Director of Safety And Security

Nieuport Aviation is offering a compelling executive leadership opportunity at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)—one of Canada’s most distinctive and customer-focused airports, located minutes from Toronto’s financial core. As owner and operator of the passenger terminal, Nieuport plays a central role in shaping the travel experience for more than 2 million passengers annually, while contributing over $2.1 billion in economic output to the region. Backed by long-term institutional ownership and driven by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and partnership, the organization delivers a premium, efficient alternative to traditional hub airports. Operating within a highly regulated aviation environment and in close collaboration with PortsToronto and federal agencies, Nieuport is focused on ensuring a safe, secure, and seamless passenger journey while continuing to invest in infrastructure, service innovation, and long-term growth.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director, Safety & Security will lead all aspects of safety, security, risk management, and regulatory compliance for the terminal, operating at the intersection of strategy, governance, and frontline execution in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment. The role is accountable for designing and advancing the enterprise safety and security governance framework, embedding rigorous regulatory compliance, and championing a proactive, “safety-first” culture across all operations. Acting as a key liaison with PortsToronto, Transport Canada, CATSA, CBSA, USCBP, airlines, and other stakeholders, the Director will oversee safety management systems (SMS), emergency preparedness and response, business continuity planning, audit and assurance programs, and incident management. This leader will play a visible and influential role with executive leadership and the Board, guiding decision-making through data-driven insights and positioning Nieuport as a recognized leader in aviation safety and security.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned and credible leader with 10+ years of experience in aviation or similarly complex, highly regulated operational environments, including senior leadership responsibility. They bring deep expertise in safety management systems, regulatory compliance, and enterprise risk governance, complemented by hands-on experience in emergency management and operational resilience. The successful candidate is strategic yet highly operational, calm under pressure, and decisive in critical situations, with the ability to influence across a diverse stakeholder landscape. An effective communicator and relationship builder, they are equally credible in the boardroom, with regulators, and on the front lines, with a demonstrated track record of driving culture change and building high-performing teams. A relevant degree is required, with advanced education and professional certifications considered strong assets, along with eligibility for Transport Canada Secret Level Security Clearance.

As an employer committed to employment equity, we encourage applications from members of equity-deserving communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.

Nieuport is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process.

All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those most closely aligned with the search criteria will be contacted.