PDX Security Program Manager

Covenant Aviation Security•Portland, OR

3d•$90,000 - $110,000•Onsite

About The Position

Covenant Aviation Security (CAS) is hiring a Security Program Manager to lead and manage contracted airport security services at Portland International Airport (PDX). The role ensures operations comply with federal aviation security regulations, Port of Portland requirements, and CAS policies and procedures. The Program Manager is the primary operational point of contact for the Port's Aviation Security Department and oversees security personnel, supervisors, staffing, training, performance, and daily operations. The position promotes operational excellence, regulatory compliance, accountability, professionalism, and customer service. This is a full-time, onsite leadership position with a regular schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Program Manager must also remain available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to respond to incidents, emergencies, and operational needs. The role requires a bachelor's degree and at least five years of aviation or security management experience, including two years at an airport regulated under 49 CFR Part 1542; seven years of aviation/security management experience may substitute for the degree. The employee must be eligible to obtain and maintain Oregon DPSST Supervisory and Executive Manager certifications and obtain and maintain the AAAE Airport Certified Employee (ACE) designation in Security within one year of employment. Assignment is subject to Port Contract Administrator approval and required screening, background checks, and airport credentialing. The targeted annual compensation range is $90,000–$110,000, depending on qualifications, experience, and contract requirements. CAS describes itself as the largest private contractor providing TSA Screening Partnership Program services and an industry leader in aviation security solutions. Founded in 2002, the company provides security and screening services for airports, airlines, and government agencies across the United States.

Requirements

Must be a United States Citizen, United States National, or Lawful Permanent Resident.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and at least five years of aviation or security management experience, including at least two years at an airport regulated under 49 CFR Part 1542; alternatively, seven years of aviation/security management experience may substitute for the bachelor's degree.
Demonstrated experience managing security operations, supervising personnel, and ensuring compliance in a highly regulated environment.
Strong working knowledge of aviation security operations, applicable regulatory requirements, and security management practices.
Ability to manage staffing, scheduling, employee performance, and operational resources in a dynamic 24/7 environment.
Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees, clients, regulatory agencies, law enforcement, and senior leadership.
Strong organizational, analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and ability to learn and use company and client systems.
Must work onsite at Portland International Airport Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and remain available 24/7/365 for incidents and emergencies.
Must be eligible to obtain and maintain required Oregon DPSST Supervisory and Executive Manager certifications before assuming the designated Program Manager role.
Must obtain and maintain the AAAE Airport Certified Employee (ACE) designation in Security within one year of employment, as required by the contract.
Final assignment to the Program Manager position is subject to approval by the Port's Contract Administrator.
Must successfully complete required pre-employment screening, background checks, and airport credentialing requirements.
Must be physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of performing assigned duties, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Current Oregon DPSST Supervisory and Executive Manager certifications.
Current AAAE Airport Certified Employee (ACE) designation in Security.
Experience managing large security teams, multiple supervisory levels, and complex 24/7 operations.
Experience with contract management, client relations, budget oversight, and operational performance improvement.
Experience working directly with airport authorities, TSA, law enforcement, and other aviation security stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Direct and oversee assigned airport security operations and ensure compliance with applicable federal and state regulations, Port of Portland requirements, and CAS policies and procedures.
Serve as the primary operational liaison between CAS and the Port's Aviation Security Department, and maintain working relationships with airport leadership, TSA, law enforcement, airline representatives, and other stakeholders.
Lead and oversee supervisory personnel and Security Officers to ensure contractual requirements and operational standards are met.
Develop and maintain staffing plans, employee schedules, and workforce deployment strategies that meet operational and contractual needs.
Monitor operational performance, identify improvement opportunities, and implement corrective actions to improve efficiency, compliance, service quality, and accountability.
Oversee employee performance management, including coaching, evaluations, corrective action, disciplinary recommendations, and professional development.
Partner with Human Resources and Talent Acquisition on workforce planning, recruitment, hiring, onboarding, employee relations, and retention.
Ensure personnel maintain required training, certifications, credentials, and qualifications.
Conduct operational assessments, inspections, and quality assurance reviews to identify deficiencies, mitigate risk, and maintain compliance.
Coordinate responses to security incidents, emergencies, operational disruptions, and other critical situations, including communication, documentation, and follow-up.
Develop and maintain operational procedures, reports, records, and other required documentation.
Assist with budget development, labor management, cost controls, and resource allocation.
Investigate and resolve operational concerns, employee complaints, client issues, and service deficiencies.
Foster safety, professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and customer service.
Remain available outside regular scheduled hours to respond to incidents, emergencies, and operational needs.
Perform additional duties as assigned to support contract performance and organizational objectives.