Assistant Manager, Public Safety - Events

Full-Time; Permanent

Date Posted: July 6, 2026

Who we are…

The Pacific National Exhibition is an iconic institution in BC, famous for bringing generations of people together to celebrate and build memories. This 114-year-old, non-profit organization has an annual operating budget of over $70 million dollars and generates revenue through four activity streams: the 15 day annual summer Fair and winter Fair which average more than 700,000 people annually, Playland amusement park which welcomes 400,000 guests annually including Fright Nights, and a busy year-round portfolio of events including concerts, trade shows and film, cultural and community events. In total we bring over 2 million people through the site each year. The fourth activity stream is park care and facility maintenance. The PNE is proud of the work it does at Hastings Park and has a vibrant team that is passionate about events, guest experience and delivering memorable experiences.

At the PNE, we strive to create an environment that reflects our organization’s core values: Enthusiasm, Excellence and Evolution. With a focus on these core values, we are committed to achieving our mission which is to “Deliver Memorable Experiences” for all who interact with the PNE whether it is our guests, our employees or the community.

At the PNE, we strive to create an environment that reflects our organization’s core values: Enthusiasm, Excellence and Evolution. With a focus on these core values, we are committed to achieving our mission which is to “Deliver Memorable Experiences” for all who interact with the PNE whether it is our guests, our employees or the community.

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Assistant Manager, Public Safety – Events that has a passion for the events industry and the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE). The Assistant Manager, Public Safety – Events, will work under the direction of the Manager, Public Safety and provide direct administrative and operational support to all PNE events.

Why join our Team?

• Exhilarating and fun-loving culture
• Flexible work environment
• Opportunity for free or discounted tickets to shows, events, sports games, and much more
• Staff discounts for Playland, The Fair, and Fright Nights, as well as all PNE Food Stands
• Competitive compensation package
• Opportunity to create lasting memories and friendships!

What will you do this year?

In your role as the Assistant Manager, Public Safety – Events, your main duties will include:

• Provide operational leadership for the Public Safety – Events team, overseeing 350 + unionized event staff (Captains, Security Guards, Hosts, Ambassadors, Medical) and non-union Duty Managers.
• Develop, implement and maintain security protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and post orders for all security personnel.
• Develop and manage Public Safety event budgets, staffing forecasts, and vendor contracts
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, training coordination and performance management for all Public Safety event staff (union and non-union)
• Plan, develop and execute end-to-end safety and security operations for events and venue spaces, ensuring plans scale to event size and risk level.
• Prepare and deliver clear pre-event event briefings and operational handovers to all relevant staff and contractors.
• Coordinate real-time responses to emergencies, medical incidents and unruly behaviour directing resources and escalation as required.
• Act as primary liaison with external partners, including Vancouver Police Department, fire and emergency services, private security providers and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal departments to integrate security providers and other stakeholders.
• Create and maintain comprehensive site security plans covering access control, credentialling, crowd management and guest experience strategies.
• Conduct risk assessments for events and venues and implement mitigating controls to reduce identified risks.
• Serve as the primary contact for law enforcement, emergency services, and event organizers during event operations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation and regulations (e.g., Criminal Code, WorkSafeBC) and with PNE policies.
• Support post-event debriefs and compile evaluations and reports on safety and security performance, lessons learned and improvement actions.

What else?

• Bachelor’s degree in safety, security, public policy, event management, or a related field — or an equivalent combination of education and progressive experience.
• 5–7 years of increasingly responsible experience in security management, emergency planning, or public safety, preferably supporting large scale events, festivals, or complex organizations.
• Proven track record designing and implementing operational and emergency response plans for high profile, fast moving environments; thorough knowledge of safety standards, incident response protocols, and risk mitigation best practices.
• Experience coordinating with police, fire, emergency services, government agencies, regulatory bodies, and private contractors to achieve timely, compliant outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross functional teams and deliver complex, multi stakeholder projects on schedule.
• Excellent conflict de escalation skills, decisive judgment under pressure, and clear, confident communication.
• Valid British Columbia Security Worker/Guard License required.
• First Aid/CPR certification an asset.
• In depth knowledge of risk and crisis management, emergency preparedness, and incident command principles.
• Strong leadership, strategic problem solving, and calm decision making during critical incidents.
• Working knowledge of the Criminal Code, applicable local bylaws, and relevant provincial and federal legislation.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required during event periods.
• Successful candidates must pass a Criminal Record Check.

Who are you?

• A confident and collaborative leader with a passion for public safety and large-scale events
• Calm under pressure with a proactive, solution-focused mindset
• Skilled at navigating complex stakeholder relationships across agencies and departments
• Experienced in safety and security planning for festivals or major public events
• Strong communicator and strategic thinker who values teamwork and detailed planning
• Adaptable, hands-on, and committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences
• Well-versed in emergency preparedness, risk management, and operational execution

Where and when to APPLY?

Applications can be submitted via the PNE website at pne.ca/jobs and will be accepted until the role is filled.

Additional Information

The PNE's compensation offerings are in alignment with a pay-for-performance pay philosophy that recognizes individual, and teamwork performance. The role is a permanent, full-time position with a typical salary range of $74,000 - $80,000 per annum. The starting salary will be based on the successful candidate’s competencies, including but not limited to knowledge, skills, experience, and internal pay structures. As a part of the PNE's total compensation package, this position may be eligible for other benefits subject to program eligibility requirements.

The PNE is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating an inclusive workforce that reflects the diverse community we proudly serve. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or age. If you require any support or accommodations throughout any stage of the recruitment process, please contact the People & Culture Department at hrpne.ca