Safety & Security Manager

SUMMARY:
Ultra Luxury Hotel opening in Sea Point is looking for Safety & Security Manager to support the in managing and coordinating all aspects of safety, security and emergency response operations.
 
This role ensures that guest, staff and asset protection is maintained at the highest standard through proactive risk management, regulatory compliance, incident prevention and effective team leadership.
 
Proven hotel pre-opening experience is essential. The candidate must have been an integral member of a hotel opening team, actively involved in establishing operational standards, systems, service culture, and team structures from the ground up prior to the property’s first guest arrival.

POSITION INFO:
Duties:
 
Assist in the implementation and daily oversight of all security operations and hotel safety procedures.
Provide leadership to the security team, ensuring discipline, performance, and continuous training. Assist in managing security service provider's KPI's
Act as the incident commander in the absence of the Director during emergency situations.
Conduct regular risk assessments, patrols, audits, and inspections to identify hazards and ensure compliance with OHSA, PSIRA, POPIA, and fire safety regulations.
Investigate incidents, compile reports, and follow through on corrective actions.
Coordinate evacuation drills, fire equipment inspections, and safety briefings.
Monitor and manage access control, surveillance systems, and contractor compliance.
Support HOD'S in disciplinary and grievance processes involving security breaches or misconduct.
Build positive working relationships with local authorities (SAPS, Fire, EMS) and private response companies.
Ensure a guest-focused approach to safety and security, balancing hospitality and enforcement effectively.
Be the hotel liaison with VVIP Guests and Groups.
 
Safety and Health Oversight:
 
Assist in the implementation, and monitoring of the hotel's Health and Safety Management System in line with OHSA, ISO 45001, and local regulations.
Conduct regular risk assessments, safety inspections, and HIRA processes across departments.
Maintain accurate logs and records of incidents, near-misses, and safety concerns, ensuring prompt corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
Maintain an up-to-date record of all staff IOD's. Completion of Annexure 1 forms after each incident.
Ensure all contractor staff receive Safety Induction when arriving on site and complete relevant paperwork.
Participate in the development and delivery of health and safety awareness campaigns, toolbox talks, and refresher training.
 
Security Operations and Leadership:
 
Support daily oversight of security protocols, including access control, surveillance systems (CCTV), and patrol scheduling.
Supervise in-house and outsourced security personnel to ensure PSIRA-compliant conduct, proper grooming, and performance standards.
Assist in evaluating and reporting on KPI performance of contracted security providers.
Serve as the incident commander in the absence of the Director during emergencies, ensuring proper activation of emergency protocols.
 
Emergency Preparedness:
 
Coordinate and assist in planning fire drills, evacuation exercises, and tabletop simulations for all hotel departments.
Monitor the servicing, inspection, and record-keeping of all fire protection systems, including extinguishers, smoke detectors, and emergency lighting.
Support the development and review of the hotel's Emergency Management Plan (EMP) and Business Continuity Plan (BCP).
 
Incident Management and Investigation:
 
Investigate guest, contractor, and staff incidents thoroughly; gather statements, collect evidence, and ensure accurate documentation.
Prepare professional incident reports and support disciplinary or legal proceedings as needed.
Maintain confidentiality and data integrity in line with POPIA standards.
 
Stakeholder Engagement and Training:
 
Liaise with local emergency services (SAPS, Fire & Rescue, EMS), private security firms, and neighbouring establishments to strengthen response networks.
Assist in the induction and ongoing safety training of all staff and contractors, including First Aid, Fire Awareness, and Workplace Safety.
Support departmental managers in embedding a safety-first culture across all hotel operations.
 
Guest-Focused Security Approach:
 
Ensure a discreet, respectful, and hospitality-aligned security presence throughout guest-facing areas.
Act as liaison for VVIP guests, celebrity delegations, and special events, ensuring personalized risk mitigation and privacy protocols.
 
Requirements:
 
Grade 12
Formal qualification in Occupational Health and Safety (SAMTRAC, NEBOSH, or equivalent).
Certification in First Aid Level 3, Fire Fighting, and Evacuation Coordination (advantageous).
Minimum 5 years' experience in security operations, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or assistant management capacity in hospitality or similar high-volume environment
PSIRA registered and security leadership qualifications.
PSIRA Grade B certification (minimum); Grade A preferred.
Excellent knowledge of South African security laws, regulations, and compliance standards
Strong leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills
Demonstrated experience serving an international, high-net-worth, and culturally diverse clientele, with a refined understanding of the nuanced expectations, sensitivities, and preferences of discerning global travellers.
Prior experience within an ultra-luxury property is strongly preferred, with a thorough understanding of the intimate, detail-obsessed, and hyper-personalised service culture that defines a 102-key operation where every guest interaction carries the full weight of the brand and no request is too small to matter.
Able to work shifts, weekends, and be on-call as needed
Working knowledge of risk assessment, fire prevention systems, access control technologies, and emergency management procedures.
Familiarity with POPIA and contractor safety protocols.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work under pressure in a guest-centric environment.