Sr. Director, Aviation

Nutrien is a leading provider of crop inputs and services, and our business results make a positive impact on the world. Our purpose, Feeding the Future, is the reason we come to work each day. We’re guided by our culture of care and our core values:
We put safety first. We act with integrity. We are stronger together. We deliver with excellence.

Through the collective expertise of our nearly 26,000 employees, we operate a world-class network of production, distribution, and ag retail facilities. We efficiently serve growers' needs and strive to provide a more profitable, sustainable, and secure future for all stakeholders. Help us raise the expectation of what an agriculture company can be and grow your career with Nutrien.

The Senior Director, Aviation Operations oversees and manages all aspects of the company's aviation operations, ensuring the safety, efficiency, reliability, and professionalism of aviation services. This is an active flying leadership role and the successful candidate will be expected to maintain flight currency and serve as an operating pilot as business needs require. This role provides strategic leadership for the aviation function, including safety culture, operational risk management, regulatory compliance, fleet and maintenance oversight, executive service, and leadership of a high-performing aviation team.

What You'll Do:

Leadership and Management

Lead, motivate, develop, and hold accountable the aviation operations team, including chief pilots, pilots, maintenance staff, and administrative personnel

Provide strategic leadership to the aviation team through clear expectations, coaching, mentorship, performance feedback, succession planning, and a positive, collaborative work environment

Champion a proactive, safety-first culture where risk identification, open reporting, disciplined decision-making, and continuous learning are embedded in day-to-day operations

Promote a just culture that encourages timely reporting of hazards, incidents, and near misses while maintaining clear accountability for professional standards and regulatory compliance

Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure the highest standards of safety and efficiency

Operational Oversight

Oversee the planning, execution, and management of all aviation missions

Maintain flight currency and actively participate as an operating pilot in company aircraft, as required by business and operational needs

Lead operational risk management practices covering flight planning, weather, crew duty and fatigue, aircraft maintenance status, passenger security, international operations, and mission-critical executive travel

Exercise sound, independent judgment in advising senior executives on aviation risk, operational feasibility, aircraft availability, and safety-related decisions

Safety and Compliance

Ensure adherence to aviation regulations, safety standards, and best practices

Lead, maintain, and continuously improve the Aviation Safety Management System, including hazard reporting, risk assessment, incident investigation, corrective action tracking, and safety performance monitoring

Develop and maintain safety programs and protocols

Conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments

Develop and implement risk management strategies, emergency response plans, and business continuity practices for irregular operations, incidents, security events, and other aviation-related disruptions

Strategic Planning

Develop long-term plans for the aviation department, including fleet management, budgeting, and personnel development

Collaborate with other departments to align aviation operations with the overall goals of the company

Develop and execute the department's goals and objectives in alignment with the overall organizational strategy, by providing vision and direction to the aviation team

Strong focus on data driven decision making aligned with our business executives

Manage the aviation department's budget and expenditures, overseeing operating expenses, capital expenditures, and implementing cost control measures

Oversee procurement and maintenance of aircraft and aviation equipment

Oversee aircraft airworthiness, maintenance planning, reliability, vendor performance, and lifecycle decisions to ensure safe, efficient, and dependable fleet operations

Manage relationships and performance expectations with external aviation partners, including maintenance providers, training providers, FBOs, charter operators, and other third-party service providers

Stakeholder Communication

Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders regarding aviation operations

Prepare and present reports to senior management and other stakeholders

Maintain the highest standards of professionalism, discretion, confidentiality, and service quality

What You'll Bring:

Bachelor's degree in aviation management, business administration, or a related field (Master's degree preferred)

15+ years of experience in corporate aviation operations, with at least 5…