Aviation Director

Aviation Director

United Kingdom | National Aviation Portfolio

A Rare Opportunity to Lead One of the UK's Largest Aviation Operations

Wilson James is seeking an exceptional aviation security leader to join our Aviation Senior Leadership Team as an Aviation Director.

This is a career-defining opportunity for a senior executive with significant experience leading regulated aviation security operations at scale. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, Aviation, you will provide strategic leadership across our UK aviation security portfolio, ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, client confidence and sustainable commercial performance.

Leading complex airport operations across multiple locations, you will be responsible for driving performance, developing high-performing leadership teams, strengthening stakeholder partnerships and shaping the future growth of our aviation business.

The Opportunity

As Aviation Director, you will sit at the heart of our Aviation Senior Leadership Team, providing direction and oversight across a nationally significant aviation portfolio. You will:

• Lead strategic aviation operations across multiple UK airport environments.
• Provide senior leadership and governance across complex, highly regulated security and/or aviation services.
• Drive operational excellence, resilience and service improvement throughout the portfolio.
• Build and develop high-performing leadership teams capable of delivering exceptional results.
• Strengthen relationships with airport operators, clients, regulators and industry stakeholders.
• Lead major mobilisation, transition and operational recovery programmes.
• Ensure the highest standards of security compliance, assurance and workforce competence.
• Shape future growth by contributing to bids, solution design, retention strategies and business development activity.

About You

You will be an accomplished and credible aviation leader with a proven track record of leading at scale within regulated airport environments.

• Extensive senior leadership experience within UK aviation security operations.
• Experience managing large, complex, operationally critical frontline workforces.
• Strong knowledge of aviation security disciplines including screening, access control, restricted area protection and wider airport security functions.
• Significant experience working with airport operators, regulators and security assurance teams.
• Demonstrable success in improving operational performance and leading organisational change.
• Experience mobilising, transitioning or transforming regulated security operations.
• Strong commercial acumen and experience managing operational performance, budgets and contractual delivery.
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• A visible, engaging leadership style with a passion for developing future leaders.
• AvSec Level 3 qualification, or willingness to obtain and maintain this following appointment.

Why join us?

We are Proud to be employee owned. This means we focus on long-term success and recognise the contribution of our colleagues who make our success possible.When you join Wilson James, you'll be part of a business that:

• Invests in training, development and career progression
• Supports wellbeing and work-life balance
• Encourages diversity, inclusion and belonging
• Values innovation and continuous improvement
• Is built for long-term success, not short-term gain
• Gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to our future

Alongside a competitive salary, you'll benefit from:

• 5.6 weeks annual leave
• Employer Pension contributions
• Access to financial wellbeing support and lifestyle benefits
• Life assurance
• Specialist mental health & wellbeing support
• Online GP services for you and your family
• Discounts at hundreds of retail, leisure and lifestyle brands
• A Cycle to Work scheme
• Employee Referral scheme

Wilson James is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. A criminal conviction will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a position, however each case will be assessed on an individual basis.
Wilson James have been raising standards in security, construction logistics, aviation services, and technology for over 30 years. With 5,000 employees and a presence across over 300 client sites all over the UK, we are dedicated to delivering tailored solutions and top-tier customer service. As a leading managed service provider, we prioritise safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Joining Wilson James offers the excitement of working with diverse, vibrant clients, making for a dynamic and engaging workplace.

Internal Applicants

At Wilson James, we support career growth and offer internal mobility to help employees explore new roles and advance within the company. Committed to promoting from within, we provide clear career pathways and continuous skill development. Unlock your potential by applying for exciting internal options and new challenge. If you are currently employed under TUPE terms and conditions, please note that successful appointment to this role will be on Wilson James standard terms and conditions.

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