Security Program Manager

Covenant Aviation Security (CAS) is seeking an experienced Security Program Manager to oversee airport security operations at Portland International Airport (PDX). This position is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and execution of contracted security services, ensuring compliance with federal aviation security regulations, Port of Portland requirements, and company policies and procedures.

The Program Manager serves as the primary operational point of contact for the Port's Aviation Security Department and provides direct oversight of security personnel, supervisory staff, staffing, training, performance, and day-to-day operations. This individual is responsible for maintaining a professional, highly trained workforce while promoting operational excellence, regulatory compliance, accountability, and exceptional customer service.

This is a full-time, onsite leadership position with a regular schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Program Manager must also be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to respond to incidents, emergencies, and other operational needs.

Company History

Founded in 2002, Covenant Aviation Security (CAS) was established to provide a higher standard of transportation security following the events of September 11, 2001. CAS pioneered a customer-focused security model built on a highly trained, professional workforce supported by competitive wages, benefits, and ongoing development.

Today, CAS is the largest private contractor providing Screening Partnership Program (SPP) services to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and an industry leader in aviation security solutions. Through its commitment to safety, compliance, operational excellence, and customer service, CAS provides comprehensive security and screening services for airports, airlines, and government agencies across the United States.

Employment Compensation & Benefits

Covenant Aviation Security offers a competitive compensation package, with a targeted compensation range of $90,000 - $110,000 annually, depending on qualifications, experience, and contract requirements.

In addition, employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their health, well-being, and financial security, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (effective the first day of the month following sixty (60) days of continuous employment)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Voluntary Supplemental Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company-Furnished Uniforms (where applicable)
• Paid Training and Professional Development Opportunities

Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and plan provisions and may be modified at the Company's discretion.

Essential Functions

Direct and oversee all assigned airport security operations, ensuring compliance with 49 CFR Part 1542, applicable federal and state regulations, Port of Portland requirements, and CAS policies and procedures.

Serve as the primary operational liaison between CAS and the Port's Aviation Security Department, maintaining strong working relationships with airport leadership, TSA, law enforcement, airline representatives, and other stakeholders.

Provide leadership, direction, and oversight to supervisory personnel and Security Officers, ensuring consistent execution of contractual requirements and operational standards.

Develop, implement, and maintain effective staffing plans, employee schedules, and workforce deployment strategies to meet operational needs and contractual staffing requirements.

Monitor operational performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement corrective actions to enhance efficiency, compliance, service quality, and employee accountability.

Oversee employee performance management, including coaching, evaluations, corrective action, disciplinary recommendations, and professional development.

Partner with Human Resources and Talent Acquisition on workforce planning, recruitment, hiring, onboarding, employee relations, and retention initiatives.

Ensure personnel receive and maintain all required training, certifications, credentials, and qualifications necessary to perform assigned duties.

Conduct regular operational assessments, inspections, and quality assurance reviews to identify deficiencies, mitigate risk, and maintain regulatory and contractual compliance.

Coordinate responses to security incidents, emergencies, operational disruptions, and other critical situations, ensuring appropriate communication, documentation, and follow-up.

Develop and maintain operational procedures, reports, records, and other documentation required by CAS, the Port of Portland, and applicable regulatory agencies.

Assist with budget development, labor management, cost controls, and resource allocation to support efficient and financially responsible contract operations.

Investigate and resolve operational concerns, employee complaints, client issues, and service deficiencies in a timely and professional manner.

Foster a culture of safety, professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and exceptional customer service.

Remain available outside regularly scheduled hours to respond to incidents, emergencies, and operational needs in accordance with contractual requirements.

Perform additional duties as assigned to support contract performance and organizational objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a United States Citizen, United States National, or Lawful Permanent Resident.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in aviation or security management, including at least two (2) years at an airport regulated under 49 CFR Part 1542.
• Seven (7) years of aviation/security management experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree requirement.
• Demonstrated experience managing security operations, supervising personnel, and ensuring compliance within a highly regulated environment.
• Strong working knowledge of aviation security operations, applicable regulatory requirements, and security management practices.
• Proven ability to manage staffing, scheduling, employee performance, and operational resources in a dynamic, 24/7 environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees, clients, regulatory agencies, law enforcement, and senior leadership.
• Strong organizational, analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn and utilize company and client systems.
• Must be able to work onsite at Portland International Airport, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and remain available 24/7/365 to respond to incidents and emergencies.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain the required Oregon DPSST Supervisory and Executive Manager certifications prior to assuming the designated Program Manager role.
• Must obtain and maintain the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Airport Certified Employee (ACE) designation in Security within one (1) year of employment, as required by the contract.
• Final assignment to the Program Manager position is subject to approval by the Port's Contract Administrator.
• Must successfully complete all required pre-employment screening, background checks, and airport credentialing requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) Supervisory and Executive Manager certifications.
• Current AAAE Airport Certified Employee (ACE) designation in Security.
• Experience managing large security teams, multiple supervisory levels, and complex 24/7 operations.
• Demonstrated experience with contract management, client relations, budget oversight, and operational performance improvement.
• Experience working directly with airport authorities, TSA, law enforcement, and other aviation security stakeholders.

Competencies

• Leadership & Accountability: Ability to lead, develop, and hold teams accountable while maintaining high standards of professionalism, performance, and operational readiness.
• Operational Management: Strong ability to manage complex security operations, allocate resources, establish priorities, and maintain consistent service delivery.
• Regulatory Compliance: Thorough understanding of aviation security regulations, contractual obligations, and the importance of maintaining audit readiness.
• Communication & Relationship Management: Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with employees, clients, regulatory agencies, and organizational leadership.
• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Sound judgment and the ability to assess situations, resolve operational challenges, and make timely decisions in high-pressure environments.
• Planning & Organization: Ability to manage competing priorities, coordinate staffing and resources, and ensure deadlines and operational objectives are met.
• Customer Service & Professionalism: Commitment to delivering high-quality security services while maintaining a positive, solutions-oriented approach.
• Adaptability & Crisis Management: Ability to respond effectively to changing operational demands, emergencies, and unexpected challenges.

Physical Demands

May require standing, sitting, walking for various, possibly extended periods of time. May be required to climb inside and bend under vehicles for vehicle inspections (example, construction dump trucks, etc.). Physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of performing all duties required for their assigned post/duties. Capable of performing normal or emergency duties requiring moderate to arduous physical exertion, such as standing or walking/ patrolling for entire shift(s), climbing stairs, running and self-defense. Be able to perform the duties of their position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Environment

Depending upon contract requirements and post locations and assignments, duties may be performed inside or outside with variations of climate control and exposure to elements. Some work requires outside exposure, conducting mobile vehicle patrols, and security at exterior gates, loading docks, and other access points to the Airport Area of Operations (AOA). Temperature fluctuations seasonally vary.

EEO Statement

Covenant Aviation Security is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.