Manager, Security & Life Safety

Job Title

Job Description Summary

Job Description

Key Job Responsibilities & Accountabilities

1. Provide security management leadership to a team of 30+ in-house and contract personnel.

• 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.
• Develop, implement and maintain consistent security practices, policies and procedures for The CORE in response to those risks.
• Seek out and apply effective and cost-conscious programs, systems and resources to enhance C&W standard operating procedures through proactive, strategic initiatives.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 working.
• Ensure the department is providing the appropriate level of protection through both security & life safety programs.
• 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

• Ensure the ongoing maintenance of the department training program that meets the various needs of The CORE, its tenants, other departments and guests and security department, including security systems training, security procedures training, warden training and fire drills.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 (maintaining training records through a training matrix).
• 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.
• 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

• Establish an administrative framework that provides services for the entire security systems network. This will include software maintenance, archive back-ups, introduction of proper checks and balances procedures and regular maintenance tasks. Systems include but are not limited to:
• a. Security incident reporting and investigation system
• b. Access control system
• c. VSS system
• d. Intercoms & parkade duress systems
• e. Fire alarm system
• f. Elevator help phones
• g. Emergency mass communication system

• Provide clear direction on and introduce proper security procedures and controls for:
• a. Management and issuance of access control cards, and key control
• b. Changes to fire alarm system or other security systems status
• c. Maintenance of all control room systems through various service providers

• Upgrade all systems as required to ensure maximum preparedness, and introduce new systems as warranted and approved.

4. General Administration Responsibilities

• 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.
• Generate effective working partnerships within the department between departmental staff and managers and staff from other departments.
• Provide day to day management of all security related issues.
• Provide management, guidance, coaching, training, and supervisory support for the security supervisors and other department staff.
• Act as strategic liaison for all tenants, service providers and outside emergency response agencies such as Calgary Fire Department, BOMA Public Safety Committee, NESP, Calgary Police Service.
• 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

• Establish and maintain inspections processes to meet relevant fire and life safety code requirements and arrange for and maintain an organized hard copy file system for all inspection documentation.
• Liaise with auditors and inspectors to ensure that internal standards meet or exceed requirements.
• Constantly review and improve Critical Incident Response by-
• a. Conducting tabletop training exercises for management of critical incidents, with security staff, management and operations staff
• b. Maintain, as current, the Crisis Response Plan and all site-specific information relating thereto.
• c. Development and semi-annual review of Threat Assessment for property having regarded for altering demographics.

• Ensure the corporate OH&S Policies and Procedures for the portfolio are adhered to by all departments and that full compliance is maintained in accordance with all OH&S policies, procedures, and regulations.

6. Expense Management: with regards to suppliers, the position is responsible for:

• a. Coordination of bidding and pricing
• b. Preparation and recommendation of vendors for information of and final decision by Senior Management
• c. Issuance of purchase orders or receipt of contract
• d. Inspection of and confirmation of receipt of goods or services
• e. Provisions for competitive bidding
• Recommendations for selection
• Collection, analysis and reporting of such statistical data as may be required to provide accurate and current assessments of property management objectives.
• Maintenance of quality and cost controls received from contractors:
• Evaluation of performance
• Evaluation of contract cost(s)
• Creation of the Security Department budget, working within its boundaries, forecasting expenses quarterly, and reporting on variances

7. Freedom to Execute: Act Then Inform

• Where time is of the essence, 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. This includes:
• Authorizing contractors to repair dangerous or potentially dangerous situations.
• Purchase of materials or supplies required to correct dangerous situations.

Skills / Knowledge / Experience / Education Required

Minimum Requirements:

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

Core Competencies and Skills:

• A high level of proficiency in working with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, & Adobe), and the Perspective reporting system.
• 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.
• Possess an understanding of the property management industry.
• Innovative and strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• A strong background including formal certification as a trainer, coach, and mentor to supervisory and operating staff.
• Excellent interpersonal & teamwork skills and the willingness and ability to meet and deal with tenants, contractors, and consultants on a one-to-one basis and over the telephone, and able to engage and interact with senior level corporate executives.
• The ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects under tight timelines.
• Well-developed time management and organizational skills.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting and cost control measures.
• Self-motivation and the ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
• A high level of enthusiasm and a willingness to learn and grow professionally.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• A history of data collection and analysis for problem solving and risk reduction.
• Willingness to accept additional responsibilities, beyond specific duties listed.