Program Manager, Critical Suppliers- 515 Program

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (DHC) is a storied name in the aerospace industry, recognized worldwide for its pioneering contributions to aviation and its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and reliability. Headquartered in Calgary, AB, DHC currently has approximately 2,400 employees across British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, as well as in markets and distribution hubs world-wide.

Established in 1928, De Havilland Canada has a rich history marked by the development of some of the most iconic and versatile aircraft ever built. These aircraft have served a variety of roles - from bush flying to commercial aviation - and are celebrated for their rugged durability, operational versatility, and excellence in performance.

Over the decades, De Havilland Canada has evolved to meet the changing needs of the aviation industry. Today, we are more than just an aircraft manufacturer; we are a comprehensive aerospace company with capabilities that span design, production, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. Our operations are supported by a team of skilled engineers, technicians, and industry professionals who are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of craftsmanship and innovation.

Position Overview

The Program Manager, Critical Suppliers – 515 Program will lead and oversee the strategic management, performance, and execution of key supplier relationships supporting the CL-515 program. This role will be accountable for ensuring critical suppliers are aligned with program requirements and capable of meeting production demands, delivery schedules, quality expectations, and cost objectives.

Working closely with Supply Chain, Procurement, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Planning, and other key stakeholders, the Program Manager will proactively identify and address supplier-related risks, resolve performance challenges, and drive recovery plans to protect program milestones and production objectives.

The successful candidate will take a proactive, solutions-oriented approach, establishing strong relationships with critical suppliers while driving accountability, transparency, and measurable performance improvements. This role will serve as a key interface between De Havilland Canada and its critical suppliers, ensuring supplier readiness, capacity, and execution remain aligned with the evolving needs of the 515 program.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the overall supplier program management strategy for critical suppliers supporting the 515 program, ensuring alignment with production requirements, program milestones, and business objectives.
• Establish and maintain strong strategic relationships with key suppliers, serving as the primary escalation point for significant supplier performance, delivery, quality, and capacity concerns.
• Monitor and drive supplier performance against key metrics, including on-time delivery, quality, production capacity, lead times, and overall execution.
• Work collaboratively with Supply Chain, Procurement, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Planning to ensure supplier deliverables align with production requirements and program priorities.
• Proactively identify supplier risks, constraints, and potential disruptions, developing mitigation strategies and contingency plans to protect production schedules.
• Lead supplier recovery initiatives and action plans where performance is below expectations, establishing clear accountabilities, timelines, and measurable improvement targets.
• Assess supplier capacity, capability, and operational readiness to support current and future 515 program production requirements and ramp-up objectives.
• Drive resolution of complex supplier issues, coordinating internal resources and engaging senior supplier leadership when required to achieve timely outcomes.
• Establish and maintain regular supplier performance reviews, program governance, escalation processes, and reporting mechanisms to provide visibility into supplier health and program risks.
• Monitor supplier-related financial and commercial considerations, working with Procurement and Supply Chain to identify cost pressures, contractual risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Support strategic supplier planning, including capacity planning, demand forecasting, and long-term supplier readiness to support program growth.
• Provide regular program updates, performance dashboards, risk assessments, and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities to strengthen supplier performance, operational execution, and overall program delivery.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations, or a related field. Aviation or aerospace experience is preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in program management, strategic supplier management, supply chain, procurement, or operations, preferably within a complex manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing strategic supplier relationships and driving performance improvements across multiple suppliers.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders without direct reporting authority.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, supply chain processes, production planning, and supplier delivery requirements.
• Experience managing supplier performance, including delivery recovery, capacity constraints, quality issues, and operational risks.
• Strong commercial and analytical capabilities, including the ability to interpret supplier performance data, identify trends, and develop actionable recommendations.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, relationship management, and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to interact with senior leadership and external supplier executives.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate complex challenges in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, drive accountability, and deliver results against aggressive program timelines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint; experience with ERP and project management systems is an asset.
• PMP or other relevant program/project management certification is considered an asset.
• Ability to travel within Canada and internationally as required.
• French language proficiency is considered an asset.

Why work at De Havilland?

De Havilland Canada is a Canadian-owned and operated aircraft manufacturer dedicated to providing rewarding opportunities in a diverse and welcoming workplace.

• Work with a team that makes a true difference in the world-making it possible for people to travel around the globe efficiently, comfortably and safely.
• We’ve manufactured over 5,600 aircraft including the most advanced turboprop in the air today. Our experience and expertise in constructing the highest performing aircraft in the industry is second to none.
• Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities are dynamic workplaces led by teams that support and encourage all employees.
• With a passionate team of innovators and a global network of support, De Havilland Canada proudly carries on it’s tradition as a leader in aerospace.

In addition to plenty of opportunities for career growth in a stimulating work environment, De Havilland Canada offers:

• Competitive wages
• Paid vacation
• Extended health benefits (medical, dental, vision, paramedical)
• Life insurance
• RRSP/DPSP Plan
• Employee and family assistance program

At De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (DHC), we are committed to protecting our people, customers, shareholders and the public through Health & Safety Excellence. As such, it is expected that all employees maintain strict adherence to Health & Safety Policies and to perform key physical tasks of the position described in the job description and interview process. This may include but is not limited to the ability to work in a variety of environmental conditions including temperature extremes, confined spaces, working at heights and with or around chemicals. Employees are expected to adhere to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when at work which must include but is not limited to the ability to maintain a positive fit test when mask use is required.

At De Havilland Canada, we aim to be inclusive and diverse and provide equal opportunity for employment. All qualified applicants, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, and disability, are encouraged to apply. De Havilland will accommodate the needs of applicants with disabilities throughout all stages of the selection process. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise your Talent Acquisition representative. Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

Any offer of employment is conditional on the completion of positive and satisfactory background checks, which may include, proof that you are legally entitled to work in Canada, professional references, verification of employment history, verification of educational background and criminal background checks.