Job Description

The First Group Hospitality is a Dubai-headquartered, full-service hospitality management company specialising in hotel operations, asset management, and F&B strategy. With a team of industry veterans and a proven track record, the company delivers tailored solutions that enhance efficiency, optimise revenue, and maximise asset value for investors and hotel owners.

As a trusted third-party hotel management provider, The First Group Hospitality partners with leading global brands to drive operational excellence and long-term profitability, thanks to expertise spanning property performance optimisation, cost management, and guest experience enhancement.

Beyond management, The First Group Hospitality develops and operates a dynamic portfolio of upscale hotels, residences, and award-winning restaurants, creating high-value hospitality assets that stand out in the market. For more information, visit tfghospitality.com

The Group Director of Security is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing the Group's security, safety, risk management, and loss prevention strategies across all TFG Hospitality properties. This role provides strategic leadership to ensure the safety and security of guests, employees, contractors, visitors, and company assets while maintaining compliance with corporate policies, legal requirements, and industry best practices.

Reporting to the Executive Leadership Team, the Group Director of Security partners closely with Operations, Human Resources, Engineering, Finance, IT, and General Managers to establish a proactive security culture, minimize operational risks, and ensure business continuity across the portfolio.

The role requires exceptional leadership, sound judgment, crisis management expertise, and the ability to develop standardized security programs while adapting to the operational needs of individual properties.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the Group Security Strategy aligned with TFG Hospitality's business objectives.
• Establish, review, and continuously improve security, safety, and risk management policies across all properties.
• Standardize security operating procedures, emergency response protocols, and compliance requirements throughout the portfolio.
• Provide strategic advice and recommendations to Executive Leadership regarding emerging security risks and mitigation strategies.
• Benchmark security practices against industry standards and recommend improvements.

Safety, Security & Risk Management

• Oversee the implementation of all Safety, Security, Risk Management, and Loss Prevention programs across the Group.
• Develop strategies to protect company assets, guests, employees, contractors, and visitors.
• Ensure compliance with local legislation, health and safety regulations, fire life safety requirements, and corporate standards.
• Lead the Group's Threat and Vulnerability Assessment program and recommend appropriate mitigation measures.
• Ensure all properties maintain effective emergency preparedness, business continuity, and crisis management plans.
• Conduct periodic security risk assessments and audits across all hotels and hospitality outlets.

Crisis & Emergency Management

• Lead the development, implementation, and regular review of Crisis Management and Emergency Response Plans.
• Serve as the Group's lead advisor during emergencies, major incidents, or security-related crises.
• Ensure regular emergency drills, evacuation exercises, and crisis simulations are conducted across all properties.
• Review emergency responses following incidents and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Loss Prevention & Investigations

• Develop Group-wide loss prevention strategies to minimize financial loss, theft, fraud, and operational risks.
• Oversee investigations relating to theft, fraud, misconduct, accidents, security breaches, and other incidents.
• Ensure incident investigations are completed professionally, objectively, and in compliance with legal requirements.
• Monitor security trends and recommend preventive actions to reduce future incidents.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure all properties comply with company security standards, policies, insurance requirements, and statutory regulations.
• Lead internal security audits and support external audits and regulatory inspections.
• Maintain oversight of Fire Life Safety compliance and associated documentation across the Group.
• Ensure security documentation, incident reporting, and investigation records meet legal and corporate standards.

Operational Excellence

• Monitor security operations across all hotels, restaurants, and hospitality venues.
• Ensure consistent implementation of patrol procedures, access control, CCTV monitoring, visitor management, key control, and Lost & Found procedures.
• Develop and maintain Group security standards and operational manuals.
• Review property security staffing structures and recommend operational improvements.

Leadership & People Development

• Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to Property Directors of Security, Security Managers, and security teams.
• Develop succession planning and career development programs for security professionals within the Group.
• Establish Group-wide security training programs.
• Promote a strong safety and security culture throughout the organization.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the Group Security budget.
• Review and approve property security budgets and capital expenditure proposals.
• Monitor departmental expenditure to ensure cost efficiency while maintaining operational effectiveness.
• Evaluate return on investment for security technologies, systems, and initiatives.

Technology & Innovation

• Oversee Group-wide security technology, including:
  • CCTV systems
  • Access Control Systems
  • Alarm Monitoring
  • Visitor Management Systems
  • Incident Reporting Platforms
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency through technology and innovation.

Reporting & Analytics

• Develop executive security dashboards and performance reports.
• Analyze incident trends and identify areas requiring corrective action.

Other Responsibilities

• Lead special security projects and initiatives as assigned by Executive Leadership.
• Travel regularly between TFG Hospitality properties to conduct reviews, audits, and operational support.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Desired Skill & Expertise

• Bachelor's Degree in Security Management, Criminal Justice, Risk Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional security certifications (CPP, PSP, PCI, CSMP, NEBOSH, IOSH, or equivalent) preferred.
• Minimum 10–15 years of progressive security leadership experience within hospitality, luxury hotels, mixed-use developments, or large corporate organizations.
• Minimum 5 years in a multi-property or regional security leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of UAE health, safety, and security regulations (preferred).
• Experience managing crisis response, investigations, business continuity, and enterprise risk management.