The Manager, Cargo Operations & Load Control is responsible for leading the organization’s integrated cargo movement and load control functions across the network. This leadership role oversees a team of Cargo & Logistics Specialists and Load Control Agents, ensuring the safe, compliant, and efficient movement of cargo while supporting on-time flight performance and payload optimization.
The successful candidate will bring strong operational leadership, aviation expertise, and a commitment to safety and customer service. They will drive operational excellence through effective planning, cross-functional coordination, and continuous improvement initiatives that support a growing and evolving airline operation.
Operational Leadership
- Lead the end-to-end cargo operation, including cargo planning, movement, and aircraft load control activities.
- Direct and support teams responsible for cargo planning, logistics coordination, and aircraft weight and balance.
- Ensure effective communication and coordination between Cargo Specialists and Load Control Agents.
- Maintain operational readiness through effective staffing, scheduling, and shift coverage.
- Lead network-wide operational decision-making related to cargo prioritization, payload allocation, and service recovery during irregular operations.
Cargo Operations Management
- Oversee cargo planning and movement activities across the network.
- Ensure cargo plans align with operational requirements, aircraft capacity, customer commitments, and network priorities.
- Manage customer communications and stakeholder coordination related to cargo movements.
- Monitor and report on daily operational performance and cargo service delivery.
- Drive continuous improvements that enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and improve customer satisfaction.
Load Control Oversight
- Provide leadership and oversight for all aircraft load control functions, including weight and balance calculations, load planning, and payload optimization.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company procedures governing aircraft loading and cargo transportation.
- Coordinate with Flight Operations, Ramp Operations, Operations Control Centre (OCC), and other stakeholders to support safe and efficient aircraft departures.
- Oversee Dangerous Goods (DG) compliance and NOTOC processes.
- Maintain the highest standards of accuracy, safety, and operational discipline.
Safety, Compliance & Continuous Improvement
- Ensure adherence to all regulatory, operational, and company standards related to cargo operations and load control.
- Oversee audits, reporting, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Maintain and improve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), manuals, and operational processes.
- Support operational growth initiatives, including automation, fleet expansion, and increasing cargo complexity.
- Champion a culture of safety, accountability, innovation, and operational excellence.
People Leadership
- Lead, coach, develop, and motivate a team of operational professionals.
- Provide performance management, mentoring, and career development support.
- Ensure employees maintain required training, qualifications, certifications, and operational competencies.
- Foster collaboration across operational departments and build strong stakeholder relationships.
- Promote a positive, inclusive, and high-performing team environment.
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Aviation, Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and operational experience.
- Minimum 5–8 years of aviation operations experience.
- Demonstrated expertise in cargo operations, load control, or both.
- Proven leadership experience within a fast-paced operational environment.
- Strong knowledge of aircraft weight and balance principles, dangerous goods requirements, and aviation regulatory standards.
- Experience leading cross-functional teams and collaborating with diverse operational stakeholders.
- Exceptional decision-making, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to perform effectively under pressure and in time-sensitive operational situations.
- Willingness and ability to travel throughout the network as required.
- Must obtain and retain a Restricted Area Identity Card in accordance with the Airport Restricted Area Access Clearance Program regulated by Transport Canada
Preferred
- Experience leading airline cargo operations on a network-wide scale.
- Familiarity with cargo management systems, load planning software, and operational reporting tools.
- Experience with operational change management, automation initiatives, or business process improvement programs.
- Demonstrated success in driving operational performance metrics and continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Competencies
- Safety Leadership
- Operational Excellence
- Strategic Thinking
- Team Leadership & Development
- Decision-Making Under Pressure
- Regulatory Compliance
- Stakeholder Management
- Customer Focus
- Communication & Collaboration
- Continuous Improvement Mindset
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to lead a critical operational function at the center of airline performance. As Manager, Cargo Operations & Load Control, you will influence network reliability, cargo service delivery, safety performance, and operational efficiency while leading a highly specialized team that keeps aircraft and cargo moving safely and effectively every day.
Accommodation During the Recruitment Process
Canadian North is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace. Accommodation is available upon request at all stages of the recruitment and onboarding process. If you require accommodation, please email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) and we will work with you to meet your needs.
Closing date: July 19, 2026
