Business Unit Leader

Magellan Aerospace is a global, integrated aerospace company that provides complex assemblies and systems solutions to aircraft and engine manufacturers, and defence and space agencies worldwide. At Magellan we have over 80 years of collective knowledge and experience in the aerospace industry, and believe one truth: People create value.


Employees are our greatest resource in working towards a successful future, and together we build professional relationships that thrive. We know that personal development is fundamental to the success of every individual and invest in our employees.


When you are part of Magellan, you are part of the team!

Position Summary

The Business Unit Leader has overall responsibility for the leadership and operational performance of an assigned manufacturing facility/business unit. Reporting to the General Manager, the Business Unit Leader leads day-to-day plant operations and works collaboratively with functional leaders to achieve Company objectives for safety, quality, delivery, inventory, operating efficiency, customer satisfaction, and financial performance.

The role provides direct leadership for plant operations while providing functional direction and coordination across Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Purchasing, Master Scheduling, Materials, Contract Administration, and other support functions. The Business Unit Leader is responsible for executing divisional business plans, driving continuous improvement, developing people, and ensuring compliance with customer, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Annual Salary Range: $130,000 to $150,000

Operational Leadership

• Lead the day-to-day operations and overall performance of the assigned manufacturing facility/business unit.
• Execute operational plans that support divisional and corporate objectives.
• Improve operating performance through effective management of people, equipment, suppliers, and manufacturing resources.
• Monitor key performance indicators and implement corrective actions to improve safety, quality, delivery, inventory, productivity, and cost performance.
• Promote a culture of operational excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Financial & Business Performance

• Develop and achieve annual operating budgets and forecasts for labour, overhead, inventory, productivity, and operating expenses.
• Support the General Manager in achieving business unit financial objectives.
• Identify and implement cost reduction, productivity improvement, and operational efficiency initiatives.
• Assist with capital equipment planning and facility improvement projects.

Manufacturing Operations

• Ensure manufacturing operations are appropriately resourced to meet customer and business requirements.
• Support successful transition of new products and programs into production using established manufacturing processes.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing initiatives and support implementation of the Magellan Operating System (MOS).
• Improve manufacturing efficiency, inventory management, warehousing, scheduling, and logistics performance.

Customer & Supplier Relations

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with customers and support customer satisfaction initiatives.
• Ensure customer satisfaction through consistent delivery, responsiveness, and operational performance.
• Participate in customer reviews, business reviews, and operational meetings.
• Collaborate with external suppliers to align material deliveries with dynamic production schedules and eliminate inventory bottlenecks.
• Support proposal, quotation, and business growth activities as required.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Company policies, AS9100, Nadcap requirements, customer approvals, and applicable environmental, health and safety regulations.
• Provide operational oversight of aerospace special process operations, where applicable.
• Lead customer, quality system, and regulatory audits and ensure timely implementation of corrective actions.
• Maintain all required operating certifications, licenses, and regulatory approvals applicable to the facility.

People Leadership

• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop supervisors and employees.
• Recruit, develop, and retain a skilled and engaged workforce.
• Build organizational capability through employee development and succession planning.
• Promote positive employee relations and effectively manage within a unionized environment where applicable.
• Champion change management initiatives that improve business performance.

Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure effective utilization of ERP and business systems to monitor operational performance.
• Support implementation of new business systems and process improvements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that improve quality, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
• Identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Promote data-driven decision making through performance metrics and operational reporting.

Position Requirements:

• Degree or diploma in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or a related discipline.
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation or Project Management certification is considered an asset.
• Minimum 8-10 years of progressive leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in aerospace, precision manufacturing, or another highly regulated industry.
• Experience leading manufacturing operations with responsibility for safety, quality, delivery, inventory, and operational performance.
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience with budgeting, resource planning, and operational performance management.
• Experience working in a unionized manufacturing environment is an asset.
• Experience with ERP systems and manufacturing business systems.
• Working knowledge of AS9100, Nadcap requirements, and aerospace customer compliance standards is preferred.
• Experience leading customer, quality system, and regulatory audits is preferred.
• Sound business and financial acumen.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Customer-focused with the ability to build effective internal and external relationships.
• Ability to lead change and drive operational excellence.

Why Magellan?

• Competitive Salary
• Attractive Benefit Package
• Generous Company Pension Plan
• Excellent Career Progression Opportunities
• Employee Assistance Plan

Magellan Aerospace is committed to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities for all. We welcome all applications without regard to social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, national origin or religious belief, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state/province, or local law.

If you require an accommodation during the recruitment/interview process (including alternate formats of materials, or accessible meeting rooms or other accommodation), please let your Human Resources point of contact know and we will work with you, to the best of our ability to meet your needs.

Magellan Aerospace respects the privacy and confidentiality of personal information provided by candidates and shall not disclose to any external parties unless legislated.

Magellan may use an approved Artificial Intelligence (AI) note-taking tool to support the initial screening stage of its recruitment and selection process. All AI use is performed in accordance with Magellan's privacy policies. Personal information associated with any job application will not be shared with or retained by any third party. Magellan the ultimate discretion to determine which applications proceed through the initial screening process.

This position requires access to technical data and necessitates that Magellan Aerospace obtain export licensing approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce - Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the U.S. Department of State - Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. As such, hires for this position - except U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, and protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), will be required to go through an export licensing review process. Magellan Aerospace does not make recruiting or hiring decisions based on citizenship, immigration status, or national origin; however, if information access or export control restrictions based upon applicable U.S. laws and regulations would prohibit an applicant from working in this position without first obtaining an export license, Magellan Aerospace expressly reserves the right not to offer employment.