Associate Director, Security Programs

Toronto Pearson International Airport; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible retirement program with an-em

Voluntary savings options (RRSP, TFSA,

Flexible hybrid work environment

Learning opportunities

Job summary

Toronto Pearson International Airport seeks an Associate Director, Security Programs to lead the design, governance and continuous improvement of airport-wide security programs. You will oversee the Security Management System, regulatory compliance frameworks and policies while guiding risk management across capital projects and operations.

You will engage regulators, partners and internal teams to strengthen security, culture and preparedness, shaping enterprise risk and ensuring adherence to

Qualifications

• Seven+ years in an airport environment or similarly complex setting.
• Five+ years of people leadership experience, including direct reports or cross-functional roles.
• Experience interpreting regulations and developing policies; unionized environment preferred.
• Experience developing or administering a Security Management System or risk-based framework.
• Knowledge of governance, assurance, performance monitoring, and risk management.
• Ability to influence, collaborate and negotiate with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong business acumen, strategic planning, change management and communication.
• Ability to obtain and retain Transportation Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, governance and continuous improvement of Airport Security Program, Enterprise Security Program and SMS.
• Ensure programs are current, regulatory-compliant and aligned with international standards.
• Oversee regulatory engagement, audits, inspections and security reviews.
• Define security requirements and design criteria for infrastructure and systems.
• Include risk assessments and mitigation in major initiatives with implementation planning.
• Lead enterprise security risk framework including threat identification and escalation.
• Oversee security awareness, training and culture initiatives with measures of effectiveness.
• Represent GTAA in national/international security forums and regulatory groups.
• Build strategic relationships with regulators and airport partners for integrated planning.
• Lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary team with clear expectations and accountability.

Skills

Security governance

Risk management

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Microsoft Office

Education

Post-secondary diploma in Aviation Management or Business Administration

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Toronto Pearson is transforming. Now's the time for your career to fly.

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) is a unique and dynamic place to work, with a bold plan to make Toronto Pearson, Canada's leading global hub airport, a global leader in airport performance, customer care and sustainability. Together with our partners, approximately 2,100 GTAA employees are working to create a next-generation airport by innovating in all we do and striving for the most uplifting, safe and efficient experience for our passengers - all while championing the prosperity of our people, the community we call home, and our aviation partners. Join us on our journey together, as we put the joy back into travel and make Toronto Pearson the chosen place to fly and work.

What's in it for you?

• An opportunity to grow, develop, and thrive within a dynamic, and fast-growing company alongside thoughtful and passionate individuals dedicated to their work and community.
• 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 can you expect from this position?

Reporting to the Director, Airport Security, the Associate Director, Security Programs is accountable for the design, governance and continuous improvement of airport-wide security programs. You will provide strategic oversight of the Security Management System, regulatory compliance frameworks, policies, standards and procedures, while leading the integration of security requirements across airport operations, capital programs and critical infrastructure initiatives. You will also lead enterprise security risk and intelligence capabilities, strengthen security culture and awareness, and serve as a key relationship holder with Transport Canada and other regulatory and industry partners.

As the Associate Director, Security Programs, you will:

• Lead the design, governance and continuous improvement of the Airport Security Program, Enterprise Security Program and Security Management System.
• Ensure security programs remain current, compliant with Transport Canada requirements and aligned with applicable international standards.
• Lead regulatory engagement and coordinated responses to audits, inspections and security reviews.
• Define security requirements, standards and design criteria for airport infrastructure, capital programs, systems and operational changes.
• Ensure major initiatives include consistent security risk assessments, mitigation strategies and implementation planning.
• Lead the enterprise security risk framework, including threat identification, intelligence analysis, risk assessment, escalation and mitigation methodologies.
• Oversee security awareness, regulatory training and security culture initiatives, including measures to evaluate effectiveness and organizational maturity.
• Represent GTAA in national and international aviation security forums, advisory groups, committees and regulatory working groups.
• Build strategic relationships with regulators, airport partners and internal stakeholders to support integrated security planning and risk management.
• Lead and develop a high-performing, multidisciplinary team, setting clear expectations and fostering accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

This is the role for you, if you have:

• Minimum seven years of experience in an airport environment or a similar complex environment serving a large and diverse customer base.
• Minimum five years of people leadership experience, gained through direct-report or cross-functional leadership.
• Experience interpreting regulations or legislation and developing policies. Experience in a unionized environment is preferred.
• Experience developing, implementing, maturing or administering a Security Management System or a comparable risk-based management framework.
• Knowledge of security governance, assurance, performance monitoring, continuous improvement, threat identification, risk management and corrective action management.
• Demonstrated ability to influence, collaborate and negotiate with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong business acumen, strategic planning, organizational change, communication, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to manage pressure, adapt quickly and respond effectively to critical or changing priorities.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Post-secondary diploma in Aviation Management, Business Administration or a related field. A post-secondary degree is preferred.
• Ability to obtain and retain Transportation Security Clearance.

The GTAA is committed to Employment Equity and maintaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

This position is exempt from Ontario's 2026 pay transparency requirements under Regulation 476/24.