Manager, Operations Security and Compliance

AIT Worldwide Logistics•Palatine, IL

About The Position

The Manager, Operations Security and Compliance oversees high-value cargo protection and compliance with federal and industry security programs, including CTPAT and TAPA FSR/TSR, across domestic and international logistics operations. The position is focused on forwarding and logistics operations rather than infrastructure security or workplace safety. It ensures operational and transportation-related security protocols meet customer requirements and AIT standards, and serves as the primary security liaison for key customer security leaders. The role embeds security requirements into daily workflows and supports customer-facing audits, investigations, and corrective action programs. It translates regulatory and customer expectations into practical operational controls, training materials, and standard operating procedures. Responsibilities include carrier and facility security assessments, transport security oversight, audit readiness, staff training, incident response, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 5 years of experience in supply chain security, logistics security, or compliance.
Hands-on experience with CTPAT, TAPA FSR/TSR, or customer security programs.
Exposure to high-value freight, transportation security, or warehouse security operations.
Strong working knowledge of CTPAT Minimum Security Criteria and TAPA standards.
Ability to conduct risk assessments, audits, and investigations.
Excellent cross-functional communication skills and ability to influence without authority.
Practical understanding of logistics operations, warehouse workflows, and transportation processes.
Strong documentation, reporting, and analytical skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and security tracking tools.
Operationally focused security skills combined with operational excellence.
Comfort working cross-functionally across Operations, Warehouse, Global Security Operations, and Customer Service.
Executive presence and a calm, methodical, decisive approach during incidents.
Ability to balance risk mitigation with service delivery to internal stakeholders and customers.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in security management, criminal justice, logistics, risk management, the logistics industry, or an equivalent degree.
CTPAT certification experience.
TAPA FSR/TSR training or certification.
Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP), Physical Security Professional (PSP), Certified Safety Officer (CSO), or similar security credentials.

Responsibilities

Conduct security risk assessments and due diligence for carriers, subcontractors, and service providers handling high-value freight.
Validate carrier compliance with CTPAT, TAPA TSR, and customer security requirements, including driver controls, equipment standards, and chain-of-custody procedures.
Review and maintain carrier security documentation, certifications, standard operating procedures, and corrective action plans.
Partner with Operations and Procurement to approve, restrict, or remediate carriers based on security risk findings.
Perform facility security assessments aligned with TAPA FSR and CTPAT Minimum Security Criteria, covering access control, CCTV, alarm systems, key control, visitor management, and secure storage.
Identify facility vulnerabilities, assign risk ratings, and track corrective actions through closure.
Collaborate with Warehouse leaders on secure handling, staging, and storage of high-value goods.
Maintain facility security documentation, post orders, and access protocols in audit-ready condition.
Define and enforce transport security controls for high-value shipments, including route risk analysis, secure parking, seal management, tracking, and escalation protocols.
Support security planning for sensitive or high-risk shipments and ensure controls comply with TAPA TSR and customer expectations.
Participate in theft, loss, or tampering investigations; perform root cause analysis and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
Coordinate with Customer Service on shipment-level security requirements, exceptions, and incidents.
Prepare for and support CTPAT validations, TAPA audits, customer security audits, and internal assessments.
Maintain risk assessments, corrective action logs, training records, and partner vetting files.
Monitor regulatory and industry security updates and translate requirements into actionable internal procedures.
Serve as a subject-matter expert during audits and explain security controls to auditors and customers.
Develop and deliver security awareness training for Operations, Warehouse, Drivers, and Customer Service teams, emphasizing high-value cargo protection and insider threat awareness.
Coach frontline teams on proper security procedures and escalation paths.
Advise business units while balancing security, service, and operational efficiency.
Respond to security incidents involving theft, loss, or suspicious activity.
Lead investigations with Global Safety and Security, document findings, and ensure corrective actions are implemented and verified.
Analyze incident trends and recommend improvements to reduce future risk.
Perform other duties as assigned and comply with all policies and standards.