Head of Safety, Security and Emergency Services

Toronto Pearson is transforming. Now’s the time for your career to fly.

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) is a unique and dynamic place to work, with a bold plan to make Toronto Pearson, Canada’s leading global hub airport, a global leader in airport performance, customer care and sustainability. Together with our partners, approximately 1,900 GTAA employees are working to create a next-generation airport by innovating in all we do and striving for the most uplifting, safe and efficient experience for our passengers – all while championing the prosperity of our people, the community we call home, and our aviation partners.  Join us on our journey together, as we put the joy back into travel and make Toronto Pearson the chosen place to fly and work.

What can you expect from this position?

As the Head of Safety, Security and Emergency Services, you will be responsible for safeguarding people, assets, and operations through an integrated strategy that unites aviation security, public and corporate safety, Safety Management Systems (SMS), fire and emergency services, and emergency preparedness. You will be accountable for developing and assuring total airport services resilience through the integration of forward-looking enterprise-wide risk management, building a strong safety culture and ensuring regulatory compliance.

You will oversee critical crisis management capability. This role will also drive transformation and modernization in the safety and security portfolio by embedding data analytics and real-time insights into decision-making and operational performance.

Who are we looking for?

You're a strategic thinker with exceptional operational acumen and a passion for innovation. You are passionate about safeguarding people, assets, and operations through an integrated and forward-thinking strategy, and you thrive on driving transformation and modernization. As a true thought leader, you excel in strategic business planning and exhibit superior leadership, mentoring, and coaching abilities, even during a crisis. You possess excellent written communication skills for executive-level reporting and are highly networked with deep knowledge of global industry threats and trends. You have a strong command of safety and emergency frameworks, SMS, and corporate safety programs, leveraging data dashboards, KPIs, and predictive analytics to inform decisions. A proven change agent, you're comfortable leading organizational and safety culture transformations, navigating complex structures, and have specialized experience in ARFF, SMS implementation, and enterprise crisis coordination.

This is the role for you, if you have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field. Preferred Master’s degree in Aviation Safety, Business, Engineering, or Risk Management.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in airport operations, safety, or security. Preferred experience in large airport or infrastructure environments in executive or cross-functional roles.
• 15+ years’ leadership with people management experience building, coaching and leading high performing, highly skilled and motivated teams in a matrix organization and multiple operations experience;
• Experience in developing, implementing and executing safety and/or security policies and programs in a large, matrix organization, preferably against he backdrop of a large-scale capital construction program.
• Knowledge of applicable Transport Canada regulations
• Demonstrated familiarity with Occupational Health and Safety programs and regulatory framework
• Ability to obtain and retain a Transportation Security Clearance

To Apply:

To fill this position, Greater Toronto Airport Authority (GTAA) has partnered with Heidrick & Struggles. Applications should be submitted directly to Heidrick & Struggles by email to GTAA@heidrick.com.

The GTAA is committed to Employment Equity and maintaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive