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.
Profile
The Manager, Technical Training is responsible for leading the development, coordination, and delivery of technical training programs that support manufacturing and assembly operations in an aircraft production environment. This position ensures employees are equipped with the necessary skills, regulatory knowledge, and safety awareness to meet production quality and compliance standards. The Manager will partner with cross-functional leaders to assess training needs, drive continuous improvement, and ensure readiness across all levels of the workforce. In addition to leading technical training strategy, the Manager is accountable for managing a team of technical trainers and coordinators, ensuring consistent delivery, professional development, and alignment with operational objectives.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Training Program Design: Collaborate with department heads, subject matter experts, and key stakeholders to identify training needs and develop strategic training plans aligned with business goals and objectives. Lead a training team to create training materials, modules, and curricula that cater to different learning styles and levels of expertise in aerospace manufacturing.
- Training Program Implementation: Organize and facilitate training sessions, workshops, and seminars for employees at all levels. Coordinate logistics, such as scheduling, venues, and resources required for effective training delivery. Utilize a variety of instructional techniques and technologies to maximize engagement and knowledge retention.
- Learning Management System (LMS) Administration: Manage the organization's LMS, including system configuration, user management, and content management. Ensure the LMS is up-to-date, user-friendly, and aligned with training objectives. Troubleshoot any technical issues and provide support to users as needed.
- Compliance and Documentation: Ensure training programs adhere to relevant industry standards, regulatory requirements (Transport Canada, Canadian Aviation Regulation 561 and Standard 563, Industry Standard AS9100), and internal policies. Maintain accurate records of training activities, participant attendance, and outcomes for reporting purposes and audits.
- Leadership of Learning and Development Team: Lead and manage a team of training professionals, providing guidance, support, and mentorship. Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment that promotes continuous learning and professional growth.
- Evaluation and Improvement: Conduct regular evaluations of training programs to measure their effectiveness and impact on employee performance and organizational goals. Collect feedback from participants, analyze training metrics, and make recommendations for program enhancements or modifications as needed.
- External Training and Partnerships: Identify and engage external training providers, consultants, or experts to deliver specialized training programs that align with organizational needs. Manage relationships with external partners to ensure high-quality training delivery and value for investment.
- Stay Updated on Industry Trends: Keep abreast of the latest advancements, best practices, and emerging technologies in the manufacturing industry. Continuously seek opportunities to enhance your own knowledge and skills to ensure learning programs remain relevant and effective.
- Talent Development Initiatives: Collaborate with HR and department managers to develop tailored development plans. Implement development programs, mentoring initiatives, and strategies to build a pipeline of skilled professionals within the organization.
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as HR, Organizational Development, or Education.
- Proven experience as a Learning and Development Manager, preferably in the aerospace manufacturing industry.
- Solid understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes, technologies, and quality standards.
- Strong instructional design skills, with the ability to develop engaging training materials and curricula.
- Experience in managing and administering Learning Management Systems (LMS).
- Excellent facilitation and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex concepts effectively.
- Experience in evaluating training programs and utilizing metrics to drive continuous improvement.
- Familiarity with e-learning platforms, learning management systems, and other training technologies.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to multitask.
- Demonstrated team player with exemplary interpersonal and relationship-building skills. Additionally, you will need to possess the ability to work with difficult people and handle challenging situations with professionalism and diplomacy.
- 10+ years of working experience in a technical / leadership role within the aerospace/aviation industry.
- Experience implementing and maintaining an LMS system is considered a significant asset.
- Experience with training design and delivery, preferably in a manufacturing setting.
- Ability to travel up to 25% in the future as responsibility and scope of role expand to include multi-site responsibility.
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.