Security Operations Manager

Join Melbourne Airport as our Security Performance Manager and play a key role in delivering safe, efficient, and high-performing security operations. In this pivotal role, you’ll optimise screening point performance, using data-driven resourcing models to minimise wait times, maximise throughput, and ensure compliance across all security functions.

You’ll lead the assessment and improvement of screener performance, driving targeted coaching and training to maintain high standards. You’ll also own the review and enhancement of Standard Operating Procedures, ensuring our practices reflect current regulations, technology, and industry best practice.

This role takes responsibility for the timely investigation and close-out of safety incidents and customer security-related complaints, ensuring professional responses and effective corrective actions. You’ll also manage the security Management of Change process, safeguarding operational integrity with every new procedure or system introduced.

Explore how we are thinking big with exciting projects like the Third Runway, state-of-the-art terminals, and thriving business park developments. You can also learn more about life at Melbourne Airport – our culture, values, and what makes us unique at https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/corporate/our-culture-and-values. Join us in shaping the future of aviation as we propel Melbourne Airport towards becoming Australia’s favourite Airport destination.

Key responsibilities:

The role's duties and accountabilities include, but are not limited to:

• Drive screening point efficiently by minimise wait times, maximise throughput, and ensure efficient staffing.
• Monitor individual performance, identify gaps early, and implement targeted coaching or training to maintain a strong high-performance culture.
• Maintain up-to-date Standard Operating Procedures that align with Aviation Screener Notices, regulatory requirements, and industry best practice.
• Oversee safety incident investigations within the SMS, ensuring timely reporting, analysis, corrective actions, and full close-out.
• Ensure all customer security complaints are investigated, documented, and resolved promptly, with trends identified and improvements recommended.
• Provide expert operational input to technology upgrades, infrastructure changes, and guarding requirement assessments in capital projects.
• Oversee the Management of Change process for any operational shift impacting security, ensuring approvals are completed at least 24 hours prior to implementation.
• Uses structured analysis and data-driven insights to identify risks, diagnose root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.
• Plans, coordinates, and tracks operational changes, capital works, and process improvements. Ensures MoC requirements are met, risks are assessed, and changes are implemented smoothly with minimal impact on security operations.
• Manages commercial and contractual obligations for security service providers, focusing on monitoring KPIs and performance standards.
• Oversees KPI reporting, analyses provider performance, and ensures services meet agreed benchmarks. Applies strong contract management to drive accountability, compliance, and consistent security outcomes across the airport.
• Shows strong leadership in influence-based environments. Although the role has no direct reports, it leads and supports Duty Security Managers, Aviation Protection Officers, and Security Surveillance Officers.

The successful candidate will have:

• Tertiary qualifications in Aviation, Security, Emergency Management, or a related discipline; or equivalent relevant industry experience.
• Significant experience in aviation security, airport operations, or a similar high-risk, compliance-driven environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in aviation security practices and screening operations, including the application of SOPs, regulatory requirements, and performance-based security models.
• Strong working knowledge of aviation security legislation, regulations, and industry notices (e.g., Aviation Transport Security Act/Regulations, Aviation Screening Notices), with the ability to interpret, apply, and advise on compliance obligations.
• Experience in the use, oversight, or implementation of security technologies and systems, such as screening equipment, access control, CCTV, or terminal security platforms.
• Proven capability in operational decision-making, particularly in dynamic or time-critical environments, ensuring operational continuity and risk-aware outcomes.
• Highly developed analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify performance gaps, assess root causes, and recommend effective corrective actions.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive relationships across multiple teams, contractors, and partners.
• Experience in incident or safety investigations, complaint resolution, or quality assurance programs is highly desirable.
• Exposure to change management processes, particularly in environments where regulatory or operational changes impact frontline security operations, is advantageous.

We understand that not everyone will feel they meet all of these 100%. However, if you feel you have the attitude and aptitude to grow within our team, we invite you to apply and have a conversation with us about this position.

About the Company:

Melbourne Airport (Australia Pacific Airports Corporation) is proud to be one of Australia’s premier transport hubs and Victoria's gateway to the world, connecting us to the global marketplace. We are committed to creating connections that matter and enhancing the traveller experience across every aspect of our organisation to deliver our vision of becoming Australia’s favourite Airport destination. Currently, in an exciting phase of change, we are delivering rewarding career opportunities, making Melbourne Airport a dynamic and fast-paced place to work for our people.

APAC is a majority Australian-owned private company that also operates Launceston Airport, the tourism gateway to Tasmania and an industry multi-award-winning airport.

Culture and Values:

By joining the team at Melbourne Airport, you will work within a friendly, high-performance culture with a focus on our people and their development.

Our vision is to become Australia’s favourite Airport destination and our people are paramount to achieving this success. We provide a supportive environment, with values that encourage all of our employees to Be You, Think Big, Own it and Work Together.

Benefits:

• Free access to Higher State, our state-of-the-art Fitness Club & Wellness Hub at Novotel & ibis Styles Airport hotel.
• Airport car parking 24 hours/365 days a year for both business and personal use.
• Hybrid flexible working arrangements.
• Airport Holiday, an additional day of leave.
• Wellness Day, a further additional day of leave.
• Discounted onsite childcare at Creative Garden Early Learning.
• Mental health and well-being initiatives, including Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Long-term career and professional development opportunities.
• Active social culture and participation in a range of social impact days and activities.
• Signature Experiences including an airfield family day.
• Access to an employee benefits scheme including access to corporate rates and airport retailer discounts (including SkyBus).

APAC is committed to weaving Diversity into our DNA. We believe that Diversity and Inclusion will help us realise our greatest potential as a company, and maximise the potential of all our team members. We strive to create a culture where our team members understand that each individual is unique and that embracing diversity makes us more flexible, productive, and creative.

APAC provides equal opportunity and advancement in employment regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, cultural background, caring responsibilities, disability or socioeconomic background. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our workplace values of Being You, Thinking Big, Owning It and Working Together.