Flight Dispatch Manager (Vancouver)
at Pacific Coastal Airlines

Job Description

Join our team!

Pacific Coastal Airlines has an exciting opportunity for a Permanent Full Time Manager, Flight Dispatch to join our dynamic and safety-focused team. This position is based at the South Terminal of Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in Richmond, BC.

Pacific Coastal Airlines is headquartered at the South Terminal of the Vancouver International Airport. As an established regional airline, we operate scheduled and charter services between remote destinations and beautiful communities throughout British Columbia.

Reporting to the Director, Flight Operations, the Manager, Flight Dispatch provides leadership, supervision, and strategic direction to the Flight Dispatch team. This role champions a culture of safety, regulatory compliance, reliability, and operational excellence while serving as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Technical Flight Dispatch.

The Manager, Flight Dispatch is an advocate for Flight Dispatch personnel and plays a key role in ensuring that all company flights are safely and efficiently planned, released, and monitored in compliance with Transport Canada regulations, Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), and company standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Uphold and promote the Company's safety culture, SMS, and regulatory compliance at all times
• Ensure Flight Dispatch operations meet or exceed Transport Canada, CARs, and corporate requirements
• Act as the SME for Technical Flight Dispatch, advising leadership on regulatory constraints, new routes, and operational changes
• Maintain, audit, and continuously improve Flight Dispatch manuals, procedures, and training documentation

Operational Performance & Reliability

• Provide day-to-day functional, administrative, and technical leadership to Flight Dispatch personnel
• Ensure company flights are safely and efficiently planned, cleared, and monitored
• Coordinate with Operations Control and other departments regarding operational control impacts
• Oversee staffing, scheduling, and resource planning to meet commercial and operational requirements
• Manage and maintain Flight Dispatch technical systems and tools
• Monitor dispatcher performance and ensure adherence to quality and performance standards
• Attend daily operations meetings and monthly Flight Operations meetings

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, motivate, and inspire Flight Dispatchers, Flight Followers, and Approved Check Dispatchers
• Conduct interviews, evaluations, and succession planning
• Oversee training, competency checks, route familiarization, and leadership development
• Foster a respectful, inclusive, and engaged team culture aligned with Company values
• Provide regular feedback, recognition, and performance management
• Distribute and communicate new policies, procedures, and operational updates

Training & Development

• Develop, audit, and deliver Flight Dispatch training programs
• Ensure consistency, quality, and regulatory compliance in all training initiatives
• Maintain accurate training and evaluation records
• Attend industry seminars, workshops, and symposiums to identify best practices

Financial & Resource Management

• Forecast staffing requirements considering schedules, training, vacations, and attrition
• Identify inefficiencies within the Flight Dispatch function and recommend corrective actions
• Support departmental and company financial performance targets

QUALIFICATIONS

• Maintains Flight Dispatcher competency in accordance with CASS 725.124
• Qualified or eligible to become qualified as a Company Check Dispatcher under the Transport Canada Approved Check Dispatcher (ACD) program
  (Minimum two years' experience as a Flight Dispatcher in Canada, including at least six months with the current operator)
• Minimum two years' experience leading a team
• Experience dispatching Beechcraft 1900 and/or Saab 340 aircraft considered an asset
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Flight Dispatch Procedures and Training Manuals
  • Company Operations Manual and Air Operator Certificate
  • Flight planning and aircraft performance software
  • Applicable CARs and regulatory standards
• Strong organizational, decision-making, and multi-tasking skills
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and influence teams
• SMS training (including MOC and Risk Assessment) and leadership training, or willingness to complete

What You Bring to the Role:

• Strong leadership presence and communication skills
• Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• High attention to detail and commitment to operational excellence
• Collaborative approach with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to inspire trust and engagement within Flight Dispatch and Flight Operations teams

Why Pacific Coastal Airlines?

Company Culture: We honour our company motto of People Friendly, People First for both our employees and our passengers. We encourage a positive, caring workplace and put a high value on collaboration, accountability, and loyalty. We are inclusive, respectful, and have a friendly corporate culture.

Health Benefits: We offer a standard benefits package for permanent employees consisting of extended health, dental, vision, travel medical, life insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, an employee and family assistance program, paid sick days, and paid personal emergency days.

Travel Benefits: We offer excellent travel perks to employees and their eligible family members on Pacific Coastal Airlines, WestJet, Air Canada, Iceland Air, Delta, Allegiant, Cathay Pacific, Alaska Airlines and more. Additionally, employees are eligible for discounts with various hotels and restaurants within the communities we serve as well as steeply discounted cargo shipping within the Pacific Coastal Airlines network.

Employee Programs: We have employee recognition and reward programs, a milestone service recognition program and employee appreciation events throughout the year.

Apply today! 

Pacific Coastal Airlines is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to a policy of non-discrimination in all of our employment practices. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, disability or any other identifying characteristic.