Head of Event Safety

ESM Operations Ltd; Makkah Al Mukarramah, Jeddah; On-site; SAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading event management company is seeking a Head of Event Safety to oversee safety and risk management for live events. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of experience in event safety, strong leadership skills, and relevant certifications. This role involves strategic planning, on-site oversight of events, and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure a safe environment. The position may require irregular hours and travel to event locations.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in a senior event safety or risk management role.
• Strong knowledge of health & safety legislation and industry best practices.
• Valid First Aid and Fire Safety certifications are required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement event safety strategy.
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure compliance with legislation.
• Oversee safety operations during live events.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Decision-Making

Crisis Management

Education

NEBOSH Certificate/Diploma

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Head of Event Safety to lead and oversee all safety and risk management aspects of our live events, ensuring the safety and well-being of attendees, staff, contractors, and performers. This role will play a critical part in the planning, implementation, and enforcement of safety policies and procedures across a variety of events including concerts, festivals, corporate events, and public gatherings.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in health & safety, crowd management, emergency planning, and relevant legislation. This position requires both strategic planning and on-the-ground leadership during events.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement the overall event safety strategy in alignment with company policies and legal requirements.
• Lead the planning and coordination of safety protocols across all stages of event delivery.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all event safety matters.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Conduct thorough risk assessments for each event site.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation (e.g., HSE, fire safety, licensing regulations).
• Develop and maintain event-specific safety documentation (e.g., Event Safety Management Plans, Emergency Response Plans).

On-site Event Safety Oversight

• Oversee safety operations during live events, ensuring smooth coordination with security, medical, and emergency services.
• Monitor crowd behaviour and implement measures to prevent overcrowding, unsafe conditions, or incidents.
• Lead incident response and post-incident reporting, including root cause analysis and recommendations.

Team Leadership

• Manage and coordinate internal safety staff and external consultants/contractors.
• Deliver safety briefings and training to staff, volunteers, and contractors.
• Foster a strong safety culture across all event teams.

Stakeholder Management

• Liaise with local authorities, emergency services, licensing bodies, and venue management.
• Represent the organisation in safety advisory groups or planning meetings.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key partners and vendors.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

• Proven experience (7+ years) in a senior event safety, health & safety, or risk management role.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation, standards, and industry best practices (e.g., HSG195, The Purple Guide).
• Experience in crowd management, emergency planning, and large-scale public events.
• NEBOSH Certificate/Diploma or equivalent health and safety qualification.
• Valid First Aid and Fire Safety certifications.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.

Desirable:

• Experience with multi-day outdoor events, concerts & festivals.
• Previous work with licensing applications or SAGs.
• Crisis management or emergency response training.
• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., IOSH, UKCMA).

Working Conditions

• Willings to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays during event periods.
• Comfortable working in outdoor environments and under pressure in live event conditions.
• Travel to various event locations as required.

Why Join Us?

This is a key leadership role in a fast-paced and dynamic organisation. You\'ll be at the forefront of delivering world-class events while ensuring the highest standards of safety and care for all involved.