Lead Hand - Mechanics (MRO)

at  De Havilland

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 1,400 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.
The Organization
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd. (‘DHC’) is a proudly Canadian aerospace company currently transitioning its corporate headquarters to Calgary, AB. DHC is undertaking a consolidation of its underlying subsidiary companies under a single brand currently offering engineering, aftermarket, new aircraft manufacturing, modifications, parts manufacturing and flight training. DHC currently has approximately 1,500 employees based in BC, AB and ON as well as in markets and distribution hubs worldwide. Our strong entrepreneurial spirit, together with a culture of empowerment, quality and innovation create opportunities to grow and succeed in an organization with a proud heritage and bright future.
Profile (Overview of job)
The Lead Hand - Mechanics assumes the accountability for leading direct employees in the De Havilland MRO. The role has direct accountability for the production functions on an hourly/daily/weekly basis. The role acts as direct liaison between direct employees and the Crew Chief or the Production Manager. The role has primary accountability for ensuring the execution of the short-term objectives for the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to ensure that the team remains aligned to the specific immediate work objectives set and meets hourly/daily targets as identified
• Conduct initial product orientation and training for new employees
• Ensure all direct employees are aware of, and following, all health and safety policies/procedures
• Ensure the direct employees are aware of, and following, all applicable regulations (including Transport Canada), standards and laws
• Escalate operational risks, delays and other issues to appropriate Crew Chief(s) and/or Production / Department Manager(s)
• Ensure appropriate resources available for work tasks planned
• Coach and train less experienced workers (eg apprentices, employees new to product) by providing hands-on instruction and feedback
• Establish and reinforce positive, respectful, transparent communications and interactions
• Maintain awareness of employee ‘pulse’, ensure culture is in line with organizational direction, report issues as required
• Direct labour (~60%)

Additional Accountabilities

• Ensure employees are aware of, and follow, all required company policy/procedures
• Ensure individual performance is being reviewed; good performance is called out and recognized and performance gaps or deficiencies are addressed through coaching / training and/or escalation where required
• Ensure appropriate metrics are clearly defined, communicated to, and understood by, the underlying operational team
• Ensure the team has executable action plans in place to support daily work requirements
• Provide daily reporting to communicate progress to plan / mitigation plans
• Ensure employees follow all required company policy/procedures
• Ensure resourcing required to execute the work plans is provided and/or requested
• Provide recommendations to improve process(es) and performance in the operation

Qualifications

• Valid M1 or M2 license
• Minimum 3 years’ experience working in an MRO facility, preferably in heavy maintenance projects
• Prior supervisory experience an asset
• Experience in planning and directing work an asset
• Prior experience in facilitating meetings and/or training considered a significant asset

Skills

• Communicates effectively
• Actively listens
• Respects others
• Sound judgement
• Takes accountability
• Possesses problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Has integrity
• Is results-orientation
• Is adaptable
• Is resilient

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 will 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.
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

• Provide leadership to ensure that the team remains aligned to the specific immediate work objectives set and meets hourly/daily targets as identified
• Conduct initial product orientation and training for new employees
• Ensure all direct employees are aware of, and following, all health and safety policies/procedures
• Ensure the direct employees are aware of, and following, all applicable regulations (including Transport Canada), standards and laws
• Escalate operational risks, delays and other issues to appropriate Crew Chief(s) and/or Production / Department Manager(s)
• Ensure appropriate resources available for work tasks planned
• Coach and train less experienced workers (eg apprentices, employees new to product) by providing hands-on instruction and feedback
• Establish and reinforce positive, respectful, transparent communications and interactions
• Maintain awareness of employee ‘pulse’, ensure culture is in line with organizational direction, report issues as required
• Direct labour (~60%