Director, Security & Emergency Planning

1 Full-time, Permanent Position

Is This Role for You?

Reporting to the Vice President, Passenger Experience & Operations, the Director of Security & Emergency Planning delivers key functions in compliance, emergency readiness, and operational assurance, shaping both the efficiency and safety of airport operations. Their work underpins the organization’s long-term strategic objectives and safeguards all stakeholders.

This position requires key focus on providing strategic and operational direction and ensuring critical work processes, standards and procedures are in place for the security and emergency response programs. This role strives for the enhancement of safe and secure operation of Edmonton Airports, including the systems and facilities, and emergency response. Effective communication and collaboration with key stakeholders, Senior Management, and Executive Management is essential. This position connects front-line service delivery with terminal operations, helping transform the demands of a 24/7 airport environment into a seamless and welcoming passenger journey.

Working alongside airline operations, security teams, facilities staff, and external service providers, they ensure that every passenger-facing environment maintains high-quality standards for service, flow, and responsiveness — with security readiness and emergency planning integrated at every step.

Through cross-functional leadership, innovation, and accountability, the Director ensures that every operational decision ultimately serves one goal: delivering an optimized experience.

Day in The Life

·      Determines the framework for the optimal configuration of the security & Emergency Planning function to ensure the optimal alignment of resources across the function.

·      Build & lead a high-performing team. Mentor and inspire leaders and frontline teams who deliver exceptional service and operational reliability. Provide clear strategic direction, foster accountability, and champion a culture of continuous improvement and recognition.

·      Develop and implement Security initiatives in support of Operations goals and targets, including business plan development, and strategy implementation, in support of the SBU targets.

·      Collaborate with Stakeholders, oversee the Security and Emergency Planning Program in accordance with regulations and best practices, including Aviation Security, Emergency Response Planning, and all Security programs.

·      Oversee and manage airport Security and Emergency Planning at both YEG and ZVL, ensuring best practices in operation, and both airports complement each other and operate safely and efficiently, liaising with Transport Canada and external security agencies.

·      Ensure overall Security & Emergency Planning programs are appropriate for the airport and ensure they meet customer expectations.

·      Establish and Champion Operational Best Practices. Stay informed of global airport trends, technologies, and best-in-class operational models. Integrate relevant practices to elevate operational performance, service consistency, and organizational excellence

·      Work collaboratively with airport stakeholders, service partners, regulatory bodies, and internal teams to align terminal operations with organizational priorities, strategic initiatives, and major events. Foster a unified approach to delivering an exceptional terminal experience.

·      Provide the corporation with security planning, leadership, direction, evaluation, reporting and technical expertise, to ensure YEG's best interests are met during regulatory changes

·      Provide strategic oversight for multiple high-value contracts, ensuring compliance with organizational standards and delivery of expected performance outcomes. Including setting KPIs, monitoring overall performance and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

·      Develop and nurture a sustainable, high-performance, high-discipline, safe, accountable, focused, innovative and achievement-oriented organization that is easy to do business with.

·      Customer Experience Enhancements. Create and refine key touchpoints to strengthen the overall passenger service experience.

·      Manage budget and financial expenses within the assigned portfolio to ensure responsible and effective resource allocation.

·      Drive Operational Excellence and Service Innovation | Regularly assess terminal processes, passenger journeys, and operational systems to uncover opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and personalization. Pilot new service elements, adopt emerging best practices, and refine processes to keep the experience fresh, intuitive, and high performing.

You Have:

Experience

·      A post-secondary degree in Business Administration, Aviation Studies, Industrial Health and Safety, Public Safety, Emergency Preparedness/Business/Risk Management or related field is required; an equivalent combination of law enforcement training (e.g., police academy/depot) and leadership experience will be considered.

·      Minimum 8-10 years of progressive experience within security or policing leadership roles, including at least 5 years in a senior or managerial capacity.

·      Strong knowledge of airport regulations and operating requirements would be an asset.

·      Working knowledge of Transport Canada Canadian Aviation Regulations and standards

·      Experience overseeing budget management and resource allocation

·      Experience working with contracted service providers (e.g., police, security, janitorial) is considered an asset.

·      Ability to collaborate cross-functionally, with a history of working closely with internal partners to align and deliver on passenger experience objectives.

·      Communicates clearly and professionally in both written and verbal formats; able to engage effectively with guests, colleagues, and senior leaders.

·      Comfortable leading change in a live operational environment, bringing teams and partners along through clarity, trust, and accountability

·      A strong partnership mindset, with the ability to build effective relationships across teams and stakeholders.

·      Eligible to obtain and maintain a RAIC.

REPORTS TO: Vice President, Passenger Experience & Terminal Operations

LOCATION: On-site; Edmonton Airport

BAND: Excluded

POSTING DATE: December 16, 2025 (Internal/External)

CLOSING DATE: January 4, 2026 (Internal/External)