Job Summary

The Airport Construction Security Lead at Toronto Pearson International (YYZ) is a high-stakes leadership role responsible for safeguarding one of North America’s most complex infrastructure environments. As the “Defensive Architect” for major construction projects, you will ensure that multi-million dollar expansions proceed without compromising the airport’s sterile boundaries or regulatory compliance. This role requires the “wit” to design fail-safe access control strategies and the “grit” to manage security contractors and site integrity across a sprawling, 24/7 active airfield.

Job Details

Project Location: Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).
Base Office: Mississauga, ON (with frequent onsite field inspections).
Position Type: Full-time, Infrastructure Leadership.
Sector: Aviation Security & Construction Management.
Reporting To: Senior Infrastructure/Project Director.
Core Mandate: Developing and executing security plans that align with Transport Canada regulations and GTAA (Greater Toronto Airports Authority) standards.

Core Responsibilities

Security Master Planning: Develop and implement comprehensive security plans specifically tailored to construction zones, ensuring no unauthorized “breach” of the airport’s sterile areas.
Access Control Oversight: Design and manage temporary access points, biometric/badging protocols, and vehicle screening areas for thousands of contractors and specialized equipment.
Stakeholder Diplomacy: Collaborate cross-functionally with the GTAA, Transport Canada, Peel Regional Police, and third-party construction firms to ensure “Zero-Friction” operations.
Regulatory Alignment: Ensure every phase of construction complies with the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations (CASRs) and local airport security programs.
Site Surveillance: Conduct routine site visits and audits to identify vulnerabilities in perimeter fencing, temporary hoarding, and personnel movement.
Incident Management: Serve as the primary point of escalation for security threats or breaches within construction zones, leading rapid-response and investigative efforts.

Candidate Profile

Experience: 8+ years of senior-level experience in security operations, specifically within large-scale infrastructure or aviation projects.
Technical Wit: Advanced understanding of modern access control systems, CCTV integration, and perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDS).
Project Management: Proven ability to manage security as a project lifecycle, including budgeting, procurement of security services, and timeline management.
Regulatory Knowledge: Deep familiarity with Transport Canada aviation security requirements and the Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC) program.
Soft Skills: Exceptional “Integrity-first” leadership, with the ability to influence diverse stakeholders and maintain calm during high-pressure irregular operations.
Mobility: Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license and obtain high-level Transportation Security Clearance.

Technical Insights: Securing the “Airside-Landside” Boundary

In airport construction, the greatest challenge is the shifting “Line of Demarcation” between public areas and restricted flight zones.

Temporary Restricted Areas (TRAs): You will be responsible for defining TRAs—specific zones where construction occurs that must be treated with the same rigor as an active runway.
The Human Element: Managing “Insider Threat” mitigation is critical; this involves ensuring every worker is properly vetted and that “Piggybacking” at access gates is physically and technologically prevented.
Logistics Security: Every piece of heavy machinery entering the airfield must be swept for prohibited items, requiring a “Precision-First” screening workflow that doesn’t bottleneck construction timelines.

Job Description

Do you believe that the foundation of a world-class airport isn’t just concrete and steel, but the invisible shield of security that protects it? A Major Infrastructure Team is seeking an Airport Construction Security Lead to join the Toronto Pearson expansion. We aren’t just building terminals; we are protecting the gateway to Canada. If you have the “grit” to manage a complex construction perimeter in the middle of a Canadian winter and the “wit” to outthink potential security threats before they happen, you belong in this leadership role.

Toronto Pearson International Airport | Canada’s Global Super-Hub

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), operated by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), is Canada’s largest and busiest airport. As of 2026, it serves as a critical economic engine for the province of Ontario, connecting more than 180 destinations across all six inhabited continents. Following its recognition as one of Forbes Canada’s Best Employers 2026 for the third consecutive year, the airport is currently in a high-intensity preparation phase to serve as the primary gateway for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The GTAA Culture: “Innovation & Inclusive Growth”

The culture at the GTAA is defined by its transition from a traditional infrastructure manager to a “technology-first” service organization.

Championing Diversity: The GTAA’s “DE&I Strategy” is a core business value, overseen by a dedicated Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The goal is for the workforce to be a “true reflection” of the global passenger base it serves.
Listening-Led Leadership: Under CEO Deborah Flint, the organization emphasizes a “listening to employee feedback” model, which contributed to its rise to 102nd overall in Canada’s Top 300 Employers for 2026.
Community Prosperity: Through the Propeller Project, the GTAA invests heavily in local neighborhood health and workforce development, including recent $1.5M grants for skilled trades training.
Future-Focused: The “Pearson LIFT” initiative and collaborations with innovation hubs like the DMZ and Creative Destruction Lab foster an environment where employees are encouraged to pilot “airport of the future” technologies.

2026 Operational Scale

Toronto Pearson is a “city within a city,” managing complex 24/7 operations that include the world’s largest central de-icing facility.

Department	Core Responsibility	2026 Context
Airport Operations	Baggage, flow, and safety.	Managing record passenger volumes ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
Emergency Services	Fire, medical, and rescue.	Operates three on-site stations with 80+ specialized firefighters.
Infrastructure	Buildings and tech maintenance.	Executing major upgrades to Terminal 3 and airfield assets.
Information Technology	Cybersecurity and digital twin.	Integrating AI and IoT to optimize real-time passenger movement.

Associate Benefits: “The GTAA Total Rewards”

Working for the GTAA provides a premium public-sector style benefits package with the agility of a private corporation:

Competitive 2026 Compensation:
- Customer Service Representatives: $52,000 – $55,000/year.
- Mechanics (De-icing/Fleet): ~$51.50/hr.
- Specialized Instructors (Fire/Safety): $135,000+ per year.
- Management Roles: $95,000 – $111,000+ per year.
Financial Security: A robust pension plan with company matching that scales with tenure, plus optional group RRSP payroll deductions.
Comprehensive Health: Extended healthcare including a Health Spending Account (HSA) to cover out-of-pocket costs, plus significant mental health and paramedical coverage (massage, physio, etc.).
The “I Am Toronto Pearson” Perks:
- UP Express Discount: Employees save up to 60% on their commute via the Union Pearson Express.
- Retail & Tech: Massive discounts for RAIC (security pass) holders, including 20% off at the LEGO store and preferred mobile plans (e.g., $50 for 100GB+ CAN/US).
Education & Growth: A “Tuition Assistance Program” for further education and a Management Trainee Program to fast-track high-potential staff into leadership roles.

2026 Milestone: The FIFA Gateway

As Toronto prepares to host six FIFA World Cup matches starting in June 2026, Pearson has launched the “Travel Rehearsal Program” to ensure seamless flow for fans with diverse needs. The airport is working closely with Metrolinx to ensure the “touchdown to kickoff” journey—linking Pearson to the newly upgraded BMO Field—is the most efficient in the tournament’s history.

To apply for this job please visit www.torontopearson.com.