Security Lead - LHR in London

Looking for a challenge in one of the world’s largest airfreight logistics organisations? At IAG Cargo we are in the business of moving things. From antibiotics to rhinoceros, gold bullion to avocados and everything in between. Whatever people need, wherever they are. In an era of digital screens and closed borders, we open the skies and fly the world to bring people the things they really need. We are the logistics and cargo brand of International Airlines Group (Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Level and Vueling). At IAG Cargo, we believe in keeping the world’s economies turning, and do everything with determined attitudes, curious minds, collaborative actions and heartfelt pride. Join us at our globally recognised logistics business, where we are building a great place to work for customers and colleagues alike.

About the role

Join IAG Cargo and take a leading role in shaping the security landscape across our London Heathrow campus. This isn’t just about compliance, it’s about driving innovation, influencing culture, and ensuring our operations remain resilient in one of the most dynamic environments in aviation. As a key member of our Security team, you’ll design, monitor, and oversee site and cargo operational security within an integrated management system, safeguarding our people, assets, and operations against evolving threats. You’ll bring practical security expertise to the day‑to‑day management of head office and cargo operations, embedding robust security measures from concept through implementation. Managing outsourced security suppliers will also be part of your remit, ensuring high standards of compliance and risk mitigation. Your leadership will extend beyond processes. You’ll build strong partnerships across the business, championing a proactive security mindset and driving continuous improvement. From training and communications to incident investigations and root cause analysis, you’ll play a critical role in strengthening our security culture and capabilities. You’ll also identify opportunities to simplify and transform security processes and technology, enhancing both operational resilience and the customer experience. This role offers variety, responsibility, and the chance to influence strategic decision‑making. If you’re passionate about security, collaboration, and delivering practical solutions that make a real impact, this is your opportunity to help shape the future of aviation security in IAG Cargo.

What you’ll do

• Operational Support
• Provide expert security advice and guidance to London Operations management, ensuring security standards are embedded in daily operations, process development, and training.
• Manage security suppliers at London Heathrow, driving quality assurance to guarantee compliance and deliver value for money.
• Oversee cargo screening operations, supporting both immediate needs and long‑term capability planning.
• Collaborate with IAGC hubs, Network Operations, and the Heathrow Regulated Agent community to resolve security performance issues and maintain robust standards.
• Lead investigations into security incidents, ensuring root causes are identified and corrective actions implemented promptly.
• Provide expert input and requirements for the design and development of CCTV, access control, and physical security measures across the site, ensuring robust protection and operational effectiveness.
• Act as the primary escalation point for security‑related incidents at London Heathrow, providing decisive and effective resolution.

• Compliance & Reporting
• Ensure full compliance with UK regulations and IAG Cargo’s global security policies, embedding requirements into operational practices.
• Develop and maintain robust monitoring systems for processes and controls that safeguard the business and ensure a secure, compliant environment.
• Deliver accurate performance reporting against defined metrics and KPIs to site and business security forums, highlighting trends and areas for improvement.
• Maintain and enhance site‑specific security policies, risk registers, and management of change processes to ensure continuous alignment with best practices.
• Act as the primary liaison for all security‑related visits, inspections, and audits at London Heathrow, including coordination with HAL campus security.

• Security Awareness and Education
• Champion a proactive security culture across the site, engaging teams at all levels of Operations and Head Office to embed best practices.
• Support the development and delivery of impactful, multi‑channel centralised communications, reinforcing IAG Cargo’s core security messages and building knowledge.
• Engage and influence stakeholders to identify risks, interpret needs, and drive the compliance agenda with clear accountability, balancing business support with constructive challenge.
• Ensure the business can identify and effectively manage site‑specific security risks, promoting continuous improvement and resilience.

It’s all about you

What you’ll bring to IAG Cargo: We’re looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with hands‑on expertise, able to manage complex security challenges and make confident decisions under pressure. You'll need to be an exceptional communicator, both written and verbal, capable of influencing at all levels of the business while building strong relationships with colleagues, suppliers, and external stakeholders. A proactive mindset and problem‑solving skills are essential, along with solid knowledge of UK aviation security regulations, risk assessment, and incident investigation processes. You’ll thrive in a fast‑paced environment, comfortable with ambiguity and able to balance compliance requirements with operational realities. Always seeking opportunities to improve security capability and customer experience. Strong IT skills and familiarity with security systems such as CCTV and access control are a must. We value individuals who are collaborative, resilient, and passionate about promoting a positive security culture.

This role is primarily based on‑site at Heathrow Monday to Friday, reflecting the hands‑on nature of our operation, though occasional remote working may be possible when absolutely required.

To apply, candidates must:

• Essential
• Previous responsibility for site security at regulated or high‑value sites.
• Influence, inspire, and motivate at all levels of the business.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills, translating complex regulatory requirements into clear, practical guidance.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with colleagues and suppliers.
• Show confidence and resilience, delivering results under pressure and making time‑critical decisions effectively.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Prioritise and manage multiple, conflicting tasks in a fast‑paced environment.
• Be highly analytical, able to interpret complex data sets and produce compliance monitoring reports.
• Think critically and solve problems with precision.
• Display attention to detail, presenting findings clearly to diverse stakeholders.
• Hold a high‑level qualification in either a security or aviation related discipline or significant relevant experience.
• Have knowledge of UK aviation security regulations, including completion of UK regulatory security training.
• Possess the right to live and work in the UK and be able to obtain a Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) clearance.

• Desirable
• Previous site security experience at an air cargo regulated agent or known consignor facility.
• Previous military or law enforcement background.
• Solid understanding of the air freight logistics sector.
• A proven competence or professional qualification in security management.
• Experience managing security suppliers and operational screening capability.
• Familiarity with CCTV, access control, and physical security systems.
• Previous experience in airline operations and/or cargo environments would be highly advantageous.

We’ll treat you right

Wherever you work within IAG Cargo, you’ll play a part in helping us deliver what the world needs and join a diverse and inclusive business that’s making a difference. As well as a competitive salary, bonus, we offer a range of benefits to support our colleagues, which include:

• From the day you join us, you’ll get access to brilliant staff travel benefits including unlimited basic and premium standby tickets on British Airways and group airlines.
• You’ll also receive up to 30 discounted ‘Hotline’ airfares per year for yourself, friends, and family.
• Flexible bank holiday policy – Individuals not on shift have the flexibility to swap the statutory public holidays, with the days you choose to take off instead.
• All our colleagues get access to LinkedIn learning and Rosetta Stone Language courses.
• For health and wellbeing we offer a free onsite gym facility as well as access to the UNMIND app and a community of Mental Health First Aiders.
• Access to discounts on Apple, cinema tickets and loads of other goodies through Perks at work.

Diversity and Inclusion

Our recruitment procedures positively support our diversity and inclusion agenda. All candidates are considered strictly on their merits in relation to the criteria for the role, treated fairly and consistently, and have their individual needs responded to throughout the process.