Head - Security (Security Services)

Confidential; Dubai; On-site; AED 400,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential is seeking a Director of Security to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across the organization's security services portfolio. You will drive growth, ensure regulatory compliance, and lead large-scale operations across multiple client sites.

In this executive role, you will partner with the top leadership to develop business strategies, optimize service delivery, govern security programs, and enhance workforce effectiveness while delivering high-quality,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Security Management, Business Administration, Facilities Management, Criminal Justice, or related field.
• MBA or equivalent preferred.
• Professional security certifications such as CPP/PSP or equivalent desirable.
• HSE or Risk Management certifications advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the strategic roadmap for the Security business aligned with overall objectives.
• Lead security operations across multiple client sites and large contracts.
• Drive commercial strategies including bids, pricing, and cross-selling of services.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations, licensing, labor laws, and ISO standards.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Contract management

Business development

Governance

Regulatory compliance

Security operations

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Security Management

MBA or equivalent

CPP/PSP or equivalent certification

Job description

The Director – Security provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the organization's security services portfolio, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, compliant, and commercially sustainable security solutions. The role is responsible for driving operational excellence, business growth, client satisfaction, regulatory compliance, and workforce effectiveness while leading large-scale security operations across multiple client sites.

The Director works closely with executive leadership to develop business strategies, optimize service delivery, strengthen governance, and position the organization as a trusted provider of integrated security services.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the strategic roadmap for the Security business aligned with the organization's overall business objectives.
• Identify opportunities to expand security services across existing and new markets.
• Lead transformation initiatives to improve operational efficiency, service quality, and profitability.
• Drive innovation through technology-enabled security solutions including remote monitoring, integrated security systems, AI-enabled surveillance, and digital reporting platforms.
• Establish long-term operational and commercial strategies to strengthen market competitiveness.

Operational Management

• Provide leadership across all security operations, ensuring consistent service delivery across multiple client locations.
• Oversee deployment, mobilization, and management of large security contracts.
• Ensure all contractual obligations and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are consistently achieved.
• Monitor operational performance through KPIs and implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Lead crisis management, emergency response planning, and business continuity initiatives.
• Promote operational excellence through standardized procedures and continuous improvement.

Commercial & Business Development

• Support business development activities including client presentations, solution design, and proposal development.
• Lead technical and operational input for tenders and large security bids.
• Identify opportunities for cross-selling integrated facilities and support services.
• Develop commercially competitive security solutions while maintaining operational feasibility.
• Support contract renewals, pricing strategies, and profitability improvement initiatives.

Client Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients and strategic stakeholders.
• Act as the executive sponsor for major security accounts.
• Lead governance meetings, business reviews, and client engagement initiatives.
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and long-term client retention.
• Resolve complex operational or commercial issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Develop and manage annual operating budgets for the Security division.
• Monitor revenue, profitability, operational costs, and productivity metrics.
• Drive cost optimization initiatives without compromising service quality.
• Ensure effective workforce utilization and resource planning.
• Review financial performance and implement initiatives to improve margins.
• Ensure full compliance with all local security regulations, licensing requirements, labor laws, and industry standards.
• Oversee security audits, inspections, and regulatory compliance programs.
• Lead enterprise risk assessments relating to security operations.
• Develop governance frameworks for operational compliance and quality assurance.
• Ensure adherence to ISO standards and security management best practices where applicable.
• Lead, mentor, and develop senior operations managers and regional security leaders.
• Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, safety, customer service, and continuous improvement.
• Develop succession plans and leadership capability across the security function.
• Oversee workforce planning for large-scale security manpower operations.
• Promote employee engagement, retention, and professional development.

Health, Safety & Quality

• Champion a strong culture of safety across all security operations.
• Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety requirements.
• Monitor incident reporting, investigations, and corrective action implementation.
• Drive quality assurance initiatives to continuously improve service delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Security Management, Business Administration, Facilities Management, Criminal Justice, or a related field.
• Master's degree (MBA or equivalent) is preferred.
• Professional security certifications such as CPP (Certified Protection Professional), PSP, or equivalent are highly desirable.
• Relevant HSE or Risk Management certifications are advantageous.

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive experience in security operations.
• Minimum 6 years in senior leadership roles managing large-scale security operations.
• Experience within Facilities Management, Security Services, Outsourcing, or Manpower organizations.
• Proven experience managing security contracts involving several thousand security personnel.
• Strong commercial exposure including tendering, pricing, contract negotiations, and business development.
• Experience working with government, aviation, ports, logistics, critical infrastructure, industrial, commercial, or large mixed-use developments is highly desirable.