Director of Operations: Aviation Security

Director of Operations - Aviation Security

Location: Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Richmond, British Columbia

Lead with purpose. Inspire people. Shape the future of aviation security.

At Securiguard, we believe exceptional security starts with exceptional leadership.

For over 50 years, we have partnered with organizations across Canada to protect people, assets, operations and reputations. Since 1997, we have proudly served as the longest-standing private security provider at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), one of North America's busiest and most innovative aviation hubs.

Now, we're looking for an exceptional leader to take our aviation operations to the next level.

We are seeking a forward-thinking, strategic and people-focused Director of Operations - Aviation Security to lead our Vancouver International Airport branch. This is an opportunity for an experienced leader to make a lasting impact, not only on operational performance but also on organizational culture, employee engagement, client relationships and business growth.

This role goes beyond managing day-to-day operations. We are looking for someone who can inspire teams, develop future leaders, strengthen partnerships, introduce innovative solutions and build a culture where accountability, collaboration and excellence are part of everything we do.

If you're a leader who thrives in complex environments, enjoys building high-performing teams and is motivated by creating meaningful change, we want to hear from you.

What You'll Lead

1. Strategic Leadership & Business Growth

Take ownership of the branch's strategic direction and help shape its future.

• Develop and execute the YVR Branch strategic plan in alignment with Securiguard's corporate objectives.

• Partner with Finance to develop, manage and monitor operating budgets, forecasts and revenue targets.

• Identify new business opportunities, strategic partnerships and avenues for sustainable growth.

• Build and strengthen relationships with corporate clients, airport stakeholders and government agencies.

• Represent Securiguard in discussions involving aviation security strategy, policy and innovation.

2. Operational Excellence & Performance

Lead a complex aviation security operation where consistency, accountability and service excellence matter every day.

• Oversee aviation screening, airside escort and terminal security operations, ensuring contractual compliance and the highest safety standards.

• Establish clear accountability frameworks, operational scorecards and KPIs to measure service delivery, compliance and client satisfaction.

• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, operational efficiency, technology and risk management.

• Lead internal audits, quality assurance initiatives and continuous improvement programs.

• Ensure operational resources, equipment and processes are aligned with business and client requirements.

3. People, Culture & Employee Engagement

Build an environment where people feel valued, supported, motivated and empowered to succeed.

• Lead, mentor and inspire a diverse workforce of operational leaders, administrative professionals and frontline employees.

• Establish effective communication channels through leadership meetings, team updates and frontline feedback initiatives.

• Champion a positive, inclusive and values-driven workplace culture.

• Strengthen employee recognition, engagement and retention initiatives.

• Develop future leaders through coaching, mentoring, succession planning and career development programs.

• Introduce measurable employee engagement initiatives and translate feedback into meaningful improvements.

4. Innovation & Program Development

Challenge the status quo and bring fresh thinking to the future of aviation security.

• Collaborate with internal departments and external stakeholders to develop and implement innovative security programs.

• Anticipate evolving client expectations, operational challenges and regulatory requirements.

• Establish clear program objectives, milestones, performance measures and accountability frameworks.

• Lead initiatives that improve service quality, operational resilience and organizational effectiveness.

• Oversee equipment, inventory and procurement strategies to ensure cost-effective operations.

What You Bring to the Table

We're looking for a confident, strategic and approachable leader who knows how to balance business performance with people leadership.

Your experience and qualifications:

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations, ideally within aviation, security, transportation or another complex service-driven industry.

• Bachelor's degree in Airport Operations, Business Management, Security Management or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.

• Demonstrated experience leading large, diverse and operationally complex teams.

• A strong track record of building positive workplace cultures, developing talent and improving employee engagement.

• Experience developing performance scorecards, KPIs, accountability frameworks and operational improvement strategies.

• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, cost management and financial analysis.

• Exceptional communication, relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to influence, negotiate and build credibility with executives, clients, government agencies and frontline teams.

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, project management tools and data reporting platforms.

• A recognized security or risk management certification would be considered an asset.

• Willingness to travel occasionally within Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

Why Join Securiguard?

This is an opportunity to take on a significant leadership role within an established Canadian security organization with a long-standing presence at one of the country's most important aviation gateways.

At Securiguard, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Make a meaningful impact: Influence the direction and performance of a major aviation security operation.

• Shape organizational culture: Build an environment where employees feel engaged, recognized and motivated to grow.

• Drive innovation: Bring new ideas, improve processes and introduce strategies that make a difference.

• Build lasting partnerships: Work alongside airport stakeholders, corporate clients and industry leaders.

• Grow with us: Play an important role in Securiguard's continued expansion and long-term success.

Leadership That Makes a Difference

At Securiguard, our culture is built around our R.E.A.C.H. values:

Respect · Empathy · Accountability · Courtesy · Honesty

We believe the best leaders don't simply manage operations; they inspire people, create opportunities, build trust and lead by example.

If you're ready to take on a challenging and rewarding leadership opportunity, influence the future of aviation security and lead a team that makes a difference every day, we'd love to hear from you.

Ready to make your next career move? Apply today and help us shape the future of aviation security at YVR.