Associate Director, Security Operations

Greater Toronto Airports Authority • Toronto, ON

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) is seeking an Associate Director, Security Operations to lead the safe, secure, and resilient delivery of GTAA’s end-to-end security operations. This role oversees the Security Operations Centre (SOC), Pass & Permit Office, Security Response Coordinators, Public Safety Officers, and contracted partners. As the day-of operational authority, this position drives real-time security decision-making, leads coordinated responses to threats and incidents, maintains system-wide situational awareness, and ensures effective prevention, detection, response, and recovery in a complex, multi-agency environment. The Associate Director also acts as the designated security official, ensuring seamless cross-functional and external coordination while upholding the continuous, compliant execution of the Airport Security Program. Furthermore, this role shapes the future of airport security by co-leading strategy, advancing security technologies and access control systems, and ensuring alignment with evolving regulatory and international standards.

Requirements

• 7 years of progressive experience in an airport environment, aviation security, or similar with demonstrated experience in serving a large and complex customer base.
• 5 years of people leadership experience managing leaders and/or large operational teams.
• Strong relationship management skills, building trust with internal teams, unions, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to influence, collaborate, and negotiate cross-functionally, delivering results in a complex, unionized environment.
• Deep knowledge of aviation security regulations and operations, combined with strong business acumen and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and partners, applying strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
• A valid Ontario Driver’s License.
• Post-Secondary diploma in Aviation Management, Business Administration or related field.
• Ability to obtain and retain a Transportation Security Clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Incident Command System (ICS) training, Emergency Management, Project Management or leadership certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end 24/7 security operations across Toronto Pearson, including SOC, Pass & Permit Office, frontline response teams, and contracted security partners.
• Act as the designated day-of security authority and primary operational liaison with Transport Canada.
• Command real-time incident response, directing decision-making, threat response, and recovery actions in a high-risk environment.
• Maintain airport-wide situational awareness, ensuring coordinated and timely response across all security functions.
• Own execution of the Airport Security Program (ASP) and ensure compliance with Transport Canada regulations, Aerodrome Security Measures, and directives.
• Translate regulatory requirements into operations, embedding procedures, controls, and frontline execution.
• Ensure audit readiness and regulatory compliance, overseeing inspections, findings management, and corrective actions.
• Oversee security systems, access control, and surveillance platforms, ensuring reliability, resilience, and integration into operations.
• Drive implementation and operationalization of security technologies, including response to system disruptions and contingencies.
• Coordinate multi-agency partnerships with Transport Canada, CATSA, CBSA, Peel Regional Police, airlines, and airport stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary operational interface during incidents, ensuring coordinated, timely, and effective partner response.
• Drive security risk identification and mitigation, using intelligence and SeMS principles to address emerging threats and vulnerabilities.
• Build and develop a high-performing security workforce, ensuring staffing, training, contractor performance, and a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits, including a flexible retirement program with employer matching, along with voluntary savings options (RRSP, TFSA, and Non-Registered Savings Plans).
• A flexible hybrid work environment, continuous internal and external learning opportunities, and a meaningful reward and recognition program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Associate degree