Assurance Manager

Assurance Manager

Permanent

Location: UK wide travel

Hours: Full tome, Monday - Friday

Pay: Competitive

Are you an experienced aviation security professional with a strong background in compliance, auditing and regulatory assurance? We are seeking an Aviation Assurance Manager to lead the compliance and assurance agenda across our aviation services portfolio, ensuring adherence to UK aviation security legislation and regulatory requirements.

This is a high-profile, client-facing role that requires regular engagement with airport authorities, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Department for Transport (DfT) and other key stakeholders. You will be responsible for driving continuous improvement, overseeing audit programmes, supporting contract growth and ensuring the highest standards of security compliance and operational assurance across the business.

About the Role:

Develop, implement and manage a robust security compliance and audit programme, including statutory operational audits and assurance reporting.

Lead internal and external aviation security audits, producing annual audit plans and ensuring regulatory compliance across all aviation contracts.

Monitor and analyse compliance indicators, including covert testing programmes, TIP scores and staff performance assessments, identifying trends and improvement opportunities.

Build and maintain strong relationships with airport authorities, the CAA, DfT and client stakeholders, acting as a trusted compliance advisor.

Audit and monitor Aviation Security and Passenger Reduced Mobility (PRM) operations to ensure compliance with UK legislation and contractual requirements.

Lead the communication and implementation of regulatory and compliance changes, ensuring policies, procedures and operational documentation remain current and compliant.

Support operational teams during security breaches, incidents and regulatory investigations, developing corrective action plans and providing assurance to clients.

Support business growth through bid writing, tender presentations, training compliance initiatives and the promotion of best practice across the aviation portfolio.

Why Join Us?

Annual leave entitlement of 25 days

Lifestyle Benefits – Mortgage and financial advice, vouchers for various shopping outlets and food stores, employee referral scheme.

Learning & Development – we actively encourage progression and offer various eLearning courses, progression, training whilst on site, apprenticeships, and in-house training courses.

Health and Wellbeing – Life assurance scheme, access to mental health support specialists

Access to an Online GP for you and your dependents.

Financial support

Discounts on hundreds of retail sites

Progression opportunities – many of our team go on to senior and site management roles

A welcoming, respectful team culture

Uniform and full induction provided

Cycle to Work scheme

What we are looking for:

Essential Criteria

Proven security management experience within an airport or aviation operational environment.

Strong working knowledge of UK aviation security regulations and DfT/NASP requirements.

Experience of compliance auditing, assurance frameworks, monitoring programmes and regulatory investigations.

Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to produce policies, procedures, audit reports and client correspondence.

Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.

Sound understanding of risk management, governance, controls and continuous improvement methodologies.

Strong presentation, influencing and communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with senior stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

Full UK Driving Licence and willingness to travel extensively across the UK, Ireland and Channel Islands.

Desirable

Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) Accreditation.

Previous experience within aviation assurance, regulatory compliance or operational governance roles.

Experience supporting aviation security tenders, bid submissions and mobilisation projects.

Knowledge of PRM operational compliance and CAA performance standards.

The successful candidate will be a highly motivated and detail-focused aviation professional with a passion for regulatory excellence, operational compliance and continuous improvement. You will be comfortable working independently, influencing stakeholders at all levels and driving assurance standards that support both business success and exceptional client outcomes.

If you are looking for an opportunity to make a significant impact within a leading aviation operation, we would love to hear from you.

Please be aware that, on occasion, we may close a vacancy earlier than the advertised deadline if we receive a high volume of strong applications

Wilson James is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. A criminal conviction will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a position, however each case will be assessed on an individual basis. For information about Wilson James' commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, https://wilsonjames.co.uk/sustainability

Wilson James have been raising standards in security, construction logistics, aviation services, and technology for over 30 years. With 5,000 employees and a presence across over 300 client sites all over the UK, we are dedicated to delivering tailored solutions and top-tier customer service. As a leading managed service provider, we prioritise safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Joining Wilson James offers the excitement of working with diverse, vibrant clients, making for a dynamic and engaging workplace.

Internal Applicants

At Wilson James, we support career growth and offer internal mobility to help employees explore new roles and advance within the company. Committed to promoting from within, we provide clear career pathways and continuous skill development. Unlock your potential by applying for exciting internal opportunities and new challenge. If you are currently employed under TUPE terms and conditions, please note that successful appointment to this role will be on Wilson James standard terms and conditions.