Every WestJet journey has the potential to enrich lives; a career with us is no exception.
WestJet arrived on the Canadian airline scene in 1996 and changed the industry for the better. We made air travel more affordable for Canadians and now were going global.
Join us and love where you’re going.
Remote Work:
This position is eligible for hybrid remote work, within Calgary Alberta, under our mobile workforce program.
Overview of role:
Are you a seasoned aviation professional ready to take on a senior leadership role? WestJet is seeking a dynamic Manager, Airline Partnerships to take ownership of the analysis, strategy, and implementation of interline and codeshare relationships within our Airline Partnerships portfolio. In this key position, you will play a central role as part of the team shaping WestJets global reach, maximizing commercial benefits, and delivering an exceptional guest experience.
Key responsibilities include:
Portfolio Ownership and Strategy:
- Take ownership of part of the interline and codeshare relationships portfolio, developing and executing a comprehensive strategy aligned with WestJets growth objectives.
- Lead the analysis of existing and potential partnerships, identifying opportunities and challenges to drive informed decision-making.
Strategic Negotiations and Implementation:
- Lead the negotiation of commercial and operational terms with airlines and other potential partners, securing favorable terms and conditions that align with WestJets strategic priorities.
- Implement robust strategies with partners that include reciprocal frequent flyer program benefits, helping to ensure a seamless and rewarding experience for loyalty program members, and driving commercial benefit.
Joint Venture Opportunities:
- Assess, review, and analyze potential joint venture opportunities, demonstrating a strong ability to drive strategic initiatives that enhance WestJets global presence.
Data-Driven Decision Making:
- Utilize advanced analytical skills to conduct in-depth research and analysis, translating findings into strategic action plans for portfolio optimization.
- Structure new and existing relationship constructs, demonstrating a keen understanding of key value drivers.
Cross-Functional Leadership:
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including Operations, Finance, Marketing, Loyalty, and IT, Digital, and Experience Management, to ensure seamless implementation of partnership strategies.
- Provide leadership and guidance on the alignment of partnership goals with WestJets overall strategic vision.
Communication and Diplomacy:
- Foster high-functioning relationships with partners, ensuring positive outcomes for both WestJet and its partners.
- Effectively communicate complex partnership strategies and key updates to internal and external stakeholders.
Professional Qualifications:
- Minimum of 8 years of experience in senior airline strategic planning functions, with a proven track record in Airline Partnerships, Network Planning, Finance, or Revenue Management.
- Extensive experience in negotiating and implementing strategic relationships, with preference given to experience with interline and codeshare relationships, and frequent flyer program experience.
- Strong negotiation skills with the ability to influence and secure favorable terms.
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities, strong proficiency in data analysis tools and software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, SQL, Tableau, Cognos, PowerBI, Microsoft Access, Accelya, and others).
- Tertiary qualifications in Business, Finance, or a related discipline.
Personal Attributes:
- Proven ability to own and execute the analysis, strategy, and implementation for a comprehensive airline partnerships portfolio.
- Exceptional diplomatic and interpersonal skills, with a focus on building and maintaining positive relationships.
- Strategic thinker with a track record of innovation and driving results in the dynamic airline industry.
- Highly self-motivated, collaborative, and adaptable to changing market conditions.
- Rigorous process, documentation, project management, and business analysis standards.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences.
- Prepared for and capable of international travel, which may at times be significant and required at the last minute.
If you are a senior-level aviation professional seeking a challenging and impactful role, this is a unique opportunity to shape the future of WestJets Airline Partnerships. Be a key player in our continued success and contribute to the evolution of our global reach.
The benefits of being a WestJetter:
WestJet provides all WestJetters with a competitive total rewards package. On top of that, we offer:
- A fun and friendly culture with colleagues who work together to win
- Travel privileges for you and your family, effective from your start date
- Savings and Benefit programs that are flexible to meet your specific needs
Think we are a fit? Apply now!
About WestJet Group of Companies
Together with WestJets regional airline, WestJet Encore, we offer scheduled service to more than 100 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe and to more than 175 destinations in over 20 countries through our airline partnerships.
Our Safety Promise
At WestJet, the safety and security of our people and our guests is a core value and at the heart of what we do. As safety and security is a shared responsibility, it is expected that you will use safe work practices to ensure your well-being and the safety of others.
WestJet recognizes that the use of Alcohol and Drugs can adversely impact a safe work environment and the well-being of others including guests, suppliers and the public, as well as place WestJets operations at risk. All roles that are identified as safety sensitive are required to pass a Pre-Employment Alcohol and Drug Test as per WestJets Alcohol and Drug Policy.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
We embrace what makes us each unique, and what makes us uniquely WestJet. WestJet is committed to inclusiveness, equity, and accessibility and if you require accommodation during the selection process, please let our Talent Acquisition team know. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply. We thank all applicants for their interest in WestJet; however, only those candidates who are selected will be contacted.
For more information about everything WestJet, please visit WestJet.com.
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