Security Manager

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking a highly accomplished and service-oriented Security Manager to lead all aspects of hotel safety, security, and loss prevention. This role is critical in safeguarding guests, colleagues, assets, and brand reputation while ensuring a seamless, discreet, and guest-centric security presence aligned with international luxury hospitality standards.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned security professional with proven leadership experience in five-star hotels, strong local intelligence and networks, and the ability to balance firm enforcement with warmth, diplomacy, and discretion.

Experience within Hyatt Hotels Corporation or a comparable luxury hotel brand will be a strong advantage.

The Ideal Candidate Profile

The candidate for this role will demonstrate the following:

· A mature, confident, and composed security leader with at least 2 years' experience as a Security Manager, preferably within luxury or five-star hotel environments.
· Deep understanding of hotel security operations, including guest safety, VIP protection, investigations, emergency response, loss prevention, and crisis management.
· Well-connected within Kenya's security ecosystem, including law enforcement agencies, emergency services, private security firms, intelligence networks, and regulatory bodies.
· Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage confidently with guests, senior leaders, government authorities, and frontline teams.
· A demonstrated ability to balance a firm, disciplined security posture with a guest-centric and service-oriented approach, ensuring safety without compromising the luxury guest experience.
· Strong leadership presence with the ability to train, mentor, and inspire security teams, driving professionalism, vigilance, and accountability.
· High ethical standards, sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure.
· Solid understanding of Kenyan security laws, hotel licensing requirements, and compliance standards.
· Exposure to global brand standards, audits, and corporate reporting frameworks, with Hyatt experience considered a significant plus.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Operations

· Lead and manage the hotel's Security Department, ensuring 24/7 protection of guests, colleagues, contractors, assets, and information.
· Set clear standards, procedures, and expectations in line with luxury hospitality and global brand requirements.
· Conduct regular risk assessments and implement preventive measures to mitigate security threats and vulnerabilities.

Guest & Colleague Safety

· Ensure a visible yet discreet security presence that enhances guest confidence and comfort.
· Handle sensitive incidents involving guests with professionalism, empathy, and discretion.
· Lead emergency preparedness programs, including fire safety, evacuation drills, medical emergencies, and crisis response.

Stakeholder & External Liaison

· Maintain strong working relationships with local police, intelligence units, emergency responders, and private security partners.
· Act as the primary point of contact for all security-related matters involving external authorities.

Compliance & Investigations

· Ensure full compliance with local laws, regulatory requirements, and corporate security standards.
· Lead investigations into incidents, losses, or breaches, producing clear, factual, and timely reports.
· Support internal audits, brand compliance reviews, and insurance-related matters.

Training & Development

· Recruit, train, and develop a highly professional security team aligned with luxury service standards.
· Deliver regular training on security awareness, guest engagement, emergency response, and loss prevention.

Reporting & Risk Management

· Prepare detailed incident reports, trend analyses, and risk assessments for senior leadership.
· Proactively identify emerging risks and recommend strategic security improvements.

Desired profile

Qualifications :

Qualifications & Experience

·  Minimum 2 years' experience as a Security Manager, ideally within five-star or luxury hotels.
·  Formal training or certification in security management, risk management, or law enforcement is an advantage.
·  Strong operational knowledge of hotel security systems (CCTV, access control, alarm systems).
·  Experience working within an international hotel brand environment preferred.
·  Hyatt Hotels Corporation experience is a strong advantage.

Personal Attributes

·  Calm, confident, and authoritative with excellent judgment.
·  Highly discreet, ethical, and professional.
·  Strong leadership presence with a service mindset.
·  Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
·  Culturally sensitive and emotionally intelligent.