Head of Aviation Security Compliance

Wilson James; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Employer Pension contributions

Financial wellbeing support

Life assurance

Specialist mental health & wellness支持

Online GP services

Discounts at hundreds of retail, leisu

Cycle to Work scheme

Employee Referral scheme

Job summary

Wilson James seeks a senior leader to take on Head of Security Compliance across its Aviation & Transport division, driving governance, SeMS development and regulatory excellence at UK airports.

The role leads audits, risk assessments and stakeholder engagement with DfT/CAA, regulators and operators, shaping strategy and delivering continuous improvement across the portfolio.

Qualifications

• Significant experience within an aviation security environment.
• Strong understanding of aviation security regulations, compliance frameworks and industry best practice.
• Experience leading audits, inspections and regulatory engagement.
• Proven success managing security risk, governance and assurance programmes.
• Outstanding stakeholder management and communication skills.
• The ability to influence senior leaders, clients and regulatory authorities.
• Strong analytical skills and a data-driven approach to decision making.
• Inclusive leadership style with experience working across matrix organisations.
• Eligibility to obtain CTC and CRC clearance.
• Aviation Security Manager Level 3 qualification (or willingness to undertake company-sponsored training)

Responsibilities

• Lead the Aviation Security Compliance framework across the Aviation & Transport division.
• Own and develop Security Management Systems (SeMS) across our airport portfolio.
• Provide expert guidance on aviation security regulation, governance and assurance.
• Lead internal and external audits, inspections and compliance programmes.
• Drive continuous improvement through analysis of audit findings, performance data and emerging industry trends.
• Manage aviation security risk assessments, vulnerability reviews and mitigation strategies.
• Lead investigations into significant security incidents and compliance failures.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the Department for Transport (DfT), Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), airport operators, airlines and other key stakeholders.
• Represent Wilson James at regulatory forums, advisory groups and industry boards.
• Influence and support the ongoing development of our aviation security strategy across the business.

Skills

Aviation security

Regulatory compliance

Audit leadership

Governance & assurance

Stakeholder management

Data-driven decision making

Leadership

Clearance eligibility

SeMS management

Education

Aviation Security Manager Level 3

Job description

Head of Aviation Security Compliance

Aviation & Transport Division | UK Airports | Senior Leadership Opportunity

Lead Aviation Security Excellence Across a National Portfolio At Wilson James, we are seeking an exceptional security leader to join our Aviation & Transport division as Head of Security Compliance. This is a high-profile strategic leadership role responsible for shaping, developing and overseeing aviation security compliance across our UK airport operations. Working closely with senior aviation leaders, clients, airport operators, airlines and regulatory bodies, you will drive the continuous evolution of our Aviation Security Management System and ensure the highest standards of governance, assurance and regulatory compliance. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced aviation security professional who combines strong regulatory expertise with commercial awareness, stakeholder influence and a passion for continuous improvement.

The Role As Head of Security Compliance, you will act as the senior lead for aviation security compliance, providing strategic oversight across multiple operational environments. You will:

• Lead the Aviation Security Compliance framework across the Aviation & Transport division.
• Own and develop Security Management Systems (SeMS) across our airport portfolio.
• Provide expert guidance on aviation security regulation, governance and assurance.
• Lead internal and external audits, inspections and compliance programmes.
• Drive continuous improvement through analysis of audit findings, performance data and emerging industry trends.
• Manage aviation security risk assessments, vulnerability reviews and mitigation strategies.
• Lead investigations into significant security incidents and compliance failures.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the Department for Transport (DfT), Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), airport operators, airlines and other key stakeholders.
• Represent Wilson James at regulatory forums, advisory groups and industry boards.
• Influence and support the ongoing development of our aviation security strategy across the business

You will bring:

We are looking for a confident and credible leader who can operate effectively at both strategic and operational levels.

• Significant experience within an aviation security environment.
• Strong understanding of aviation security regulations, compliance frameworks and industry best practice.
• Experience leading audits, inspections and regulatory engagement.
• Proven success managing security risk, governance and assurance programmes.
• Outstanding stakeholder management and communication skills.
• The ability to influence senior leaders, clients and regulatory authorities.
• Strong analytical skills and a data-driven approach to decision making.
• Inclusive leadership style with experience working across matrix organisations.
• Eligibility to obtain CTC and CRC clearance.
• Aviation Security Manager Level 3 qualification (or willingness to undertake company-sponsored training)

Why join us?

We are Proud to be employee owned. This means we focus on long-term success and recognise the contribution of our colleagues who make our success possible. When you join Wilson James, you'll be part of a business that:

• Invests in training, development and career progression
• Supports wellbeing and work-life balance
• Encourages diversity, inclusion and belonging
• Values innovation and continuous improvement
• Is built for long-term success, not short-term gain
• Gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to our future

Alongside a competitive salary, you'll benefit from:

• 25 days annual leave
• Employer Pension contributions
• Access to financial wellbeing support and lifestyle benefits
• Life assurance
• Specialist mental health & wellness support
• Online GP services for you and your family
• Discounts at hundreds of retail, leisure and lifestyle brands
• A Cycle to Work scheme
• Employee Referral scheme

Internal Applicants

At Wilson James, we support career growth and offer internal mobility to help employees explore new roles and advance within the company. Committed to promoting from within, we provide clear career pathways and continuous skill development. Unlock your potential by applying for exciting internal opportunities and new challenge. If you are currently employed under TUPE terms and conditions, please note that successful appointment to this role will be on Wilson James standard terms and cond