Job Summary
Luxury Hospitality Retreat based close to Franschhoek is looking for an experienced Safety & Security Manager to protect its guests; people and property. Reporting to the Operations Manager, the successful candidate will take full operational ownership of security operations, emergency preparedness, fire safety and occupational health and safety ; maintaining a discreet approach suited to a luxury hospitality environment. This is a full-time; permanent position ; following a fixed weekly schedule with on-call availability for emergencies at all hours. Duties: Security Operations & Team Leadership Direct and monitor the contracted guard force, including deployment, rosters, patrols, access control and reporting. Conduct daily briefings, review occurrence books and oversee shift handovers. Carry out daytime, night-time and unannounced inspections of security posts and procedures. Verify guard registrations, training and certifications, addressing non-compliance through the service provider. Manage access procedures, keys and security registers for guests, employees, contractors, suppliers and vehicles. Monitor perimeter breaches and coordinate repairs and vegetation clearance with the farm team. Emergency Preparedness & Fire Safety Lead the Incident Response Team while on duty and take command when called in after hours. Maintain emergency response plans, evacuation routes, contact directories and clearly assigned emergency roles. Plan and run drills covering fire, medical emergencies, intrusion, lockdown and night-time guest evacuation. Ensure emergency equipment, first aid supplies, radios and firefighting equipment remain ready for use. Coordinate incident reporting, debriefs, required notifications and corrective actions. Maintain structural and veld fire readiness, coordinating firebreaks, equipment servicing and seasonal preparations. Liaise with the Fire Protection Association, neighbouring farms and emergency services. Security Systems & Infrastructure Oversee CCTV, video analytics, perimeter detection, alarms, panic devices, access control, radios and backup power. Improve system performance, reduce false alarms and address coverage gaps. Protect administrator credentials, system access and audit logs. Track faults through to resolution and monitor contractor response times. Maintain equipment registers, lifecycle plans and servicing schedules. Manage footage and personal information securely. Health; Safety & Risk Management Maintain the occupational health and safety file and monitor compliance requirements. Coordinate training and certification for safety representatives, first aiders and fire marshals. Inspect workplaces, equipment, trails, water features and activity areas, following corrective actions through to completion. Maintain risk registers and assess risks relating to events, new activities, construction and high-profile guest visits. Stay informed of local security threats through police, community and farm-watch networks. Training; Reporting & Service Providers Manage service providers against agreed service levels and review performance regularly. Induct employees, guards and contractors on emergency procedures and site rules. Deliver practical safety and security training across departments. Prepare weekly reports and monthly summaries covering incidents, trends, system performance and outstanding actions. Maintain controlled procedures, plans and registers, and prepare the annual safety and security budget. Requirements: At least 10 years’ security operations experience, including at least 5 years in management. Experience managing 24-hour security operations, shift planning and contracted guard forces. Security experience within rural, agricultural, estate, lodge or luxury hospitality environments, including service to high-profile and international guests. Proven experience leading emergency responses and conducting drills. Hands-on experience administering IP CCTV, video management systems, alarms, access control and perimeter detection. Experience managing service providers and working with SAPS, emergency services and Community Policing Forums. Active PSIRA Grade A registration in good standing. Current First Aid Level 3; or equivalent, and firefighting or fire marshal training. A recognised health and safety qualification. Working knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Private Security Industry Regulation Act and POPIA. Fluent English, strong report-writing skills and proficiency in Google Workspace or Microsoft Office. A valid South African driver’s licence and own reliable vehicle. Clear criminal record. Residing within reasonable emergency response distance of Franschhoek, or willing to relocate. A calm, decisive and dependable approach, with excellent communication and leadership skills. High levels of integrity, discretion and attention to detail. Availability for after-hours emergency response and flexibility to plan leave around operational cover.