Airport Security Officer jobs

Looking for a challenge in one of the world’s largest airfreight logistics organisations?

At IAG Cargo we are in the business of moving things. From antibiotics to rhinoceros, gold bullion to avocados and everything in between. Whatever people need, wherever they are. In an era of digital screens and closed borders, we open the skies and fly the world to bring people the things they really need.

We are the logistics and cargo brand of International Airlines Group (Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Level and Vueling). At IAG Cargo, we believe in keeping the world’s economies turning, and do everything with determined attitudes, curious minds, collaborative actions and heartfelt pride. Join us at our globally recognised logistics business, where we are building a great place to work for customers and colleagues alike.

About the role

Join IAG Cargo and take a leading role in shaping operational security across our global network. In this high-impact leadership position you will direct and guide regional teams to ensure security standards are understood, implemented and continuously improved.

In this influential role, you’ll be the trusted advisor and driving force behind the implementation and evolution of security across our global operation. You’ll support the Global Security Manager interpreting complex regulatory requirements and translate them into practical, world-class solutions. Your expertise will be instrumental in delivering critical security programs, such as the ACC3 compliance programme, while your hands-on approach will see you conducting on-site inspections, identifying vulnerabilities, and ensuring robust risk mitigation at every stage.

Your leadership will shape more than just processes; you’ll cultivate proactive security, collaboration, and continuous improvement, by building strong partnerships across the business. You’ll champion innovation, streamline security operations, and harness new technologies to enhance both operational resilience and the customer experience. You’ll play a pivotal role in incident investigations and education, ensuring that lessons learned drive lasting improvements.

This is a role for those who thrive on variety, responsibility, and the opportunity to influence strategic decisions at the highest level. If you’re passionate about making a tangible impact, leading with integrity, and shaping the future of aviation security, IAG Cargo offers you the platform to excel and make your mark on a truly global stage.

What you’ll do

• Act as the primary lead and point of escalation for operational matters, affecting cargo handling security across a specified geographic area.

• Liaison with and support to Network Operations teams in the development and implementation of security processes, and management of all performance related issues.

• Direct involvement in security issues to ensure resolution and appropriate escalation.

• Advises and communicates to Network Operations teams the requirements and changes to security standards.

• Act as the security lead for one of these security programmes:

• Management of the valuable cargo product, in collaboration with the Product owner and relevant external stakeholders

• Management of the electronic consignment security declaration capability in collaboration with system owner, Operations and other internal stakeholders.

• Act as a subject matter expert for cargo screening, providing advice and guidance on what acceptable and good screening looks like for all methodologies.

• Understand screening technologies, both current and future to provide guidance to internal stakeholders as to benefits and risks of adoption.

Compliance

• Assist the Global Security Manager in interpreting the requirements of different regulatory frameworks and ensuring robust internal policies and standards are in place to comply.

• Act as the security lead and primary point of contact within the business for one the following security compliance programmes:

• IAGC’s ACC3 programme.

• PLACI response processes and assurance.

• Oversee the preparation for and delivery of individual ACC3 validation assessments

• Support the Global Security Manager in evaluating and developing the compliance and performance of IAGC hub regulated agent.

• Support the Global Security Manager in the management of all other security related approvals necessary for the functioning of the operation.

Assurance and reporting

• Conduct on-site security inspections and assessments to identify and oversee resolution of security vulnerabilities and risks.

• Identify security trends and emerging risks or vulnerabilities using network knowledge and data analytics.

• Support the Global Security Manager in the conduct of IAGC’s risk management processes, including oversight of individual station risk assessments and vulnerability registers.

• Co-ordinate security management of change, triaging change reports and conducting full assessments as necessary.

• Conduct investigations into security breaches as directed by the Global Security Manager, identifying root cause and making preventative action recommendations.

• Maintain security related dashboards to demonstrate performance and status of compliance and assurance related activity.

• Support the Global Security Manager in the promotion of security understanding and best practice across the business.

It's all about you

What you’ll bring to IAG Cargo:

We’re looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with hands-on expertise, able to manage complex security challenges and make confident decisions under pressure.

You’ll need to be an exceptional communicator, both written and verbal, capable of influencing at all levels of the business while building strong relationships with colleagues, suppliers, and external stakeholders.

A proactive mindset and problem-solving skills are essential, along with solid knowledge of UK aviation security regulations, risk assessment, and incident investigation processes.

You’ll thrive in a fast-paced environment, comfortable with ambiguity and able to balance compliance requirements with operational realities. Always seeking opportunities to improve security capability and customer experience.

Strong IT skills and willingness to challenge assumptions and long-standing processes are a must. We value individuals who are collaborative, resilient, and passionate about promoting a positive security culture.

This role is primarily based at Heathrow, however regular global travel (at least 50%), should be expected.

To apply, candidates must:

Essential:

• Experience in identifying and managing operational security risks and vulnerabilities for high-value entities.

• Be highly analytical, able to interpret complex data sets and produce compliance monitoring reports.

• Prioritise and manage multiple, conflicting tasks in a fast-paced environment.

• Think critically and challenge assumptions to solve problems with precision.

• Influence, inspire, and motivate at all levels of the business.

• Demonstrate excellent communication skills, translating complex regulatory requirements into clear, practical guidance.

• Build strong, collaborative relationships with colleagues and suppliers.

• Show confidence and resilience, delivering results under pressure and making time-critical decisions effectively.

• Maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.

• Display attention to detail, presenting findings clearly to diverse stakeholders.

• Hold a high-level qualification or significant relevant experience.

• Possess the right to live and work in the UK and be able to obtain a Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) clearance.

Desirable:

• Previous security management experience in an air cargo environment or military background.

• Solid understanding of the air freight logistics sector.

• A proven competence or professional qualification in security management.

• Experience managing 3rd party suppliers and operational screening capability.

We’ll treat you right

Wherever you work within IAG Cargo, you’ll play a part in helping us deliver what the world needs and join a diverse and inclusive business that’s making a difference.

As well as a competitive salary, bonus, we offer a range of benefits to support our colleagues, which include:

• A hybrid environment with 3 days a week in the office and two from home.

• From the day you join us, you’ll get access to brilliant staff travel benefits including unlimited basic and premium standby tickets on British Airways and group airlines. You’ll also receive up to 30 discounted ‘Hotline’ airfares per year for yourself, friends, and family.

• Flexible bank holiday policy- Individuals not on shift have the flexibility to swap the statutory public holidays, with the days you choose to take off instead.

• All our colleagues get access to LinkedIn learning and Rosetta Stone Language courses

• For health and wellbeing we offer a free onsite gym facility as well as access to the UNMIND app and a community of Mental Health First Aiders

• Access to discounts on Apple, Cinema tickets and loads of other goodies through Perks at work

Diversity and Inclusion

Our recruitment procedures positively support our diversity and inclusion agenda.

All candidates are considered strictly on their merits in relation to the criteria for the role, treated fairly and consistently, and have their individual needs responded to throughout the process.

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