Director, Airport Planning | Ottawa International Airport Authority
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Director, Airport Planning

The Ottawa International Airport Authority (Authority) is accepting applications for a full-time Director, Airport Planning. 

The Director is responsible for leading comprehensive airport planning activities, from long-term strategic vision through Master Planning, medium-term expansion program development, to short-term area and project planning. This role provides strategic direction and oversight for conceptual planning efforts across all phases of airport development, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

  • Lead the development and regular updates of the Airport Master Plan, ensuring alignment with long-term strategic objectives, aviation industry trends, and community stakeholder interests
  • Direct medium-term expansion program planning, including phasing strategies, capacity analysis, infrastructure requirements, and financial modelling to support capital investment decisions in collaboration with the Finance and Operations departments
  • Oversee short-term conceptual planning for specific areas and projects, including terminal installations, airside infrastructure, and groundside facilities
  • Manage and coordinate aviation forecasting activities, including passenger growth projections, aircraft fleet mix analysis, and related capacity planning studies in collaboration with Finance and Operations departments
  • Ensure compliance with Transport Canada regulations, NAV CANADA requirements, and all applicable airport design standards and guidelines
  • Collaborate with the Communications and Stakeholder Management departments to lead stakeholder engagement and consultation processes with airlines, government agencies, community groups, and other interested parties on planning initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational strategic objectives
  • Oversee the Airport Planning team in conducting pre-feasibility studies, site analyses, environmental assessments, and alternative evaluations for proposed development projects
  • Coordinate planning activities with Operations, Finance, Business Development, and other airport departments to ensure integrated and cohesive development strategies
  • Manage consultant selection, contract administration, and performance oversight for planning-related professional services
  • Prepare and present planning recommendations and reports to senior management, the Board of Directors, and external stakeholders
  • Lead, mentor, and develop the Airport Planning team, including hiring, onboarding, performance management, professional development, and succession planning 
  • Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement
  • Manage the Airport Planning department budget, including operating expenses and capital planning budgets
  • Stay current with aviation industry trends, emerging technologies, sustainability initiatives, and planning best practices through professional development and industry engagement

 

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS 

 

EDUCATION

  • Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Airport Planning, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field

 

EXPERIENCE

  • Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in airport or urban planning
  • Minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership role
  • Experience with master planning, capacity analysis, terminal planning, and airfield design and capital program delivery

 

SKILLS

  • Comprehensive knowledge of airport planning principles, standards, and methodologies
  • Strong understanding of aviation industry operations, trends, and regulatory environment
  • Proven leadership and team management capabilities
  • Excellent strategic thinking and analytical skills
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal
  • Demonstrated stakeholder engagement and consultation expertise
  • Strong project management and budget management skills
  • Knowledge of environmental assessment processes and sustainability planning
  • Familiarity with risk management and regulatory approval processes

 

ASSETS 

  • Certified Master’s degree in Airport Planning, Aviation Management, or a related discipline 
  • Canadian airport experience 
  • Professional designation (AICP, PEng, or equivalent)
  • Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) designation
  • Experience with ICAO and FAA standards and guidelines
  • Experience with airport capital budgeting and financial modelling
  • Bilingualism (English/French) 

 

 ABOUT THE POSITION 


Job requirements

  • Have a valid driver’s license (Class G or equivalent) 
  • Provide a driver’s abstract (issued within the last month)
  • Successfully obtain a security clearance check for a Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC)

To explore this opportunity, please send your resume to [email protected].

The Authority is committed to the principles of Employment Equity and to achieving a workforce that is representative of the diversity of the Canadian population. We strongly encourage candidates to self-identify if they are Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, or members of visible minorities.