Manager, Security Operations

Job Purpose:

The Manager of Security Operations is responsible for overseeing and directing the activities of all units within the Security Operations division, including the Visitors Center, Security Search Unit (SSU) and the Joint Forces Control Center (JFCC), with the goal of protecting the KAUST campus, community and employees from physical threats and breaches originating from various external sources. The Manager is also responsible for all security operations, collaboration, and communication with external stakeholders such as the Police, the General Directorate of Public Security, the General Directorate of Border Guard, and others. Furthermore, the Manager will establish and maintain the function’s security standards, requirements, policies, and operational requirements in accordance with KAUST policies and Kingdom protocols and regulations.

Major Accountabilities

• Collaborate with the Security Director to develop the Security Operations strategy, objectives, and goals, and to ensure alignment with the GA and KAUST's overall strategic direction. 
• Develop and maintain Security Operations standards, policies, and procedures and monitor the implementation. 
• Identify and develop Security Operations KPIs, monitor progress and report outcomes to GA/Security management. 
• Direct, prioritize and oversee all the work activities of Security Operations areas.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with a range of key internal and external stakeholders to support demanding business requirements and liaising with external governmental and security services including, but not limited to, the Police, the General Directorate of Public Security, the General Directorate of Border Guard, and others.
• Lead the Security Operations incident report during major security incidents and emergencies in line with best practice/standards, whilst remaining calm and supporting others in a controlled and confident manner.
• Assess and monitor incident trends and security issues relevant to Security Operations and collaborate with other departments to develop proactive solutions to any potential issues. 
• Conduct investigation, provide appropriate direction and coordination, and involve other relevant departments (e.g., HR, UIS, Graduate Affairs, and Government Affairs) as required. 
• Collaborate with the Emergency Response Specialist to develop and implement the Business Continuity Plan for Security Operations, emergency response training, drills, and exercises.  
• Provide support and guidance to the Government Affairs Management, Security teams and other KAUST departments on all relevant security and safety related issues.
• Manage and control budgets, ensuring that expenditure is monitored and controlled in line with the University’s financial regulation.
• Keep up to date with developments in security standards, technology and working methods, ensuring they are fully investigated and adopted where appropriate to ensure that services remain economically efficient, customer focused and fit for purpose.
• Communicate and share any updates on security policies, directives and procedures.
• Ensure that all security policies, directives, and procedures are appropriately interpreted and implemented by the Security Operations team.
• Motivate, inspire, and lead all staff as Security Operations Manager, ensuring that the University’s policies are always followed.
• Conduct performance management reviews for direct reports, evaluate all Security Operations performance outcomes, and prepare final performance evaluations for the Director's review and approval. 
• Optimize the use of available resources in carrying out the assigned tasks and ensure timely completion according to set standards.
• Conduct periodic assessments of the function's performance and services and ensure continuous improvement to meet or exceed the expectations of GA management and KAUST. 
• Identify the skills and knowledge required by all Security Operations staff to perform their assigned tasks and provide/recommend appropriate training opportunities.
• Conduct security audits to identify potential problems related to physical security, staff safety, or asset protection.
• Evaluate security operations to identify risks or provide recommendations for improvement.
• Keep abreast of regional and international trends in all the fields, with specific emphasis on dealing with perceived threats in the near future, in order to suggest and implement effective contingency plans to counter these threats.
• Sets employee goals & objectives and provides reviews/feedback to staff regarding performance.
• Monitor and report the daily activities of the Security Operations.
• Ensure that the Security Operations always have the necessary coverage.  
• Develop and coordinate necessary plans for the access of important visitors, executives, and employees.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Person Requirements :

Competencies

• Strong and exemplary leadership skills. 
• Excellent knowledge of government criminal laws and regulations.
• Excellent understanding of security management, operations, and best practices.   
• Aligning security programs to business imperatives and priorities.
• Advanced ability to coordinate responses to security breaches and threats.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, in both English and Arabic languages.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, complex situations, a diverse team of employees and requirements on an ongoing basis. 
• Ability to communicate and train multinational groups.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Security Management, or closely related field is required.  
• Specialized advanced training and/or certifications in security management, such as CPP, and/or CPS ASIS. 

Experience

• At least 10 years of relevant experience required, including 7 years leading security or public safety services.  
• Experience working in multicultural and multinational communities.