data analysis
Process improvement
Leadership
Communication
Training development
Quality control
Investigation
Quality Assurance
Planning
Operations
Stakeholder Management
Influencing Skills
Influencing Without Authority
Business Requirements
Continuous Improvement Process
Regulatory Compliance
Relationship Building
Program Management
Collaboration
Auditing
Balancing (Ledger/Billing)
Quality Management
Industry Standards
Operations Management
Quality Control
Surveys
Quality Management Systems
Safety Culture
Operational Risk Management
Permanent Resident Cards
Compliance Management
Audit Engagements
Operational Auditing
Safety Audits
Job areas
Security & Safety
Transportation
Management & Leadership
Consulting
Audit Program Manager
Operations Manager (General)
Manufacturing Managers
General and Operations Managers