Manager, Operations Security and Compliance

AIT Worldwide Logistics, Inc.; Palatine (IL); On-site; USD 64,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) plan

Paid parental leave

Dental

Job summary

AIT Worldwide Logistics seeks a Manager, Operations Security and Compliance to oversee protection of high-value cargo and ensure compliance with CTPAT and TAPA standards. This role leads security audits, risk assessments, and corrective action programs across domestic and international logistics operations.

The position focuses on forwarding and logistics operations, serving as the primary security liaison for customer security leaders.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Bachelor's degree in security management, Criminal Justice, Logistics, Risk Management or related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct security risk assessments for carriers, subcontractors, and service providers.
• Perform facility security assessments aligned with industry standards.
• Define and enforce transport security controls for high-value shipments.
• Prepare for CTPAT validations, TAPA audits, and customer security audits.
• Develop and deliver security awareness training for Operations and Warehouse teams.
• Lead investigations of security incidents and coordinate corrective actions.

Skills

Cross-functional communication

Audits & investigations

Security risk assessment

Incident response

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree in security management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Security tracking tools

Job description

Introduction

Join us at AIT, where we believe every day presents an opportunity to make a global impact!We’re problem solvers, driven by our curiosity and creativity, in endless pursuit of solutions for our customers. Together, we champion the strength of our global teams. And, as trusted advisors, we go above and beyond, working together in a supportive and collaborative environment to ensure customer satisfaction.Through the company's continued growth, we challenge ourselves to be better, continuously learning and growing in our dynamic environment. Helping others is at the core of our culture, join us in finding fulfillment by giving back to our local communities as the united team that is AIT. Find out what our people deliver. means when you come move the world with us! Hear directly from our teammates at AIT Worldwide Logistics and make us the next stop on your career journey.

Overview

The Manager, Operations Security and Compliance oversees high value cargo protection and ensures full compliance with federal and industry security programs, including CTPAT and TAPA FSR/TSR. The role conducts carrier security vetting, facility security assessments, and transport security oversight to prevent theft, tampering, and supply chain disruptions across domestic and international logistics operations.This position holds overall responsibility for ensuring that operational, transportation related security protocols are consistently followed in accordance with customer requirements and AIT standards. Focused on forwarding and logistics operations, not infrastructure security or workplace safety. Serving as the primary security liaison for key customer security leaders, the Manager guides secure cargo handling procedures and leads customer driven security audits and corrective action programs.Embeds security requirements into daily workflows to ensure consistent, high quality service delivery. It supports customer facing audits, investigations, and corrective action development, translating regulatory and customer expectations into practical operational controls, training materials, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Responsibilities

• Carrier Vetting & Partner Security Assurance:Conduct security risk assessments and due diligence for carriers, subcontractors, and service providershandling high‑value freight.Validate carrier compliance with CTPAT, TAPA TSR, and customer‑mandated security requirements, including driver controls, equipment standards, and chain‑of‑custody procedures.Review and maintain carrier security documentation, certifications, SOPs, and corrective action plans.Partner with Operations and Procurement to approve, restrict, or remediate carriers based on security risk findings.
• Facility Security & Compliance:Perform facility security assessments aligned with TAPA FSR and CTPAT Minimum Security Criteria, including access control, CCTV, alarm systems, key control, visitor management, and secure storage.Identify vulnerabilities, assign risk ratings, and track corrective actions through closure.Collaborate with Warehouse leaders to ensure secure handling, staging, and storage of high‑value goods.Maintain facility security documentation, post orders, and access protocols in audit‑ready condition.
• Transport & In‑Transit Security:Define and enforce transport security controls for high‑value shipments, including route risk analysis, secure parking, seal management, tracking, and escalation protocols.Support Operations with security planning for sensitive or high‑risk moves, ensuring controls comply with TAPA TSR and customer expectations.Participate in theft, loss, or tampering investigations, performing root cause analysis and recommending corrective and preventive actions.Coordinate with Customer Service on shipment‑level security requirements, exceptions, and incident.
• Audits, Compliance & Risk Management:Prepare for and support CTPAT validations, TAPA audits, customer security audits, and internal assessments.Maintain accurate documentation, including risk assessments, corrective action logs, training records, and partner vetting files.Monitor regulatory and industry security updates and translate requirements into actionable internal procedures.Serve as a subject‑matter expert during audits, clearly explaining security controls to auditors and customers.
• Training, Awareness & Cross‑Functional Collaboration:Develop and deliver security awareness training for Operations, Warehouse, Drivers, and Customer Serviceteams, with emphasis on high‑value cargo protection and insider threat awareness.Reinforce security culture by coaching frontline teams on proper procedures and escalation paths.Act as a trusted advisor to business units, balancing security, service, and operational efficiency.
• Incident Response & Continuous Improvement:Respond to security incidents involving theft, loss, or suspicious activity.Lead investigations with Global safety and Security to document findings and ensure corrective actions are implemented and verified.Analyze trends and recommend improvements to reduce future risk.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards
• The wage range for this position is $64,190.00 - $96,290.00 and may vary based on geography as well as relative knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED (required)
• Bachelor's Degree in security management, Criminal Justice, Logistics, Risk Management, or Logistic Industry or equivalent degree (preferred)

Experience

• 5+ years experience in supply chain security, logistics security, or compliance which includes hands‑on experience with CTPAT, TAPA FSR/TSR, or customer security programs and exposure to high‑value freight, transportation security, or warehouse security operations. (required)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong working knowledge of CTPAT Minimum Security Criteria and TAPA standards. High
• Ability to conduct risk assessments, audits, and investigations. High
• Excellent cross‑functional communication skills, with the ability to influence without authority. High
• Practical understanding of logistics operations, warehouse workflows, and transportation processes. High
• Strong documentation, reporting, and analytical skills. Medium
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and security tracking tools. Medium
• Operationally focused security professional, combining operational excellence with security acumen Medium
• Comfortable working cross‑functionally across Operations, Warehouse, Global Security Operations and Customer Service Medium
• Demonstrated executive presence, calm, methodical, and decisive during incidents Medium
• Balances risk mitigation with service delivery to internal stakeholders and customers Medium

Licenses and Certifications

• Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) - ()
• AOSH Certified Safety Officer (CSO) - ()
• - CTPAT certification experience ()
• - TAPA FSR/TSR training or certification ()
• - CPP, PSP, CSO, or similar security credentials ()

What AIT Can Offer You

In addition to your base compensation, you may be eligible for a bonus based on achievement of business and/or individual performance metrics (dependent on position). Benefits offered include Medical, Prescription, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, Disability, Supplemental Health, Employee Support, Paid Parental Leave, Pet Insurance, 401(k) and Tuition Reimbursement. In addition, teammates may be eligible for up to 10 to 20 days of vacation (depending on tenure), 2 personal days, 1 floating holiday, 5 sick days, 5 volunteer hours, and 6 company holidays (plus Veterans Day for Veterans) annually.

About AIT Worldwide

AIT Worldwide Logistics is a global freight forwarder that helps companies grow by expanding access to markets all over the world where they can sell and/or procure their raw materials, components and finished goods. For more than 40 years, the Chicago-based supply chain solutions leader has relied on a consultative approach to build a global network and trusted partnerships in nearly every industry, including aerospace, automotive, consumer retail, energy, food, government, high-tech, industrial, life sciences and marine. Backed by scalable, user-friendly technology, AIT’s flexible business model customizes door-to-door deliveries via sea, air, ground and rail—on time and on budget. With expert teammates staffing more than 150 worldwide locations in Asia, Europe and North America, AIT’s full-service options also include customs clearance, warehouse management and white glove services.

AIT Worldwide Logistics is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veterans/Disabled. If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact Human Resources at 630-766-8300 ext 5218.