Security Manager

Role Overview

This role sits at the centre of an airline’s or aviation company’s security apparatus, combining hands-on operational oversight with strategic compliance. Day to day, you will manage the Aircraft Operator Security Program from drafting and implementation through to ongoing audit and regulatory alignment, while also leading threat assessments, incident investigations, and personnel vetting processes. The position matters because it directly safeguards passengers, crew, and assets, and ensures the organisation meets the strictest national and international aviation security standards without disruption to flight operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the design, rollout, and continuous refinement of the Aircraft Operator Security Program (AOSP), ensuring it evolves with regulatory changes, threat intelligence, and operational lessons.
• Direct intelligence gathering and lead the investigation of security incidents, from initial response to final reporting and corrective action.
• Oversee pre-employment security vetting, conduct in-depth personnel background checks, and maintain accurate personnel security records in line with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and deliver aviation security training programmes—including aircraft search procedures, emergency response protocols, and safeguarding measures—while maintaining comprehensive training records for all staff.
• Coordinate internal and external security audits, manage quality assurance activities, and keep a structured repository of security reports, investigation records, committee minutes, and audit documentation.
• Champion a strong security culture across the organisation through awareness campaigns, briefings, and engagement with all departments.
• Establish and maintain an effective security command structure and response capability, ensuring readiness to act during elevated threat periods or real incidents.
• Act as the primary liaison with government authorities, regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders on all aviation security matters, and provide expert advice to senior management and line managers.
• Prepare and manage the aviation security operations budget, aligning resources with risk assessments and regulatory priorities.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Security, Security Management, Criminology, or a closely related field.
• At least eight years of progressive experience in aviation security management or a comparable security leadership role, with demonstrated responsibility for teams, programmes, or operations.
• Relevant professional training in aviation security, risk management, incident investigation, and emergency response.
• Certification as an AVSEC Instructor is considered a strong advantage.
• A valid Certificate of Good Conduct (Police Clearance Certificate) is mandatory.
• Thorough knowledge of national and international aviation security regulations, standards, and best practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of proficiency in English.
• Strong leadership, analytical, decision-making, and stakeholder-management abilities.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to maintaining confidentiality.