PDX Security Program Manager

Covenant • Portland, OR

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Covenant Aviation Security (CAS) is seeking a Security Program Manager to oversee contracted airport security operations at Portland International Airport (PDX). The role leads and manages the delivery of security services while ensuring compliance 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 day-to-day operations. The position promotes a professional, highly trained workforce and emphasizes operational excellence, regulatory compliance, accountability, 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 other operational needs. Compensation is targeted at $90,000–$110,000 annually, depending on qualifications, experience, and contract requirements. Final assignment to the Program Manager position is subject to approval by the Port's Contract Administrator.

CAS, founded in 2002, provides transportation and aviation security services. It is the largest private contractor providing Screening Partnership Program services to the Transportation Security Administration and 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 requirement.
• 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.
• Effective and professional communication 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.
• Ability to 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.
• 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 Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (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, ensuring compliance with 49 CFR Part 1542, 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 consistent execution of contractual requirements and operational standards.
• Develop and maintain staffing plans, employee schedules, and workforce deployment strategies that meet operational needs and contractual staffing requirements.
• Monitor operational performance, identify improvement opportunities, and implement corrective actions to improve efficiency, compliance, service quality, and employee 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 receive and maintain required training, certifications, credentials, and qualifications.
• Conduct operational assessments, inspections, and quality assurance reviews to identify deficiencies, mitigate risk, and maintain regulatory and contractual 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.
• Promote a culture of safety, professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and customer service.
• Remain available outside regularly scheduled hours to respond to incidents, emergencies, and operational needs.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support contract performance and organizational objectives.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, effective the first day of the month following sixty days of continuous employment.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions.
• Paid time off (PTO).
• Company-paid life insurance.
• Voluntary supplemental life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• Company-furnished uniforms, where applicable.
• Paid training and professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager