Security & Life Safety Manager

Job Title

Security & Life Safety Manager

Job Description Summary

The Security and Life Safety Manager is a senior position responsible for the delivery of all Security, Life Safety, OH&S, and security systems technical service and support to the designated portfolio, The CORE, a 2M sq ft mixed-use office/retail complex spanning three city blocks in the financial core of Calgary, AB. The primary objective of this position is to protect the assets of the site and provide security & life safety services to tenants, their employees, guests, customers, and other site visitors.

Job Description

Key Job Responsibilities & Accountabilities

1. Provide security management leadership to a team of 30+ in-house and contract personnel.
2. Proactively manage the security and life safety program by utilizing risk management principles as well as data collection and analysis for specific risks to the site.
3. Develop, implement, and maintain consistent security practices, policies, and procedures for The CORE in response to those risks.
4. Seek out and apply effective and cost-conscious programs, systems, and resources to enhance C&W standard operating procedures through proactive, strategic initiatives.
5. Provide direction to all in-house and contract security staff through developing and coordinating mentoring and team-building programs to enhance security expertise in various security disciplines.
6. Communicate clear job expectations to all staff, conduct performance reviews as required; counsel and coach employees experiencing difficulty. Develop team cohesiveness. Make recommendations for hiring/terminations/transfers.
7. Provide direction and supervise contract service providers to ensure they supply the most qualified staff available in order to maintain C&W's commitment to outstanding service.
8. Ensure the department is providing the appropriate level of protection through both security and life safety programs.
9. Ensure that the security department in the assigned portfolio is being managed and maintained in a safe responsible manner, in accordance with Company policies and to the highest level of operational efficiency.

2. Training Responsibilities

1. Ensure the ongoing maintenance of the department training program that meets the various needs of The CORE, its tenants, other departments, and guests, including security systems training, security procedures training, warden training, and fire drills.
2. Establish and maintain a team environment between supervisory, field, and third-party security staff and ensure a cross-training program is introduced amongst the various security positions.
3. Ensure the effective training of all in-house and third-party staff on all fire, life safety, OH&S, and other security-related protocols and procedures as defined in the security procedures, standing orders, and training manuals.
4. Maintain appropriate and up-to-date training records for all staff and ensure all third-party staff are introduced to a thorough site-specific training regimen.
5. Identify and introduce new and improved security-related procedures, protocols, and systems to meet new and current threats and operate in an efficient and safe team environment.
6. Ensure that other Departments and their respective personnel are trained and practiced in Emergency Response, Life Safety, and Evacuation Procedures.

3. Security Systems Administration Responsibilities

1. Establish an administrative framework that provides services for the entire security systems network, including software maintenance, archive back-ups, and regular maintenance tasks.
2. Provide clear direction on and introduce proper security procedures and controls for:
1. Management and issuance of access control cards, and key control
2. Changes to fire alarm system or other security systems status
3. Maintenance of all control room systems through various service providers
3. Upgrade all systems as required to ensure maximum preparedness and introduce new systems as warranted and approved.

4. General Administration Responsibilities

1. Provide clear direction to the security department by setting operating standards and establishing standard operating procedures and keeping such standards and procedures continually updated and current.
2. Generate effective working partnerships within the department between departmental staff and managers and staff from other departments.
3. Provide day-to-day management of all security-related issues.
4. Provide management, guidance, coaching, training, and supervisory support for the security supervisors and other department staff.
5. Act as strategic liaison for all tenants, service providers, and outside emergency response agencies.
6. Work within various legal parameters relevant to the position including Canadian Criminal Code, Occupational Health & Safety Act, Security Guard & Private Investigators Act, Alberta Fire Code, Occupier’s Liability Act, etc.

5. Life Safety Responsibilities

1. Establish and maintain inspections processes to meet relevant fire and life safety code requirements.
2. Liaise with auditors and inspectors to ensure that internal standards meet or exceed requirements.
3. Constantly review and improve Critical Incident Response by conducting tabletop training exercises for management of critical incidents.
4. Maintain the Crisis Response Plan and all site-specific information relating thereto.
5. Development and semi-annual review of Threat Assessment for property having regarded for altering demographics.

6. Expense Management Responsibilities

1. Coordination of bidding and pricing.
2. Preparation and recommendation of vendors for information of and final decision by Senior Management.
3. Issuance of purchase orders or receipt of contract.
4. Inspection and confirmation of receipt of goods or services.
5. Provisions for competitive bidding.
6. Recommendations for selection.
7. Collection, analysis, and reporting of statistical data to provide accurate assessments of property management objectives.
8. Maintenance of quality and cost controls received from contractors.
9. Creation of the Security Department budget, working within its boundaries, forecasting expenses quarterly, and reporting on variances.

7. Freedom to Execute: Act Then Inform

1. The Manager, Security & Life Safety is authorized to take necessary steps to protect the safety of all users of the complex and to protect the complex and its assets from harm.
2. Authorize contractors to repair dangerous or potentially dangerous situations.
3. Purchase materials or supplies required to correct dangerous situations.

Skills / Knowledge / Experience / Education Required

Minimum Requirements:

1. Experienced security manager working in both the commercial high-rise and retail shopping mall environments.
2. Certified Protection Professional, Physical Security Professional, Security Management Certificate or equivalent security industry designation preferred.
3. Emergency Management or Business Continuity Planning Certification.
4. Diploma and above in Security Management is a bonus.
5. Minimum of ten years experience in the facility or corporate security environment with five years in a managerial capacity.
6. Two+ years of retail shopping mall security experience.
7. Experience with uniformed contract security management.
8. A background in conducting risk assessments.
9. Experience in implementing a comprehensive security program.
10. Must hold or be willing to obtain a security license.

Core Competencies and Skills:

1. A high level of proficiency in working with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, & Adobe), and the Perspective reporting system.
2. Relevant experience in systems administration of IT systems, basic networking, and experience with external security products servicing Key Control, VSS, Access systems, and Fire Alarm Systems and Monitoring.
3. Possess an understanding of the property management industry.
4. Innovative and strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
5. A strong background including formal certification as a trainer, coach, and mentor to supervisory and operating staff.
6. Excellent interpersonal & teamwork skills and the willingness and ability to meet and deal with tenants, contractors, and consultants.
7. The ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects under tight timelines.
8. Well-developed time management and organizational skills.
9. Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and cost control measures.
10. Self-motivation and the ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
11. A high level of enthusiasm and a willingness to learn and grow professionally.
12. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
13. A history of data collection and analysis for problem-solving and risk reduction.
14. Willingness to accept additional responsibilities, beyond specific duties listed.

Cushman & Wakefield is committed to equity in employment and our goal is to have a diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free workplace. If you are a person with a disability and need the job posting in an alternative format or any other accessible accommodations during the hiring process, please email your request to canadarecruitment@cushwake.com. Please refer to the job title and job location when you contact us.