Heathrow, one of the world’s busiest and most high-profile airports presents a uniquely challenging operating environment for Border Force. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Heathrow saw upwards of 75 million passengers a year travelling with over 80 different carriers through 4 International Terminals. In addition, 65% of the UK’s air freight, valued at £100bn in trade, passes through Heathrow annually.

As the Regional Director you will be responsible for all aspects of Border Force’s operations at Heathrow, delivered through three Deputy Director led commands with overall responsibility for a team of around 1,400 staff with a budget of £82m.

Responsibilities will include building effective relationships with Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL), ensuring that the commercial needs of the airport are supported without compromising the core security mission and driving forward a portfolio of change projects to ensure that Border Force can continue to raise productivity, whilst improving security through; improved ePassport Gates, infrastructure, training, automation and workforce reform.

The ideal candidate will have significant senior operational leadership experience gained in complex organisations of scale, in high pressure environments subject to competing and conflicting operational demands. Successful candidates will have a thorough understanding, or direct experience of, people issues such as Industrial Relations, Occupational Health and Workforce Planning. Candidates will also be  able to demonstrate strong influencing and stakeholder management skills – at a senior level. Experience of critical incident management and response although not essential would be advantageous.