Program Manager - Cre Projects

Employment Type: Full-time Regular

City: Calgary, AB (YYC)

Posting Open Date: 04/09/2025

Posting Close Date: 04/23/2025 (Please note the posting will close at 9:59pm MST)

Why WestJet:

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 we're going global.

Join us, this is where your career story takes off.

Hybrid Work:
This is a hybrid work position in Calgary, Alberta and requires in-person collaboration at the WestJet Campus (22 Aerial Place NE) 3 days per week. This provides flexibility the remaining 40% of the work week. This hybrid work plan allows for critically important learning, collaboration and networking with our colleagues. Specific days in the office are agreed upon by the team.

WestJet is seeking a Program Manager - Corporate Real Estate (CRE) Projects to join our Corporate Real Estate (CRE) team. The CRE function is accountable for WestJet's global corporate real estate and facilities portfolio, overseeing the delivery and sustainment of world-class infrastructure and asset management, in support of our guests, business partners, and shareholders.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Corporate Real Estate, the Program Manager - CRE Projects will lead and oversee the planning and execution of complex real estate, facilities, infrastructure, and large to small capital projects. This role plays a key part in aligning CRE initiatives with WestJet's operational and strategic priorities, driving delivery excellence, and ensuring robust governance, risk mitigation, and cross-functional coordination.

The ideal candidate will bring a "big-picture" mindset, integrating capital planning, lease collaboration, infrastructure delivery, and compliance. With a focus on long-term lifecycle management, operational resilience, and capital efficiency, the Program Manager - CRE Projects will work closely with senior leaders, internal stakeholders, external partners, airport authorities, and landlords to steward high-value CRE investments and to support operational performance.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and manage cross-functional teams (CRE project resources including contractors/consultants, internal stakeholders, and vendors) to deliver complex infrastructure projects on time, on budget, and within scope.
• Promote WestJet's safety culture in the delivery of projects.
• Develop and oversee capital project/portfolio plans, including understanding and translating business requirements into business case development with strategic alignment, budget formulation, and ensuring effective resource allocation, project execution, construction strategies and investment optimization.
• Ensure consistent project management structure, method, techniques and tools to successfully complete projects.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement across internal departments, external partners, and airport authorities throughout the full project lifecycle—from planning through execution to operationalization.
• Coordinate and manage external consultants and contractors for the execution of design, procurement of services, materials and equipment, construction and commissioning of facilities as required.
• Independently manage end-to-end delivery of concurrent projects across multiple geographies, including ensuring projects are delivered within the business case commitments (cost, schedule, functionality and operations) and to conduct onsite visits to ensure engagement, alignment, and successful execution and transition to operations.
• Acting as a subject matter expert, drive continuous improvement in project delivery frameworks, tools, reporting, and internal initiatives (e.g., design guidelines, standards, contract management, workflow, playbook and process maturity).
• Ensure compliance with all applicable corporate policies, contract law, safety standards, code requirements, and contractual obligations with specific regard to procurement policies, supplier management, category management and value creation initiatives.
• Coordinate integrated program schedules, forecasting, progress targets, budgets, and resource plans to align concurrent initiatives with organizational priorities and other activities required to properly manage projects.
• Maintain accurate documentation for all project activities (e.g., contracts, decision records, lessons learned). Create and manage the creation of scoping documents, project plans, drawings, RFPs/RFIs, specifications contracts and operational narratives.
• Identify, analyze and actively manage and mitigate risks on projects.
• Produce detailed reporting, including dashboards, budget tracking and forecasting, risk registers, and project updates for internal leadership and stakeholders.
• Support CRE project related enterprise resiliency requirements, collaborating on Occupational Health & Safety (OHS), Environment, Regulatory Compliance, Business Continuity, and Physical Security programs as required.
• Enable effective change management and communication, ensuring alignment and stakeholder readiness throughout CRE initiatives.
• Foster strong working relationships and collaboration with internal teams (CRE, Airports, Tech Ops, IT, OHS, Airport Affairs, Executive Leadership), airport authorities, landlords, consultants, and vendors to enable seamless delivery.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Minimum 7+ years of progressive experience in project or program management within Corporate Real Estate, Construction, Facilities, or a related infrastructure field.
• Proven success managing multiple complexes, multi-site capital projects from concept to close-out.
• Diploma or degree in Construction Engineering Technology or a related discipline.
• Relevant designations and certifications such as:

PMP, PgMP, or PMI-ACP (PMI), RPA, FMA (BOMI), CFM, FMP (IFMA), LEED

Gold Seal Certification

Preferred Assets:

• Experience in aviation facilities and/or managing infrastructure projects across national and international locations.
• Strong financial acumen, including capital planning, budgeting, and supplier contract management.
• Familiarity with CMMS platforms, CAD tools, ServiceNow and Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Teams, Excel, Project, SharePoint, etc.).
• Ability to obtain and maintain RAIC clearance (airport security clearance).

Competencies & Attributes:

• Unquestioned integrity, strong business ethics, and alignment with WestJet's values.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, both oral and written.
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on, solutions-oriented mindset and the humility to "roll up their sleeves" when needed.
• Proven ability to manage complexity, drive efficiency, and deliver outcomes under pressure.
• Exceptional relationship and communication skills, with an ability to work cross-functionally and engage diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking with a proactive approach to risk management.
• Demonstrated resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment.
• Motivated self-starter with a collaborative, team-first approach and a commitment to continuous improvement and initiative to establish priorities and meet expectations and deadlines.
• Support and manage a culture of personal development and continuous improvement.

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 WestJet's 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 WestJet's operations at risk. All roles that are identified as safety sensitive are required to pass a Pre-Employment Alcohol and Drug Test as per WestJet's Alcohol and Drug Policy.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We embrace what makes us each unique, and what makes us uniquely WestJet - and that is our people. WestJet is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates our differences by way of diversity, equity, and inclusion. As an equal opportunity employer, we want to you bring your full self to work and feel appreciated for your contributions.

At WestJet, we welcome unique skills, experiences, and backgrounds - if you're passionate and excited about this role, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single qualification in the posting. We are committed to inclusivity, equity, and accessibility in the selection process. If you require an accommodation during the recruiting process, please let our Talent Acquisition team know.

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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