Advisor, Aviation Security

Safety and Security are core values and at the heart of everything we do at WestJet. Reporting to the Sr. Manager of Corporate/Aviation Security, this role is responsible for coordinating and supporting WestJet’s security management system (SeMS) across the organization including WestJet Encore. This role is responsible for delivering a seamless aviation security program in support of company-wide compliance with all applicable Transport Canada, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and International legislation and regulation, and WestJet’s own internal standards.

We are seeking an individual with an extensive background working within government and industry who will provide both coaching and guidance on the interpretation, implementation and training of national and international aviation security regulations.

A key focus of this position is developing strategies in support of continuous improvement of WestJet’s aviation security programs to ensure the security of company employees and guests.

Description

• Provide security advice to company business units regarding aviation security regulations and company's Security Management System (SeMS).
• Manage compliance and support investigations and corrective action reporting by WestJet business units including contraventions of aviation security regulations and standards.
• Liaise with regulatory enforcement agencies and arrange for hearings with regulatory enforcement regarding contraventions of aviation security regulations.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of policies, processes, and procedures in support of company’s Security Program and Security Manual (SECM) and maintain compliance with Canadian and International regulatory standards.
• Liaise with Canadian and USA regulatory agencies to proactively address changes to Regulatory Security framework and amend company policies and procedures to maximize security and safety of guests, employees, aircraft and airports.  
• Provide business units with advice, guidance and direction regarding prevention, detection, and risk management of security threats against operations.
• Develop appropriate training for the Corporate/Aviation Security team to maintain their expertise in security management, regulatory compliance, threat and risk assessment, security intelligence, and quality assurance.
• Develop training for front line WestJet employees to ensure operational understanding and competence in: security management, regulatory compliance, threat and risk assessment, security intelligence, and quality assurance.
• Provide advice and direction to front line WestJet employees on interpretation and implementation of Canadian and International airline operating regulations.
• Assist with the completion of security compliance reviews and quality assurance as directed by the Aviation Security Audit Advisor to support SeMS to maintain compliance with air industry regulatory requirements. There may be the need for travel to assess security compliance and roll out security initiatives.
• Develop and foster relationships and participate in aviation security committees with Transport Canada, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) and the United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Qualifications 

• Minimum 5 years of experience with a government regulatory body or department within the airline industry;
• Possess a broad knowledge of Canadian aviation security regulations, standards, and practices and applicaple US/foreign regulations including those of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA);
• Experience and understanding in the development and documentation of a security management system (SeMS) for a large organization operating in an international environment;
• Ability to support cross-functional teams in effectively completing common objectives,
• Experience conducting inspections and audits;
• Knowledge of security threat and risk assessment principles and processes;
• Understanding of the current regional, national, and international security threat environment;
• Ability to develop and deliver regulatory and security training and awareness;
• Understanding of how to handle and disseminate security-sensitive information;
• Willingness to travel to develop and foster relationships with regulatory and security agencies;
• Ability to communicate key security issues across many levels of the organization in an articulate, composed, and concise manner.