Aviation Director — National Security Operations Leader

Wilson James; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5.6 weeks annual leave

Employer Pension contributions

Lifestyle and wellbeing benefits

Life assurance

Mental health & wellbeing support

Online GP services

Cycle to Work scheme

Employee Referral scheme

Job summary

Wilson James seeks an exceptional aviation security leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Aviation Director, reporting to the Managing Director, Aviation. You will provide strategic direction across the UK aviation security portfolio, ensuring regulatory compliance, client confidence and sustainable commercial performance.

You will lead complex airport operations, develop leadership teams, strengthen stakeholder partnerships and drive growth across multidisciplinary aviation security

Qualifications

• Extensive senior leadership experience within UK aviation security operations.
• Experience managing large, complex frontline workforces.
• Knowledge of aviation security disciplines (screening, access control, restricted areas).
• Experience with airport operators, regulators and security assurance teams.
• Track record of improving operational performance and leading change.
• Experience mobilising or transforming regulated security operations.
• Commercial acumen and experience with budgets and contractual delivery.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Visible leadership with a passion for developing future leaders.
• AvSec Level 3 qualification or willingness to obtain it.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic aviation operations across multiple UK airport environments.
• Provide senior leadership and governance across complex, regulated security and aviation services.
• Drive operational excellence, resilience and service improvement across the portfolio.
• Build high-performing leadership teams capable of delivering exceptional results.
• Strengthen relationships with airport operators, clients, regulators and stakeholders.
• Lead mobilisation, transition and operational recovery programmes.
• Ensure the highest standards of security compliance, assurance and workforce competence.
• Shape future growth by contributing to bids, solution design and business development.

Skills

Senior leadership

Aviation security

Stakeholder engagement

Budget management

AvSec Level 3

Job description

Wilson James seeks an exceptional aviation security leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Aviation Director, reporting to the Managing Director, Aviation. You will provide strategic direction across the UK aviation security portfolio, ensuring regulatory compliance, client confidence and sustainable commercial performance.

You will lead complex airport operations, develop leadership teams, strengthen stakeholder partnerships and drive growth across multidisciplinary aviation security