Airport Security Team Manager

Manchester Airport plc.; Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK airport operator is seeking an Airport Security Team Manager to lead and support airport security operations. You will ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and foster a high standard of professionalism among the security team. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication and technical skills while demonstrating the ability to work confidently in a safety-critical environment. Benefits include a generous pension plan and other employee perks including free parking and subsidised transport.

Benefits

Flexible pension plan

Free parking

Subsidised public transport

Volunteering days

Free VirtualGP service

Qualifications

• Perfect colour vision required.
• Experience managing teams in a regulated service environment.
• Ability to build lasting professional relationships.
• Strong focus on adhering to security protocols.
• Confident in interpreting data.

Responsibilities

• Lead airport security operations ensuring compliance.
• Manage performance and conduct of security team.
• Respond to security incidents and emergencies.
• Support regulatory audits and ensure timely actions.
• Foster open communication among team members.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Customer service excellence

Conflict management

Technical knowledge

IT skills

Observational skills

Education

Level 2 Security training

Tools

Microsoft Office

Lotus Notes

MPS

Job description

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• Permanent, Full-time (4 on, 4 off) mixture of days/nights
• Salary: £44,384 per annum inclusive of 17.5% shift allowance

About MAG

Every year, Manchester Airport connects over 30 million passengers with more than 200 destinations across the globe. As the third largest airport in the UK, Manchester is also in the top 20 airports in Europe. Part of the largest UK owned airport operator group, MAG, Manchester Airport supports over 19,000 jobs onsite and generates around £7.75bn each year for the region.

Sustainability is one of our core values, and it shapes everything we do. We're committed to protecting the environment and supporting our local communities. Our programmes include airport and airline decarbonisation, comprehensive education, skills and employment support and community engagement initiatives including volunteering opportunities.

At MAG, we recognise creating a first-class journey for our customers starts by creating a first-class career journey for our colleagues and we are committed to building inclusive environments in which our people can thrive.

You’ll also have access to some great benefits including:

• Flexible and generous company pension plan with various company contribution options (up to 10%) that you can change to suit your personal needs
• Free parking
• Subsidised public transport
• Huge range of company discounts
• 2 volunteering days per year
• Free VirtualGP service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Care Concierge service

About the Role

The Airport Security Team Manager (ASTM) plays a key role in leading and supporting the effective delivery of airport security operations. This position ensures that all external critical part boundaries — including staff and vehicle access points — operate in full compliance with regulatory requirements and MAG standards.

Principle Accountabilities

• Lead the day to day airport security operation, ensuring safe, compliant and efficient movement through all security access points.
• Maintain high standards of compliance, behaviour and professionalism across the security team, providing feedback, coaching and improvement plans where needed.
• Support regulatory and internal audits, ensuring timely resolution of actions and consistent adherence to protocols.
• Oversee the correct use and upkeep of security equipment, escalating and resolving defects promptly.
• Respond effectively to security incidents, breaches and emergencies, taking appropriate corrective action.
• Manage conflict with tact and empathy, ensuring outcomes align with company values and regulations.
• Provide regular feedback, coaching and development to colleagues, supporting ongoing training and capability building.
• Foster open communication through briefs, meetings and effective two way engagement.
• Manage performance, attendance, conduct and colleague relations in line with company policies.
• Collaborate closely with resource teams to ensure efficient staffing and delivery of service targets.
• Provide feedback to improve planning efficiency and support longer term resource strategies.
• Manage daily deployment, rotations and colleague engagement time.
• Anticipate resourcing gaps and take proactive action to maintain service levels.

What will make you successful

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, and a high level of technical and regulatory knowledge. They will demonstrate exceptional attention to detail, a commitment to high standards, and the ability to work confidently within a legislated, safety critical environment.

Key requirements include

• Perfect colour vision
• Experience managing teams in a regulated service environment, ensuring compliance with Aviation Security Legislation, DfT requirements and other regulatory protocols
• Proven customer service excellence, with the ability to build lasting professional relationships
• Highly effective communication skills, including delivering constructive feedback and handling sensitive messages tactfully
• An engaging communication style that promotes pride, enthusiasm and attention to detail
• Excellent observational skills and a strong focus on adhering to security protocols
• Relevant security technical qualifications, including Level 2 Security training and required annual updates
• Up to date knowledge of DfT Security Operating protocols
• Confident IT skills across standard business systems such as Microsoft Office, Lotus Notes, MPS, and resource/performance monitoring tools
• Strong resource allocation abilities, with the capacity to anticipate issues and respond quickly to operational demands
• Investigatory and report writing skills, with the ability to analyse events and produce clear findings
• A full driving licence and willingness to complete the MAG process for Airfield manoeuvring rights
• Data literacy, including experience in analysing and interpreting data

Equal Opportunities & Reasonable Adjustments

We’re building something brilliant at MAG: a diverse team of Journey Makers who share our values and want to make a difference. We’re on a mission to be number one in our industry, and that takes talent in all its forms. With so many exciting roles across our airports and businesses, there’s space for your unique strengths to shine.

Whether this is your first role or your next big step, we want to hear from you – even if you don’t think you tick every box. What matters most is what you bring.

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you need any adjustments to support your application or interview, just let us know. We’re committed to helping you perform at your best.

At MAG, every journey matters. Our Colleague Communities play a big part in that: Women’s Network, Embrace (Race & Ethnicity), Fly with Pride (LGBTQIA+), Mind Matters (Mental Health), PACT (Parents & Carers), RespectABILITY (Disability & Neurodiversity), and the CAVU Global ID&E Affinity Group.