Work preference
Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic
Open to work

Vanessa Thornton

Crawley,West Sussex

Work preference

Job search status

Open to work

Desired job title

QA/QC ManagerSecurity ManagerCustomer Service ManagerRisk Management AnalystHospitality Manager

Work Type

Full timeConsultingContract work

Location preference

On-siteRemoteHybrid
Open to relocation: Yes

Important to me

Work-life balanceCompany culturePersonal development programmesPaid time off

Summary

Strategic thinker with expertise in decision-making and training development. Engages leadership and facilitates cross-functional communication to drive continuous improvement and resolve complex issues. Proficient in customer relationship management, logistics, and crisis management, focused on enhancing operational efficiency.

Overview

39
39
years of professional experience

Work history

Senior Manager Aviation Security

DHL Aviation EEMEA
Manama, Bahrain
2015.07 - 2026.09
  • Performed security checks under aviation regulations to maintain company compliance.
  • Completed risk assessments and analysed open-source intelligence for actionable insights.
  • Developed and delivered aviation security training to maximise security awareness.
  • Analysed problems and evaluated options to make informed decisions that addressed key challenges.
  • Facilitated cross-functional sessions to align stakeholders, achieving consensus on strategic initiatives.
  • Delivered tasks within tight deadlines while staying organised and focused.
  • Produced clear and concise documents using Microsoft Word, enhancing communication clarity across the team. using Microsoft Word and other communication software tools.
  • Demonstrated energy and enthusiasm in collaborative team settings to foster a positive work environment. in fast-paced environments to maintain momentum.

Aviation Security Instructor

Gulf Aviation Academy
Manama, Bahrain
2013.11 - 2015.07

Delivered icao-approved astp 123 security training materials to aviation staff, enhancing their understanding of aviation security protocols.

  • Kept subject knowledge current to maintain accuracy of delivered instruction.
  • Prepared lesson packs with visual aids and handouts, facilitating clearer communication of learning objectives.
  • Used diverse teaching methods to accommodate various learning styles, fostering an inclusive classroom environment.
  • Shared best practices with colleagues through joint professional development discussions.
  • Followed safety rules during practical exercises to reduce accident risk.

Manager Security Compliance

Gulf Air
Manama, Bahrain
2010.04 - 2013.07

Oversaw security compliance for Bahrain national flag carrier operations across 30+ aircraft, ensuring adherence to regulations at 40 outstations from Europe to the Far East.

Facilitated collaboration between departments to streamline processes for improved workflow.

Optimised resource allocation for increased profits.

Analysed market trends to inform strategic decision-making processes.

Line Manager Coordinator

Gulf Air
Manama, Bahrain
2008.03 - 2010.04

Managed performance of 1200 cabin crew, ensuring adherence to standards in an internal customer-facing role.

- Maintenance of standards by way of line operation quality audits

Prepared and implemented contract renewals, enhancing compliance and operational efficiency.

Delivered induction presentations to new joiners, facilitating their onboarding process.

Supported cabin crew members during personal crises through active listening and empathy.

Cabin Crew

Gulf Air
Manama, Bahrain
1991.07 - 2008.03

- Delivered world-class customer-facing cabin service, enhancing passenger experience

_ Ensured passenger safety and security on flights to worldwide destinations

- Conducted quality assurance checks on flights to maintain service standards across selected flights and departments

A progressive career with the national airline of Bahrain starting as a flight attendant with consecutive promotions to Cabin Senior and ultimately Cabin Service Manager, overseeing:

Cabin Crew

Monarch and Air Europe (UK Based Airlines)
Gatwick Airport, West Sussex
1988.02 - 1991.03
  • Responded to emergency situations, ensuring passenger safety and wellbeing through timely first aid administration.
  • Collaborated with crew members to deliver seamless service, enhancing overall passenger flight experience.
  • Assisted with passenger boarding, luggage stowage, and seating arrangements for smooth flight operations.
  • Documented incidents and medical emergencies during flights, ensuring accurate and prompt reporting for future reference.

Education

Certificate of Higher Education - Certificate in Terrorism Studies

University of St.Andrews
Distance Learning
/2012 - /2012

AvSec PM - Aviation Security Professional Manager - Business

Concordia University in affiliation with ICAO
Via Distance Learning and face-to-face in Dubai
09/2012 - 12/2012

Skills

  • Aviation security compliance
  • Risk assessment
  • Operational risk assessment
  • Crisis management
  • Complex problem resolution
  • Strategic thinking
  • Continuous improvement
  • Training and development
  • Cross-functional communication
  • Engaging leadership
  • Decision-making expertise

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Senior Manager Aviation Security

DHL Aviation EEMEA
2015.07 - 2026.09

Aviation Security Instructor

Gulf Aviation Academy
2013.11 - 2015.07

Manager Security Compliance

Gulf Air
2010.04 - 2013.07

Line Manager Coordinator

Gulf Air
2008.03 - 2010.04

Cabin Crew

Gulf Air
1991.07 - 2008.03

Cabin Crew

Monarch and Air Europe (UK Based Airlines)
1988.02 - 1991.03

AvSec PM - Aviation Security Professional Manager - Business

Concordia University in affiliation with ICAO
09/2012 - 12/2012

Certificate of Higher Education - Certificate in Terrorism Studies

University of St.Andrews
/2012 - /2012
Vanessa Thornton