Manager, Airside Standards and Compliance

YVR is a place of connection, bringing together people, places and cargo while ensuring a safe and efficient experience for everyone. The Airside Operations Department is vital in delivering safe and efficient operations in one of the airport’s most complex and dynamic environment.

Position overview

Step into a role where your leadership sets the tone for safety, standards, and help drive YVR’s commitment to world class operations.

We have an opportunity for a permanent, full‑time Manager, Airside Standards and Compliance, a high‑impact role at the center of Airside Operations. Reporting to the Director, Airside Operations, you’ll lead the team that defines, governs, and elevates the programs, policies, and regulatory frameworks that keep our airfield safe, efficient, and fully compliant. As YVR’s subject matter expert, you’ll shape how standards are built, upheld, and continuously improved across the airport.

This is a role for a bold, decisive leader who thrives in complexity and brings the judgment, operational insight, and influence needed to drive outcomes in a fast‑moving environment. You’ll be a key force in protecting the integrity of the airfield, championing innovation, and advancing YVR’s commitment to delivering a world‑class, future‑ready airport experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance to the Director, Airside Operations, offering strategic insight into aviation standards, maneuvering‑area requirements, regulatory obligations, and compliance matters
• Ensure YVR meets all regulatory, corporate, operational, and safety requirements by developing and overseeing effective standards, programs, and governance practices
• Represent Airside Operations with credibility in engagements with NAV CANADA, Transport Canada, airlines, and internal partners, advancing shared operational and regulatory priorities
• Lead the development and continuous improvement of airside rules, regulations, standards, level of service and procedures, including monitoring compliance and managing all aeronautical publications and AOM updates
• Lead the development and maintenance of programs that protect aerodrome‑related airspace, including Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) oversight and Airport Zoning compliance.
• Collaborate with Airport Planning, Commercial Development, and other key stakeholders to review short, medium, and long‑term development plans, ensuring airfield systems and capacity align with organizational strategy
• Serve as the airside subject matter expert for capital project planning and execution, partnering with Engineering, Integration, and Readiness teams to ensure regulatory requirements have been considered
• Develop Concepts of Operations (CONOPs) to strengthen organizational understanding of airside systems and operational workflows
• Lead and develop a team of aviation professionals, providing coaching, mentorship, and performance oversight to support growth and excellence
• Advance organizational capability by designing and delivering training that builds airside knowledge, regulatory awareness, and system proficiency
• Investigate safety incidents and lead the development of corrective actions that enhance airside safety, compliance, and operational performance

Key Qualifications

• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in an airport airside environment, supported by a Bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years in a leadership capacity or an equivalent combination of Proven ability to lead and develop teams in dynamic, fast‑changing operational environments
• Exceptional communication and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across internal and external stakeholders
• Strong technical understanding of aviation regulations, applicable legislation, and Safety Management System principles, including risk assessment and mitigation
• Skilled in conflict resolution and mediation, with the ability to remain objective and impartial during sensitive processes such as violation reviews
• Demonstrated sound judgment, analytical strength, and decision‑making capability in complex operational contexts
• Highly organized and adaptable, with the ability to manage competing priorities across daily operations and complex, multi‑stakeholder projects training and experience.

This role requires onsite presence at the airport and the flexibility to work irregular hours as needed, depending on operational demands or seasonal fluctuations. A valid Class 5 driver’s licence is essential, as the ability to obtain an Airside Vehicle Operator Permit (AVOP) is a requirement for this position.

Although not required, French language skills are an asset as we are committed to providing bilingual services to our visitors and passengers. This helps us meet federal language obligations while ensuring a welcoming experience. Candidates who do not speak French are still strongly encouraged to apply.

Previous job performance will be taken into consideration for all internal candidates that apply for this position. As part of our recruitment process, short-listed candidates may be required to participate in an assessment process.

Salary Range : $105,680 to $158,520 per annum, based on 37.5-hour work week. This is individually tailored to reflect your unique experience, qualifications, and internal equity. Performance-Based Incentive: Eligible for an annual bonus target at 15% of your annual salary

At YVR, your work experience goes beyond the paycheck. We support your personal and professional development, well-being, and a thriving work culture with generous vacation days, extensive health benefits, retirement savings matching, wellness programs, community engagement, commuting support, and continuous learning opportunities. Learn more at https://careers.yvr.ca/benefits.

YVR is more than just an airport. We connect our beautiful province and all it has to offer to the world. We are all leaders and trailblazers for change and innovation, so no matter the department or team you’re a part of, the work you do matters.

At YVR, we are flexible in everything we do. We will work together to find ways to deliver customer excellence that helps us all thrive.

Whatever your background and wherever you’re from, you belong at YVR. If you have any questions about accessibility or require any assistance applying, please reach out at careers@yvr.ca.