Background

Sarova Hotels, Resorts & Game Lodges is not only one of the largest chains of hotels and lodges in Kenya and East Africa, it is also one of the most innovative, offering guests diverse experiences that are simply unforgettable. Sarova Hotels, Resorts & Game Lodges currently has over a thousand rooms across ten hotels in East Africa, with a staff c...

Role Overview

Sarova Panafric Hotel is seeking an experienced, proactive and service-oriented Chief Security Officer. The role is responsible for developing and managing a comprehensive security framework that protects guests, employees, visitors, assets and the hotel's reputation while maintaining a welcoming and professional environment. The ideal candidate will have proven security leadership experience in a four to five-star hotel, strong local intelligence networks, and the judgement to combine firm enforcement with warmth, diplomacy and discretion.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all hotel security operations.
• Conduct regular security risk assessments and implement preventive measures to mitigate identified threats, vulnerabilities and potential losses.
• Manage all security systems including CCTV, access control systems, key management processes, and alarm systems to ensure effective protection and operational readiness of the property.
• Lead the response to security incidents, losses, or breaches, and conduct investigations, preserve evidence, prepare accurate reports and ensure timely escalation to management and relevant authorities.
• Handle sensitive incidents involving guests with professionalism, empathy and discretion. Maintain effective working relationships with management, employees, guests, external security providers, police, emergency services and other relevant stakeholders.
• Lead, supervise, coach and mentor the security team, ensuring appropriate deployment, performance, discipline, professionalism and compliance with hotel standards.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Kenyan laws, regulatory requirements, health and safety requirements, hotel policies, brand standards and industry security best practices. Deliver regular training on security awareness, guest engagement, emergency response, and loss prevention.
• Lead emergency preparedness programs, including fire safety, evacuation drills, medical emergencies, and crisis response.
• Proactively identify emerging risks and recommend strategic security improvements.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Degree or diploma in Security Management, Criminology, Risk Management, Police or Defence Studies, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional training or certification in security and risk management.
• Proven investigative skills and a sound understanding of criminal and civil law.
• At least five years' security experience, including two to three years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Experience in a four to five-star hotel environment is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of security operations, risk management and emergency response.
• Practical knowledge of hotel security systems, including CCTV, access control and alarms.
• Experience liaising with police, emergency services and external security agencies.
• Sound knowledge of data protection and confidentiality requirements.

• Oversee all hotel security operations.
• Conduct regular security risk assessments and implement preventive measures to mitigate identified threats, vulnerabilities and potential losses.
• Manage all security systems including CCTV, access control systems, key management processes, and alarm systems to ensure effective protection and operational readiness of the property.
• Lead the response to security incidents, losses, or breaches, and conduct investigations, preserve evidence, prepare accurate reports and ensure timely escalation to management and relevant authorities.
• Handle sensitive incidents involving guests with professionalism, empathy and discretion. Maintain effective working relationships with management, employees, guests, external security providers, police, emergency services and other relevant stakeholders.
• Lead, supervise, coach and mentor the security team, ensuring appropriate deployment, performance, discipline, professionalism and compliance with hotel standards.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Kenyan laws, regulatory requirements, health and safety requirements, hotel policies, brand standards and industry security best practices. Deliver regular training on security awareness, guest engagement, emergency response, and loss prevention.
• Lead emergency preparedness programs, including fire safety, evacuation drills, medical emergencies, and crisis response.
• Proactively identify emerging risks and recommend strategic security improvements.

• Proven investigative skills
• Strong knowledge of security operations, risk management and emergency response
• Practical knowledge of hotel security systems, including CCTV, access control and alarms
• Experience liaising with police, emergency services and external security agencies
• Sound knowledge of data protection and confidentiality requirements

• Degree or diploma in Security Management, Criminology, Risk Management, Police or Defence Studies, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional training or certification in security and risk management.
• Proven investigative skills and a sound understanding of criminal and civil law.