International Airport of Heraklion, Crete S.A. is currently looking for a:

Director of Security Operations

Role responsibilities:

• Develops and implements strategic plans for airport security operations, aligning with organizational goals, regulatory requirements, and industry standards with a focus on passengers and hold baggage screening, access control, and patrolling
• Ensures compliance with local, national, and international security regulations, including EU Regulation 300/2008, ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards, and other relevant mandates
• Monitors and enforces security contracts to ensure security and passenger comfort and other service standards are met
• Develops and implements security protocols, procedures, and practices to mitigate risks, prevent security breaches, and respond effectively to security incidents
• Helps identify, evaluate, and implement security technologies and systems, such as access control, surveillance cameras, screening equipment, and biometric authentication, to enhance security capabilities and efficiency
• Conducts regular risk assessments and threat analyses to identify potential security threats, vulnerabilities, and emerging risks, and develop appropriate countermeasures and mitigation strategies
• Helps develop and implement emergency response plans and prepares procedures to address security incidents, such as terrorist threats, bomb threats, and natural disasters
• Coordinates with internal and external stakeholders, including airlines, law enforcement agencies, government authorities, and airport tenants, to exchange information, collaborate on security initiatives, and enhance security coordination and cooperation
• Develops and delivers security training programs and awareness campaigns for airport staff, tenants, and partners to promote security awareness, vigilance, and compliance with security protocols
• Conducts thorough investigations of security incidents, breaches, and breaches of security protocols, and implement corrective actions and preventive measures to address root causes and prevent recurrence
• Coordinates and facilitates security audits, inspections, and assessments conducted by regulatory agencies, industry associations, and independent auditors, and ensure timely remediation of findings and recommendations
• Establishes key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to monitor the effectiveness and efficiency of security operations, analyze performance data, and identify opportunities for improvement
• Prepares and submits regular reports on security performance, compliance status, and key security metrics to senior management, regulatory authorities, and relevant stakeholders as required
• Helps lead crisis management exercises and simulations to test and validate emergency response plans, procedures, and protocols, and ensure readiness to respond effectively to security crises and emergencies
• Fosters a culture of continuous improvement within the security team, encouraging innovation, learning, and adaptation to evolving security threats and challenges

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in related field is desirable but can be substituted with relevant experience.
• Certification in security management is desirable
• In-depth knowledge of EU aviation security legislation, including EU Regulation 300/2008 and its implementing measures, as well as ICAO Annex 17 and relevant EU and national directives
• Proven experience in developing and implementing security strategies, policies, and procedures in a complex operational environment
• Experience with security technologies and systems, such as access control, CCTV, passenger screening
• Availability to work flexible hours and respond to security incidents and emergencies on a 24/7 basis as needed

Competencies:

• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team of security professionals
• Sound judgment and decision-making abilities, with a focus on risk assessment, threat mitigation, and crisis management
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, law enforcement, airlines, and industry associations