Mission Protectas : Zafer Mert

Who are you in a few words? 

I am a reliable, structured, and committed person with a strong sense of responsibility. I have progressed into the role of Duty Officer within Protectas Aviation, which has allowed me to develop quick decision-making skills, effective team management, and the ability to remain calm even in critical situations. 

What motivated you to work at Protectas? 

I was attracted by the professionalism of Protectas and its high standards. It is a company that promotes strong values and offers real development opportunities to committed employees. 

Can you tell us about your beginnings at Protectas? 

I started as a security officer on an auxiliary contract, which allowed me to discover the demands of operational field work. I carried out several assignments in passenger security as well as on the airport tarmac, including screening and inspection of employees and goods, aircraft guarding, and other related security tasks. 

This versatility helped me develop my discipline, vigilance, and ability to adapt quickly to different operational contexts. 

What are you responsible for now? 

As a Duty Officer, I am responsible for the smooth running of operations. I supervise my team, ensure strict compliance with procedures, anticipate and manage unexpected situations, and make the necessary decisions to guarantee both security and service continuity. 

What do you enjoy about your job? 

What I particularly appreciate is the direct impact my role has on operations. I also enjoy team management and resolving complex situations in the field, where responsiveness and composure are essential. 

What is your biggest challenge and how do you manage it? 

The main challenge is managing unexpected situations with a high operational impact. This requires staying calm and making quick and accurate decisions. 

Thanks to my field experience, internal training, and the Swiss federal diploma, I have learned to prioritize effectively and rely on procedures in order to act in a reliable and secure way. 

Which value resonates most with you and why? (Integrity, Vigilance, Helpfulness) 

Integrity is very important to me, especially in a position of responsibility. It is essential to be fair, consistent, and transparent in decision-making. This is a key element in building trust within the team. 

What advice would you give to women who want to work in the security sector? 

I would tell them to go for it without hesitation. The security sector is primarily based on professionalism, vigilance, and self-control, not on gender.