Section Head – Safety and Security

دائرة الثقافة والسياحة – أبوظبي; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cultural institution in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Section Head for Safety and Security. This role involves overseeing the safety of visitors and staff, managing both HSE and Security units, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate should possess substantial leadership experience, a relevant bachelor's or master's degree, and deep knowledge of safety protocols, making strategic decisions under pressure.

Qualifications

• 10 years in safety, security, or emergency management leadership.
• Master's degree or professional certifications preferred.
• Deep knowledge of UAE safety and security regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic and operational oversight of safety and security functions.
• Develop and implement safety and security strategy.
• Ensure compliance with UAE laws and international standards.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Crisis Management

Communication

Knowledge of UAE safety regulations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Safety Engineering, Security Management, or related field

Master’s degree or certifications (NEBOSH, IOSH, CPP)

Job description

Section Head – Safety and Security

Role Purpose:

• The Section Head – Safety and Security is responsible for leading the strategic and operational oversight of all safety, health, and security functions at Museum. This role ensures the protection of visitors, staff, assets, and the museum’s collections by establishing and maintaining robust safety policies, emergency preparedness plans, and security procedures. The role oversees both the HSE Unit and the Security Unit, ensuring a coordinated, proactive, and standards-aligned approach to all aspects of safety and security across the museum’s operations and public spaces.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Develop and implement the museum-wide safety and security strategy in alignment with Museum mission and operational priorities.
• Lead risk assessments, emergency response planning, and compliance audits across all museum areas and activities.
• Stay abreast of international standards and national regulations relating to occupational health, safety, fire safety, and cultural institution security.
• Oversight of HSE & Security Functions
• Oversee the HSE Unit, ensuring implementation of effective health, safety, and environmental policies across museum operations, exhibitions, and laboratories.
• Supervise the Security Unit, ensuring physical and operational security measures protect all museum assets and ensure safe public access.
• Ensure coordination between HSE and Security teams to deliver seamless operations during events, exhibitions, emergency situations, or VIP visits.
• Ensure appropriate oversight of third-party safety and security service providers, including performance monitoring, compliance with Museum policies, and coordination across operations and public areas.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure Museum full compliance with UAE laws, DCT Abu Dhabi policies, and international safety and security standards.
• Lead inspections, audits, and investigations to ensure proactive identification and resolution of hazards or security vulnerabilities.
• Maintain all documentation related to health and safety, including incident reports, training records, and regulatory filings.

Emergency Preparedness & Response

• Develop, test, and continuously improve the museum’s emergency preparedness and crisis management plans.
• Coordinate fire evacuation drills, emergency medical response, and business continuity planning in collaboration with relevant units.
• Serve as a lead contact for emergency services and external regulators during incidents or inspections.
• Team Leadership & Capacity Building
• Lead, mentor, and manage the performance of HSE and Security Unit Heads and their respective teams.
• Foster a culture of accountability, vigilance, and continuous improvement across safety and security operations.
• Oversee training programs for staff and contractors related to safety protocols, emergency procedures, and threat mitigation.
• Collaborate with Facilities, Operations, Exhibitions, and Visitor Experience teams to integrate safety and security considerations into project and program planning.
• Support exhibition and public event planning with tailored security and HSE measures.
• Advise on safety and security implications for new technologies, installations, or spatial layouts.

Qualifications & Experience:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Safety Engineering, Security Management, Occupational Health & Safety, Emergency Management, or a related field. A Master’s degree or professional certifications (e.g., NEBOSH, IOSH, CPP, or similar) is strongly preferred.

Experience:

• 10 years of progressive experience in safety, security, or emergency management, including experience in a leadership role within a cultural, public, or critical infrastructure environment.

Skills:

• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Deep knowledge of UAE safety and security regulations and international best practices.
• Proven ability to manage crises and lead cross-functional response efforts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; Arabic is an asset.
• Ability to manage sensitive information and make strategic decisions under pressure.

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