Project Manager
Covenant
San Diego, CA
Covenant is seeking an experienced Project Manager – Port Security Operations to lead and oversee a complex, compliance-driven maritime security program at the Port of San Diego. The ideal candidate will bring proven leadership experience in port, maritime, or intermodal security environments and possess a strong working knowledge of the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA), U.S. Coast Guard regulations, and Department of Homeland Security requirements.
This role is critical to the success of port security operations and requires a leader capable of managing multidisciplinary teams, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering consistent, high-quality security services in high-consequence environments.
Essential Functions
- Provide overall leadership and management of port security operations at active marine terminals and associated facilities
- Oversee multidisciplinary security teams operating in environments requiring TWIC access, DHS-compliant screening, and classified information handling
- Manage all administrative and operational functions, including staffing, scheduling, training oversight, quality assurance, invoicing, reporting, and record keeping
- Ensure full compliance with MTSA, U.S. Coast Guard, DHS, and applicable state and local regulations
- Develop, implement, and maintain site-specific security policies, procedures, and post orders
- Coordinate initial and recurrent training programs, including MTSA training, DHS-approved screener training, and equipment-specific x-ray certification
- Maintain audit readiness and documentation to support regulatory inspections and client reviews
- Oversee CCTV and sensor system operations, including coordination with camera operators and integration with port security infrastructure
- Serve as the primary point of contact for the Port District, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders
- Lead incident response, reporting, and after-action reviews to support continuous improvement
Minimum Qualifications
- Extensive experience managing security services of similar scope and complexity at maritime, port, or intermodal facilities
- In-depth knowledge of MTSA and maritime security principles
- Proven leadership experience overseeing large, multidisciplinary security teams
- Strong administrative and organizational skills, including policy development, documentation, and compliance management
- Completion of the U.S. Coast Guard–approved Facility Security Officer (FSO) Training Program with ability to maintain biennial recertification
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, SharePoint, and Teams for communication, reporting, and collaboration
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience managing DHS-compliant screening operations and x-ray screening programs
- Familiarity with CCTV, access control, and advanced sensor systems in a port or critical infrastructure environment
- Experience coordinating with federal, state, and local law enforcement and harbor partners
Key Competencies
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- High level of professionalism and customer service focus
- Ability to manage complex operations in regulated, high-risk environments
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Attention to detail and commitment to compliance and continuous improvement