Senior Manager - Safety, Security and AirsideLaGuardia Gateway Partners Queens, New York, United States (On-site)
Job Summary:The
Senior Manager, Safety, Security & Airside provides strategic leadership and oversight of all safety, security, and airside operations within LaGuardia Gateway Partners' (LGP) Terminal B leasehold. This role is accountable for ensuring regulatory compliance, operational safety, and security effectiveness while driving efficiency, resilience, and continuous improvement across terminal and airside environments.
The position serves as the senior LGP representative for safety, security, and airside matters, acting as the primary liaison with the Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Security Administration, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Port Authority Police Department, airlines, ground handling agents, and terminal stakeholders.
This role integrates execution, compliance, and strategic oversight to ensure safe, secure, and efficient operations while supporting Terminal B's reputation as a world-class facility.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:Operational Leadership & Airside Management- Lead all airside operations including aircraft movement, apron management, gate utilization, and ground handling performance
- Oversee coordination of runways, taxiways, and aircraft parking positions within LGP's leasehold
- Serve as the primary liaison between LGP and key stakeholders for all related airside operations, including airlines, ground handlers, and vendors, leading proactive collaboration and issue resolution to maintain service continuity and operational excellence.
- Act as the key operations representative for airside maintenance activities and capital
- projects. Ensure operational requirements are incorporated into planning and execution
- phases, minimizing passenger disruption and protecting airside integrity.
- Leads the development, and implementation of updates to the Airside Management Plan and all other relevant airside documents, maintaining currency with evolving regulations, risks, and industry best practices.
- Collaborate with PANYNJ and airfield working groups on infrastructure and operational initiatives
Safety & Security Oversight- Lead implementation and continuous improvement of the Safety Management System (SMS) and Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
- Serve as Terminal Security Coordinator and ensure compliance with the Terminal Security Program
- Oversee security systems, guard force contracts, access control, and surveillance programs
- Conduct and oversee accident, incident, and near-miss investigations, ensuring root cause analysis and corrective actions
- Conducts SMS investigations, including accidents, incidents, and near-misses
- Participates in the PA aviation security tabletop design, to incorporate measures from the Terminal Security Program
- Implement safety and security programs, projects, policies, and procedures in line with company business plan while ensuring terminal compliance with all applicable regulatory and airport rules and regulations
- Develop and implement amendments of the Terminal Security Program to ensure compliance
- Develop communication and training plans to drive awareness of applications and standards of safety and security programs to support organizational readiness
Regulatory Compliance & Governance- Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations including FAA Part 139, TSA requirements, and PANYNJ rules
- Manage audit programs, inspections, and regulatory engagements, ensuring readiness and successful outcomes
- Develop, update, and enforce safety and security policies, procedures, and standards
- Legal compliance with safety and security related requirements.
Emergency & Crisis Management- Lead emergency response efforts and act as senior representative during Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activations
- Coordinate with emergency services, PAPD, and external agencies to ensure effective incident response
- Support tabletop exercises and crisis preparedness initiatives
Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination- Build and maintain strong partnerships with airlines, ground handling agents, tenants, and government agencies
- Serve as the primary point of contact for safety, security, and airside matters
- Ensure effective communication and alignment across all stakeholders
Performance & Continuous Improvement- Develop and track KPIs related to safety, security, and airside efficiency
- Analyze operational data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities
- Lead process improvement initiatives, new technologies, and innovation efforts
- Establish and implement a quality assurance program focusing on the operational effectiveness of the safety, security and operational policies and procedures.
People Leadership & Culture- Lead, mentor, and develop safety, security, and airside teams
- Monitors, evaluates, and coaches performance of direct report staff while identifying training opportunities and managing performance.
- Drive a strong safety culture and promote consistent adherence to policies and procedures
- Oversee training programs, workforce planning, and performance management
Financial & Strategic Planning- Develop and manage departmental budgets, forecasts, and resource plans
- Support long-term planning, capital projects, and operational strategy initiatives
Additional Responsibilities- Perform all other duties as required to support operational success
Competencies and Skills:- Operational Leadership: Proven ability to lead complex, 24/7 aviation operations
- Regulatory Expertise: Deep knowledge of FAA, TSA, and airport regulatory frameworks
- Crisis Management: Strong experience in emergency response, IROPS, and incident command
- Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to influence and align diverse partners and agencies
- Analytical Acumen: Data-driven mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities
- Leadership: Ability to motivate, develop, and lead high-performing teams
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to align operations with long-term organizational goals
Education and Experience:Required:- Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Safety, Security, Business, or related field
- 7+ years of experience in aviation, airport, or regulated operations
- 3+ years in a leadership role overseeing safety, security, or airside operations
- Strong knowledge of Safety Management Systems (SMS) and regulatory compliance frameworks
- Experience working in highly regulated environments
Preferred:- Advanced degree or relevant certifications (e.g., AAAE, CMAE)
- Experience at large, Part 139-certified airports
- Familiarity with LaGuardia Airport and PANYNJ operations
- Experience in incident command and emergency management systems
Primary Work Location: LaGuardia Airport, NY
Employee Status: Regular Full Time
