Franchise Hotel - Director of Risk & Safety

InterContinental Hotels Group; Dubai; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global hotel brand in Dubai is seeking a Director of Risk & Safety. This role focuses on creating safety strategies, managing emergency protocols, and ensuring regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate possesses 5-8 years of experience in luxury hospitality safety management and has strong leadership and communication skills. The position offers a competitive salary and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Inclusive workplace culture

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in safety or risk management.
• Strong leadership skills managing safety teams.
• Ability to conduct risk assessments and develop safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Create and execute safety and risk management strategies.
• Conduct risk assessments and liaise with local authorities.
• Lead crisis planning and emergency drills.

Skills

Leadership in safety and security management

Risk assessment expertise

Crisis management skills

Excellent communication

Familiarity with GCC/UAE regulations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Risk Management, Health & Safety, or related field

Tools

NEBOSH certification

IOSH certification

First Aid certification

Job description

Overview

Join voco hotels where every hotel has its unique charm, and our thoughtful hosts create a home away from home. Step by step, we're on a journey towards a sustainable future, treating the planet the same way we do our guests. Seeking individuals with as much character as our vibrant hotels. If you thrive on genuine hospitality, your place is with us at voco hotels.

The Director of Risk & Safety is responsible for creating and executing strategic initiatives to mitigate risks, maintain safety, and ensure security across the property. This includes managing safety and security teams, conducting risk assessments, coordinating emergency response protocols, and liaising with external authorities—all aligned with IHG and voco brand standards.

Strategic Planning & Governance

• Develop and implement comprehensive safety, security, and risk management strategies aligned with hotel objectives.

• Conduct annual and regular risk assessments to identify key vulnerabilities and protect critical assets.

• Serve as the hotel’s primary liaison with local authorities, community stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.

Team Leadership & Operations

• Manage the Risk & Safety department; conduct performance evaluations, hiring, disciplinary actions, and career development.

• Oversee safety, security, and risk mitigation projects, including vendor contracts and external service providers.

Risk Assessment & Mitigation

• Identify, assess, and prioritize potential risks, then design and deploy effective mitigation strategies.

• Develop safety and emergency protocols, tailored to functions and property specifics.

Emergency Response & Crisis Management

• Lead crisis planning, emergency drills, and the hotel’s preparedness programs.

• Manage incident investigations, coordinate with local emergency services, and ensure prompt resolution and documentation.

Safety Standards & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to all relevant health, safety, fire safety, and local regulatory requirements.

• Perform regular inspections of safety systems (e.g., fire and evacuation equipment) and supervise corrective actions when necessary.

Reporting & Communication

• Provide timely risk and safety updates, incident analyses, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.

• Promote a strong culture of safety awareness and compliance across all departments through training and communication initiatives.

Guest & Event Safety

• Conduct risk assessments for VIP visits, special events, and large functions.

• Advise on and implement protective measures as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Risk Management, Occupational Health & Safety, Hotel Management, or related field.

• 5–8 years of experience in safety, security, or risk management—preferably in luxury hospitality.

• Proven leadership in managing safety and security teams.

• Strong expertise in risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and emergency protocol implementation.

• Exceptional communication, crisis management, and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Familiarity with GCC/UAE safety and security regulations a strong plus.

• Certifications such as NEBOSH, IOSH, or First Aid are advantageous.

• Strategic thinker with strong planning and coordination abilities.

• Calm, decisive demeanor—especially under pressure.

• Strong ethics, professionalism, and confidentiality.

• Collaborative leader promoting a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

Benefits

We give our people everything they need to succeed. From a competitive salary that rewards all your hard work to a wide range of benefits designed to help you live your best work life. We welcome everyone and create inclusive teams where we celebrate difference and encourage colleagues to bring their whole selves to work. We are an equal opportunity employer and offer opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. We promote a culture of trust, support, and acceptance. Always welcoming different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. So, join us and you’ll become part of our hotel family.