Associate Director, Security Operations

Toronto Pearson is transforming. Now’s the time for your career to fly.

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) is a unique and dynamic place to work, with a bold plan to make Toronto Pearson, Canada’s leading global hub airport, a global leader in airport performance, customer care and sustainability. Together with our partners, approximately 2,100 GTAA employees are working to create a next-generation airport by innovating in all we do and striving for the most uplifting, safe and efficient experience for our passengers – all while championing the prosperity of our people, the community we call home, and our aviation partners. Join us on our journey together, as we put the joy back into travel and make Toronto Pearson the chosen place to fly and work.

What's in it for you?

• An opportunity to grow, develop, and thrive within a dynamic, and fast-growing company alongside thoughtful and passionate individuals dedicated to their work and community.
• Comprehensive benefits, including a flexible retirement program with employer matching, along with voluntary savings options (RRSP, TFSA, and Non-Registered Savings Plans).
• A flexible hybrid work environment, continuous internal and external learning opportunities, and a meaningful reward and recognition program.

What can you expect from this position?

Reporting to the Director, Airport Security, the Associate Director leads the safe, secure, and resilient delivery of GTAA’s end-to-end security operations, overseeing the SOC, Pass & Permit Office, Security Response Coordinators, Public Safety Officers, and contracted partners.

As the day-of operational authority, this role drives real-time security decision-making, leading coordinated responses to threats and incidents, maintaining system-wide situational awareness, and ensuring effective prevention, detection, response, and recovery across a complex, multi-agency environment.

Acting as the designated security official, the Associate Director ensures seamless cross-functional and external coordination while upholding the continuous, compliant execution of the Airport Security Program.

The role also shapes the future of airport security, co-leading strategy, advancing security technologies and access control systems, and ensuring alignment with evolving regulatory and international standards.

As Associate Director, Security Operations, you will:

• Lead end-to-end 24/7 security operations across Toronto Pearson, including SOC, Pass & Permit Office, frontline response teams, and contracted security partners.
• Act as the designated day-of security authority and primary operational liaison with Transport Canada.
• Command real-time incident response, directing decision-making, threat response, and recovery actions in a high-risk environment.
• Maintain airport-wide situational awareness, ensuring coordinated and timely response across all security functions.
• Own execution of the Airport Security Program (ASP) and ensure compliance with Transport Canada regulations, Aerodrome Security Measures, and directives.
• Translate regulatory requirements into operations, embedding procedures, controls, and frontline execution.
• Ensure audit readiness and regulatory compliance, overseeing inspections, findings management, and corrective actions.
• Oversee security systems, access control, and surveillance platforms, ensuring reliability, resilience, and integration into operations.
• Drive implementation and operationalization of security technologies, including response to system disruptions and contingencies.
• Coordinate multi-agency partnerships with Transport Canada, CATSA, CBSA, Peel Regional Police, airlines, and airport stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary operational interface during incidents, ensuring coordinated, timely, and effective partner response.
• Drive security risk identification and mitigation, using intelligence and SeMS principles to address emerging threats and vulnerabilities.
• Build and develop a high-performing security workforce, ensuring staffing, training, contractor performance, and a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

This is the role for you, if you have:

• 7 years of progressive experience in an airport environment, aviation security, or similar with demonstrated experience in serving a large and complex customer base.
• 5 years of people leadership experience managing leaders and/or large operational teams.
• Strong relationship management skills, building trust with internal teams, unions, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to influence, collaborate, and negotiate cross-functionally, delivering results in a complex, unionized environment.
• Deep knowledge of aviation security regulations and operations, combined with strong business acumen and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and partners, applying strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
• Incident Command System (ICS) training, Emergency Management, Project Management or leadership certification preferred.
• A valid Ontario Driver’s License.
• Post-Secondary diploma in Aviation Management, Business Administration or related field.
• Ability to obtain and retain a Transportation Security Clearance.

The GTAA is committed to Employment Equity and maintaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

This position is exempt from Ontario's 2026 pay transparency requirements under Regulation 476/24.