Security Operations Manager
Surry Hills, Sydney
Full-time | Wednesday–Sunday nights
$100,000 + superannuation
About the Opportunity
We are establishing a new security company, currently preparing its application for a NSW Security Master Licence, to support the in-house security operation of a sister hospitality and nightlife venue in Surry Hills.
Rather than outsourcing security to a large external provider, we are building a small, dedicated in-house team focused on consistency, professionalism, patron safety and strong hospitality standards.
We are looking for an experienced Security Operations Manager to lead this function from the ground up.
This is a hands-on leadership position combining operational venue security with responsibility for recruitment, rostering, training, compliance and the day-to-day management of the security operation.
The successful candidate is also intended to be nominated as the Nominated Person for the company's NSW Security Master Licence application, subject to satisfying all applicable SLED eligibility, probity and approval requirements.
The Role
You will take ownership of the day-to-day security operation, including:
- Leading a small team of licensed security officers
- Personally overseeing security operations during key trading periods
- Managing venue entry, crowd control, patron safety and incident response
- Recruiting, onboarding and developing the security team
- Preparing and managing weekly security rosters
- Conducting pre-shift security briefings and allocating positions
- Ensuring all security officers maintain the required licences, RSA, First Aid and other relevant qualifications
- Maintaining security sign-on records, incident documentation and compliance records
- Developing and maintaining security procedures and venue-specific SOPs
- Managing incidents and coordinating responses with venue management
- Reviewing incidents and identifying opportunities to improve security procedures
- Leading de-escalation and responsible patron-management practices
- Liaising with NSW Police, regulators and other authorities where required
- Supporting the establishment and ongoing compliance of the company's NSW Security Master Licence
- Acting as the company's Nominated Person once approved and appointed
- Building a professional, accountable and hospitality-focused security culture from day one
About the Operation
This is deliberately a small and focused security operation.
You will not be managing hundreds of guards across multiple client sites.
The company is being established primarily to support its sister hospitality venue, allowing us to build a consistent security team that understands the venue, its management, its guests and the standards expected every week.
The operation will include a small team covering key entry points, internal venue areas and a late-night hospitality environment.
As Head of Security, you will have genuine ownership of the function and will lead the recruitment, development and day-to-day management of the security team in conjunction with ownership and venue leadership.
About You
We are looking for someone who understands that excellent venue security is about more than standing at a door.
You will be calm, professional and confident, with the ability to manage people and difficult situations without creating unnecessary confrontation.
You will ideally have:
- Current NSW Class 1A Security Licence
- Current NSW RSA competency
- Current First Aid certification
- At least 5 years' experience within the security industry
- Strong experience within licensed venues, nightlife, hospitality or entertainment
- Previous experience supervising or managing security teams
- Strong crowd-control and patron-management experience
- Excellent de-escalation and conflict-management skills
- Strong understanding of security compliance, record keeping and incident reporting
- Good written communication and administrative skills
- Confidence dealing with venue management, police and other stakeholders
- Strong leadership and people-management skills
- A professional, hospitality-minded approach to security
- The maturity, integrity and reliability required to take responsibility for a security operation
- The ability to satisfy all SLED requirements to act as the Nominated Person for a NSW corporation Security Master Licence
Previous experience managing compliance under a NSW Security Master Licence will be highly regarded.
The Roster
This is a full-time nightlife-focused position working primarily:
Wednesday to Sunday evenings/nights
The position is based around an average of 38 ordinary hours per week and combines hands-on operational security leadership with the administration, compliance, recruitment and management responsibilities required to run the security function.
Remuneration
$100,000 per annum + superannuation
The employment arrangement will be structured in accordance with applicable industrial requirements.
Why Join?
This is an opportunity to do more than join an existing security roster.
You will help build the security operation from the beginning.
You will have direct access to ownership and venue leadership, the ability to recruit and develop your own team, and genuine responsibility for establishing the standards, procedures and culture of the security function.
We believe great security should feel like an extension of great hospitality — professional, composed and welcoming when appropriate, while being confident and decisive when required.
For the right person, this is an opportunity to take genuine ownership of a security operation and build a team and culture they can be proud of.
Pay: $100,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
