“Ice Road Truckers” Fans Need Apply. Security in the Arctic.
“Ice Road Truckers” Fans Need Apply. Security in the Arctic.
Ice road truckers are the brave group of people who keep remote locations supplied during the bitter winters in Canada’s Northwest Territories. Famously portrayed in the popular television series that ran for ten years on TV’s History Channel, they risk their payloads – and lives – driving the ice roads across frozen lakes.
Now imagine working as the security director at a gemstone mining facility 200 kilometers south of the Artic Circle that is dependent on the success of those truckers.
SMR’s client engaged us to recruit for a Director of Security whose portfolio included responsibilities for supply chain security, contingency planning and protection of a community of over 1,000 people in one of the most isolated spots on the planet. It was a project full of challenges.
The position was complex and reported to the president of the operation and the executive team. It oversaw close to 50 security professionals made up of managers, professional and technical teams and security officers. Our client was looking for a strong leader who would be a trusted security voice in the community.
The biggest hurdle to success was the location. It was an accompanied position with full relocation. However, living and working full time in a remote, subarctic landscape was not on the bucket list for every Canadian security professional.
SMR began to identify candidates, leveraging our long relationships with the security, law enforcement and intelligence communities in Canada. We were seeking security practitioners who had experience with both northern residency and had worked successfully in culturally diverse environments. A small pool of qualified security professionals was developed with one quickly surfacing as the ideal candidate for the job.
A senior RCMP unit leader in the region who reached out to us was available to leave government and interested in transitioning to the private sector. His additional advantage was deep knowledge of the unique challenges and opportunities presented to those living in the north. He and our client were an instant match.
What started off as a substantial challenge turned out a great success. Our client was one of the most professional world-class organizations we have recruited for; just a pleasure to work with. And our candidate was equally unique. We were thrilled to put these leaders in industry and security together.
We continue to follow our client’s successes, not the least of which was the discovery of one of the largest gem-quality diamonds ever found in North America. We do not know if ice road truckers were involved in transporting it to its permanent home. But we are pretty sure the Security Director had a hand in ensuring its safety.
Want to learn more about our work in North America? Contact us to hear more of our success stories. Sign up to receive job announcements for the region and join our security talent community to be considered for our current recruitments.
