Amazon is seeking a Director of World-Wide Aviation Security to lead our global aviation security operations supporting Amazon Air, Prime Air, and Amazon Global Logistics. Part of the Worldwide Operations Security (WWOS) organization, this role will continue to shape the future of aviation security across Amazon's expanding global network, driving strategic direction and execution of innovative security solutions while ensuring regulatory compliance and brand protection. The position requires developing and executing long-term (3-5 year) strategic plans for global aviation security initiatives while predicting future risks and opportunities to develop proactive solutions. The successful candidate will be responsible for expanding the adoption and utilization of Amazon's Security Management System (SeMS), leveraging its ICAO-conforming framework to enable operational growth while challenging traditional approaches to compliance.
As the security leader for Amazon's aviation operations, you will drive the strategic direction of security programs that enable the safe and compliant growth of our cargo operations, drone delivery expansion, and partnerships with forwarders and passenger air carriers. You will establish aviation security as a strategic business partner, working closely with leadership to align security strategies with overall business objectives. You will lead a team of eight direct reports and manage an annual budget of $30MM, while developing and maintaining strategic relationships with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), global regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders, and airline partners to drive industry evolution and enable growth initiatives through effective risk management. This role requires close collaboration with WWOS and Amazon AIR to leverage innovative security technologies and analytical solutions for predictive modeling and risk mitigation.
The ideal candidate will combine deep aviation security expertise with an innovative mindset, leveraging Amazon's leadership principles and technology capabilities to transform traditional compliance approaches. You will foster a culture of innovation within aviation security teams while driving large-scale, cross-functional initiatives to enhance security measures, reduce losses, and improve operational efficiency. You will partner closely with leaders across Amazon Air, Prime Air, and Amazon Global Logistics to support ambitious growth plans while effectively mitigating security risks and threats. This role presents a unique opportunity to reshape aviation security practices on a global scale, driving industry evolution through technology-enabled solutions and non-traditional compliance methods.
Key job responsibilities
• Develop and execute long-term (3-5 year) strategic plans for global security initiatives
• Predict future risks and opportunities, developing proactive solutions
• Lead expansion and adoption of Security Management System (SeMS)
• Drive large-scale, cross-functional initiatives to enhance security measures and reduce losses
• Lead implementation of innovative security technologies, including AI-driven solutions
• Create and manage performance metrics and quality assurance programs
• Establish and oversee security procedures for new business initiatives
• Drive cost savings through efficient security program implementation
• Collaborate with WWOS and Amazon AIR to leverage innovative technologies and analytics
• Foster and drive a culture of innovation within aviation security teams
• Manage and develop geographically dispersed security professionals
• Lead organizational change and drive cultural transformation in security practices
• Provide thought leadership and represent Amazon at industry events
• Oversee security compliance across all aviation operations
• Drive data-driven decision making in security program management
• Own budget planning and resource allocation
A day in the life
You will begin your day reviewing security metrics and program performance data across global operations. You'll connect with geographically dispersed team members to align priorities across time zones and regions. You'll meet with your leadership team to prioritize and remove barriers to execution. Throughout the day, you'll engage with internal stakeholders to support growth initiatives, participate in strategic planning sessions, and work with regulatory authorities to advance innovative compliance approaches. You'll collaborate with WWOS and Amazon AIR teams to evaluate and implement new security technologies and analytical solutions, while ensuring alignment with broader business objectives. You'll analyze emerging threats and opportunities, make data-driven decisions about resource allocation, and mentor your team in driving continuous improvement in security operations. You'll lead cross-functional initiatives to transform security practices, fostering a culture of innovation while maintaining operational excellence. You'll collaborate with internal/external operations partners to establish and maintain security standards that enable new business opportunities while ensuring compliance. You will also represent Amazon's thought leadership at industry events or engage with senior regulatory officials to advance innovative approaches to aviation security.• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation, Security, Safety, Law, Management, Business Administration, or related field
• 12+ years of progressive experience in aviation security or safety, with at least 5 years in leadership roles
• 10+ years experience in regulatory compliance programs
• 10+ years experience managing teams, including direct management of professional subject matter experts
• Experience with international aviation operations across multiple regions globally
• Knowledge of cargo operations and dangerous goods regulations across multiple regions globally.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing quality assurance programs
• Experience with aviation security performance metrics and analytics
• Demonstrated experience working with aviation regulatory bodies (TSA, FAA, EASA, etc.)
• Proven track record implementing and managing aviation programs (e.g., SeMS, SMS) at scale
• Strong understanding of international aviation security regulations and ICAO standards
• Demonstrated experience in leading organizational change and driving cultural transformation
• Experience managing geographically dispersed teams across global operations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including executive-level presentation experience
• Ability to travel up to 75% of the time
• Master's degree in Aviation, Security, Safety, Law, Management, Business Administration, or related field
• Experience with cargo airline operations and/or drone operations security programs
• Track record of successful engagement with regulators at the senior level
• Strong stakeholder management skills, particularly in matrix organizations
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing long-term (5+ year) strategic plans
• Experience establishing security organizations as strategic business partners
Technical Expertise:
• Demonstrated success in implementing or managing Security/safety Management Systems (SeMS/SMS)
• Experience leading security, safety, quality, or compliance programs across multiple international jurisdictions
• Advanced knowledge of risk assessment methodologies and frameworks
• Experience with AI/ML implementation in security operations
• Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma methodologies and their application to aviation security and safety processes
• Knowledge of IATA standards
• Background in aviation safety systems and their integration with security programs
• Knowledge of emerging threats in aviation security and countermeasures
• Experience in predictive modeling and risk mitigation technologies
Innovation and Growth:
• History of developing innovative solutions to complex challenges
• Demonstrated ability to influence and drive change in regulatory environments
• Track record of implementing cost-saving security initiatives
• Experience developing new security procedures for revenue-generating opportunities
• Success in establishing security programs at non-traditional locations
• Proven ability to foster innovation culture within security operations
• Experience leading large-scale, cross-functional transformation initiatives
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit
https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $190,300/year in our lowest geographic market up to $283,200/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Amazon is a total compensation company. Dependent on the position offered, equity, sign-on payments, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. For more information, please visit
https://www.aboutamazon.com/workplace/employee-benefits. This position will remain posted until filled. Applicants should apply via our internal or external career site.
