Private Destination Security Operations Manager

MSC Cruises; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

MSC Cruises is seeking a Regional Security Operational Manager – Private Destinations to lead security operations across private destinations and fleets. You will guide risk management, security programs, and the implementation of security standards to protect guests, crew, staff, and assets.

You will act as the regional representative of Global Security for the USA, Caribbean, and private destinations, coordinating with authorities and vessel teams while driving continuous improvement in

Qualifications

• Fluent in English (written and spoken).
• Extensive knowledge of the ISPS Code and cruise security standards.
• Experience as Chief Security Officer aboard a major international cruise line is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to work with law enforcement, port authorities, and government agencies.
• Willingness to travel internationally and work across multiple jurisdictions.

Responsibilities

• Oversee security operations at private destinations and fleets as applicable.
• Act as regional representative of Global Security for USA, Caribbean, and private destinations.
• Lead crisis management, incident response, risk assessments, and audits.
• Manage security systems (CCTV, access control, alarms) and contracted personnel.
• Produce executive security reports and coordinate with Maritime authorities.

Skills

Fluent English

Maritime security knowledge

Crisis management

Stakeholder management

Security leadership

ISPS Code expertise

Investigation & incident response

Liaison with authorities

Education

PFSO certification

SSO certification

Job description

Where passion meets opportunity The best of your adventures is the one you have yet to sail! Your Purpose The Regional Security Operational Manager – Private Destinations is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of security operations across the company's designated private destinations. The role focuses primarily on operational development projects, security infrastructure planning, risk management programs, and the establishment of security standards that support the safe and secure operation of private destination assets. Acting as a regional representative of the Global Security Department, the Regional Security Operational Manager provides strategic guidance and operational oversight for all security-related initiatives associated with private destinations, ensuring the protection of guests, crew members, employees, contractors, facilities, and company assets. The position serves as the primary liaison between private destination operations and the Global Security Department, ensuring the consistent implementation of corporate security policies, procedures, standards, and risk management practices across all assigned locations. The role is responsible for driving security project development, enhancing operational readiness, and supporting the delivery of long-term security objectives for private destinations. In addition to its primary focus on private destination security operations and development projects, the position will provide operational support to Fleet Security activities when required by the Global Security Department, ensuring alignment with broader corporate security strategies and operational priorities.

Your Impact

Private Destination Security (Ocean Cay & Sandy Cay)

• Act as the regional representative of the Global Security Department for the USA, Caribbean, and private destinations.
• Provide timely security advice and support to regional leadership, vessel management teams, and business stakeholders.
• Maintain awareness of regional threats, geopolitical developments, criminal activity, and operational risks that may impact business operations.
• Act as the regional security lead during crisis, incident response, and business continuity events, coordinating with Global Security,
• Oversee all daily security operations at Ocean Cay and Sandy Cay private destinations.
• Oversee regional security service providers and contracted security personnel.
• Ensure that the Global standard procedures are implemented to safeguard guests, staff, facilities, infrastructure, and company assets.
• Promote a strong security culture and compliance with company security expectations.
• Conduct regular security assessments and Internal audits of private destination operations.
• Oversee security team development, recruitment, performance management, training programmes, and certification requirements.
• Develop and deliver security awareness and compliance training for security personnel and island-based staff.
• Coordinate emergency preparedness, drills and crisis management activities.
• Oversee security systems including CCTV, access control, alarms, perimeter protection, and monitoring solutions.
• On behalf of Global Security, oversee and support security projects and technology enhancements.
• Produce executive monthly reports of incidents, lessons learned, and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Support the Regional Security investigator when required to investigate security incidents at private destinations.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with the relevant Maritime Authorities.

Fleet Security Oversight (when Required)

• Oversee security operations for vessels trading within U.S. and Caribbean waters and ports.
• Guide compliance with applicable maritime security regulations and company standards.
• Support vessel security assessments, audits, inspections, and security reviews.
• Produce executive reports, lessons learned, and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• When required, oversee all security operations at MSC Cruise Terminal AA and other Terminals within the USA (when the MSC Vessel is alongside)

Your Journey so far

• Fluent in English (written and spoken).
• Full understanding and practical application of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
• Previous experience as a Chief Security Officer aboard a major international cruise line is highly desirable and considered a significant advantage.
• Experience working with law enforcement, government agencies, port authorities, and international security stakeholders is highly desirable.
• Certified Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) and Ship Security Officer (SSO).
• Minimum of 8–10 years' experience in corporate security, maritime security, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience managing security operations within the maritime, cruise, or transportation industries.
• Thorough knowledge of cruise industry operations and awareness of comparable security practices across competing organizations.
• Strong understanding of maritime security frameworks, regulations, and industry best practices.
• Above-average ability to manage crises, resolve problems, and handle sensitive situations with tact, diplomacy, and professionalism.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, written communication, and negotiation skills.
• Proven ability to build and maintain productive working relationships within a diverse and collaborative team environment.
• High level of integrity, discretion, sound judgment, and professionalism.
• Ability to develop, review, and maintain security procedures, reports, policies, and operational manuals.
• Proven capability to assess risks, investigate incidents, and implement effective mitigation measures.
• Must have the legal right to live and work in the United States.
• Ability to travel internationally without restriction and establish effective local stakeholder networks within the assigned area of responsibility.
• Willingness to undertake regular visits to vessels, ports, terminals, and private destinations.
• Ability to respond to security incidents and emergencies at short notice.
• Availability outside normal business hours when operationally required to support operational and emergency needs.

Your Essentials

The existing right to live and work in the US.

Our commitment

We are committed to building a future that values diverse perspectives, embraces the world beyond borders, and fosters an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, respected and empowered to be their authentic selves. Our commitment extends to taking meaningful, measurable actions that have a long-term positive impact on our guests, our employees and our planet.