MKE Program Manager

Covenant Aviation Security; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

401(k) with Company Matching

Paid Time Off

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Spending Accounts

Uniforms

Professional Development

Job summary

Covenant Aviation Security in Milwaukee is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead airport security operations at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE). You will oversee staffing, scheduling, training, badging, and compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.

The role serves as a key liaison between CAS, the airport, law enforcement, and other external stakeholders. You will drive workforce performance and operational excellence in a regulated, high-stakes environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum of five (5) years of aviation or security management experience.
• Seven (7) years of aviation or security management experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree requirement.
• Must possess a valid Security License issued by the Wisconsin DSPS.
• Must be able to obtain AAAE ACE – Security certification within one year of contract enforcement.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight of security operations and personnel assigned to the MKE contract.
• Ensure all contractual terms, performance requirements, and service expectations are met.
• Ensure compliance with post orders, procedures, client rules, and regulatory requirements.
• Evaluate programs, procedures, and workforce performance for mission accomplishment and service quality.
• Plan staffing and resource use to meet contractual requirements.
• Develop and review employee work schedules for staffing coverage.
• Monitor schedule assignments and adjust as needed.
• Assess employee performance and participate in staffing decisions.
• Address employee concerns and administer disciplinary actions per policy.
• Identify training needs and partner with resources to improve performance.
• Establish operational goals and performance standards.
• Assist with budget development and resolution of issues.
• Support badging, training, scheduling, and administrative tasks.
• Liaise with airport management, law enforcement, regulators, airline partners, and local government.

Skills

Leadership

Staffing

Scheduling

Training

Compliance

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

AAAE ACE – Security

Job description

Covenant Aviation Security (CAS) is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead airport security operations at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE). This position is accountable for ensuring security operations meet contractual requirements, client expectations, regulatory standards, and company policies and procedures. The Program Manager provides direct oversight of operational performance and workforce management, including staffing, scheduling, training, badging, employee performance, compliance, and administrative functions. The position also serves as a key liaison between CAS and airport, regulatory, law enforcement, and other external stakeholders.

Company History

Founded in 2002, Covenant Aviation Security (CAS) was established to provide a higher standard of transportation security following the events of September 11, 2001. CAS pioneered a customer-focused security model built on a highly trained, professional workforce supported by competitive wages, benefits, and ongoing development.

Today, CAS is the largest private contractor providing Screening Partnership Program (SPP) services to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and an industry leader in aviation security solutions. Through its commitment to safety, compliance, operational excellence, and customer service, CAS provides comprehensive security and screening services for airports, airlines, and government agencies across the United States.

Employment Compensation & Benefits

Covenant Aviation Security offers a competitive compensation package, with a targeted compensation range of $60,000 - $75,000 annually depending on qualifications, experience, and contract requirements.

In addition, employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their health, well-being, and financial security, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (effective the first day of the month following sixty (60) days of continuous employment)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Voluntary Supplemental Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company-Furnished Uniforms (where applicable)
• Paid Training and Professional Development Opportunities

Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and plan provisions and may be modified at the Company's discretion.

Essential Functions

• Provide leadership and oversight of security operations and subordinate personnel assigned to the MKE contract.
• Ensure all contractual terms, conditions, performance requirements, and service expectations are consistently met.
• Ensure compliance with Post Orders, operating procedures, client rules and regulations, Company policies, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Evaluate operational programs, procedures, and workforce performance to ensure mission accomplishment, compliance, service quality, and technical competence.
• Plan and organize the effective use of staffing and operational resources to meet contractual and operational requirements.
• Develop, review, and analyze employee work schedules to ensure appropriate staffing coverage and workforce efficiency.
• Monitor schedule assignments, staffing levels, and workforce availability and make adjustments as operational needs require.
• Assess employee performance and participate in employee selection, promotion, development, and other personnel decisions.
• Address and resolve employee concerns and complaints and administer appropriate corrective or disciplinary action in accordance with Company policy.
• Identify training and development needs and partner with appropriate resources to improve employee and operational performance.
• Establish and remain accountable for operational goals, objectives, service standards, and performance expectations.
• Assist with budget development, major program initiatives, personnel actions, and resolution of operational issues.
• Support employee badging, training, scheduling, and administrative functions as required by the operation.
• Serve as a Company liaison with the Airport Management, law enforcement, labor relations, federal and state regulatory agencies, airline-contracted personnel, and local government officials.
• Foster effective working relationships with CAS employees, Company leadership, the client, and external stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Covenant Aviation Security management.

Minimum Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful Permanent Resident.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Must possess a valid Security License issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum of five (5) years of aviation or security management experience.
• Seven (7) years of aviation or security management experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree requirement.
• Must possess or obtain an AAAE Airport Certified Employee (ACE) – Security certification within one (1) year of contract enforcement.
• Must be able to speak, read, write legibly, and understand English.
• Must successfully complete all background screening requirements established by the Airport and Company.
• Must be willing to submit to and successfully pass required drug screening and comply with the Company's Drug-Free Workplace Policy.
• Must be able to distinguish colors in bright and low-light conditions and have vision correctable to 20/20.
• Must be able to hear and appropriately respond to audible alarms.
• Must maintain a neat, well-groomed, and professional appearance consistent with Company and contract requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous management experience within an airport security or aviation security operation.
• Experience overseeing a security workforce in a regulated airport environment.
• Experience managing staffing, scheduling, employee performance, training, and operational compliance.
• Experience interacting with airport authorities, law enforcement agencies, regulatory agencies, airline partners, and other external stakeholders.
• AAAE ACE – Security certification at the time of hire.

Competencies

• Leadership
• Communication
• Problem-Solving
• Decision-Making
• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Organization
• Collaboration
• Professionalism
• Relationship Management
• Operational Judgment
• Customer Focus

Physical Demands

• May require standing, sitting, walking for various, possibly extended periods of time.
• May be required to climb inside and bend under vehicles for vehicle inspections (example, construction dump trucks, etc.).
• Physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of performing all duties required for their assigned post/duties.
• Capable of performing normal or emergency duties requiring moderate to arduous physical exertion, such as standing or walking/ patrolling for entire shift(s), climbing stairs, running and self-defense.
• Be able to perform the duties of their position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Environment

Depending upon contract requirements and post locations and assignments, duties may be performed inside or outside with variations of climate control and exposure to elements. Some work requires outside exposure, conducting mobile vehicle patrols, and security at exterior gates, loading docks, and other access points to the Airport Area of Operations (AOA). Temperature fluctuations seasonally vary.

EEO Statement

Covenant Aviation Security is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.