Senior Manager Aviation Security

Abu Dhabi Airports Company; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Abu Dhabi Airports Company is seeking a senior aviation security leader to develop and implement long-term security strategies across multiple airports in Abu Dhabi. The role requires coordinating with GCAA, regulators, and stakeholders to ensure top-tier safety and security for passengers, staff, facilities, and operations.

The successful candidate will set master plans, contingency frameworks, and drive continuous security improvements while managing budgets and leading a diverse team of

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in airport management or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in aviation security management.
• Strong knowledge of international aviation security standards and GCAA requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and communicate section objectives aligned with strategic goals.
• Recommend KPIs and monitor performance of the aviation security function.
• Develop and manage sectional budget and staffing plans.
• Lead change management and stakeholder communication.
• Identify automation and technology opportunities for efficiency and cost optimization.
• Develop and implement security policies, standards and contingency plans.
• Oversee security programs across all airports and ensure compliance with national and international standards.
• Provide expert guidance on security search techniques and incident handling.
• Ensure prompt response to security-related requests from pilots and crews.
• Supervise and develop team members including Emiratisation initiatives.

Skills

Aviation security regulations

Crisis management

Security strategy development

Multisite operations

Leadership & people management

Stakeholder management

Regulatory collaboration

Analytical decision making

Security technology implementation

Budgeting & reporting

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Airport Management

Job description

Develop and implement the long-term aviation security strategy for Abu Dhabi Airports Establish security processes policies and programs aligned with General Civil Aviation Authority GCAA requirements and international aviation security standards Lead the implementation of security master plans contingency plans and advanced security technologies to ensure the highest levels of safety and security for passengers employees facilities and airport operations

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership amp Planning

• Develop and communicate section objectives and plans aligned with departmental and organizational strategic goals
• Recommend and monitor KPIs for the aviation security function and team members
• Develop and manage the sectional budget ensuring efficient utilization of resources
• Contribute to manpower planning and ensure adequate staffing levels
• Lead change management initiatives and stakeholder communication activities
• Identify automation and technology opportunities to improve efficiency and cost optimization

Security Management amp Operations

• Develop maintain and implement aviation security policies procedures and standards
• Collaborate with the COO and airport General Managers to establish security master plans and contingency plans
• Oversee the implementation and continuous improvement of security programs across all airports
• Ensure the protection of passengers baggage employees facilities and other airport users against unlawful acts
• Monitor and maintain security equipment to ensure compliance with national and international standards
• Develop and implement security incident response and emergency management plans
• Provide expert guidance on security search techniques control measures and incident handling
• Ensure prompt response to security-related requests from pilots and aircraft crews
• Oversee inspections of operational areas including hazardous runways and navigational installations where required
• Stay informed about industry trends emerging threats and best practices in aviation security

Reporting Compliance amp Governance

• Ensure adherence to departmental policies procedures and regulatory requirements
• Maintain compliance with HR legal risk management quality assurance and organizational governance frameworks
• Participate in and support internal and external audits
• Prepare and review daily security activity reports incident reports and periodic management reports
• Recommend corrective actions to address compliance gaps and quality issues
• Promote airport security awareness and foster a proactive security culture across the organization

People Management

• Supervise and evaluate team performance against established objectives
• Provide coaching guidance and constructive feedback to direct reports
• Identify employee training and development needs including Emiratization initiatives
• Support performance management processes and employee development activities

Other Duties

• Perform any additional responsibilities assigned by the reporting manager or line manager to support divisional objectives

Requirements amp Skills

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Airport Management or a related field

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of experience in Aviation Security Management

Key Skills amp Competencies

• Extensive knowledge of aviation security regulations, standards, and compliance requirements
• Strong crisis management and emergency response coordination capabilities
• Experience in developing and implementing airport security strategies, policies, and contingency plans
• Ability to manage security operations across multiple airport environments
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with regulatory authorities, law enforcement agencies, and internal stakeholders
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
• Experience in security technology implementation, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Ability to prepare reports, manage budgets, and oversee operational performance
• Commitment to professional development and continuous learning