Director, Safety & Security

Job Description

Full-time; Permanent

Date Posted: January 5, 2024

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 113-year-old, non-profit organization has an annual operating budget of over $70 million dollars and generates revenue through three 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.

Reporting to the Vice President, Event Operations, the Director, Safety & Security provides overall leadership for a range of public safety, security, first aid, employee health and safety and security systems technologies programs for the PNE.

This exciting and dynamic opportunity brings with it an opportunity to build on and transform the approach to Public Safety by shifting the organizational security and safety approach in response to the ever-changing threat and risk environment. The role will be tasked with the development of new initiatives; responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships between key stakeholders and leading the organization toward a culture of Public Safety.

As the successful candidate, you will drive effective communication of the program's vision; coordination of human and financial resources, advance priorities, implement consistent policies and promote collaboration and commitment for the delivery of Public Safety and Security. Furthermore, you will provide guidance and expertise to the PNE’s Executive, Directors, Managers and Workers in the development of integrated Public Safety strategies and initiatives; will monitor trends in societal Public Safety issues and establish and maintain connectivity with the criminal justice system and other key external stakeholders to support a continuum of a safe, secure and accessible environment. The successful candidate will hold and demonstrate personal accountability for the actions, outcomes and quality of service delivery for the organization.

Candidates must have exceptional interpersonal, communication and leadership skills. Due to the operational nature of this role, the candidate must be comfortable with a fluctuating schedule and a work environment that shifts from business planning and administration to hands on operational leadership. Our ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of progressively senior level experience within security, health & safety and/or emergency response, preferably within the events or hospitality industry. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit an application – we’d love to hear from you.

What will you do?

In your role as Director, Safety & Security , your primary accountabilities will be to:

• Provide overall leadership and direction to the security, OH&S and parking operations teams to drive a supportive and positive work environment for our staff to deliver memorable experiences for our guests.
• Responsible for the strategic development and implementation of policies and programs pertaining to all aspects of public safety including Security, First Aid, Emergency Response and Occupational, Health & Safety to support PNE’s operations, including events. This includes planning to support the new Amphitheatre scheduled to open in 2026.
• Accountable for operational excellence including developing annual budgets, resource planning including optimal deployment, for all areas of responsibility.
• Work collaboratively with other senior leaders to bring a safety and security point of view to event and business planning activities.
• Acts as the PNE’s representative to collaborate with all public safety partners including the Vancouver Police, Vancouver Fire and the City of Vancouver on the delivery of safe events.
• Maintains and updates the PNE’s emergency response plans and ensures appropriate training and drills in support.
• Oversees site-parking operations including working closely with Easy Park on permitting and patrolling, to support onsite activations.
• Oversees and leads the PNE’s OH&S program and safety protocols. Ensures that workers receive safety orientations, and regular safety training with corresponding safe operating procedures (SOPs).
• Develops initiatives to build a PNE wide culture of safety including proactive hazard identification and reduction of workplace injuries.
• Collaborates with People & Culture team to ensure that disability claims are reported and effectively managed.
• Responsible for investigation of accidents, thefts and other incidents that may require liaising with Vancouver Police, Vancouver Fire, Insurance Adjusters, Gaming Policy & Enforcement Branch (GPEB) and WorkSafe BC.
• Ensures that teams on-site are working in accordance with our current collective agreement and work in alignment with People and Culture on collective bargaining strategy.
• Provide recommendations to mitigate the organization’s exposure to risks during events by formulating and developing risk reduction strategies on event and non-event days.
• Perform other related duties as required.

What else?

• Post-secondary education in a relevant field along with a minimum of 10 years of progressively senior experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must have knowledge and experience in special event or large-scale public crowd management.
• Must have previous experience with development and implementation of new safety or security policies and programs.
• Must have knowledge and comprehension of applicable legislation and regulations, standards, professional principles and practices (-Criminal Code, Building and Fire Code, WorkSafe BC).
• A professional security designation, including a Security Professional Certification (ASIS) considered an asset.
• Previous experience with Incident Command and Emergency preparedness training an asset.
• Must be willing to commit to continuous professional development and learning in areas including OHS, emergency response and security management.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Ability to function independently and under pressure and ability to manage various projects at the same time.
• Ability to foster collaborative, effective working relationships with peers, employees, tenants, clients, government officials and other external contacts.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends and holidays when required.
• Successful candidates must undergo a Criminal Record Check.

Who are you?

• Safety Oriented
• Solutions Focused
• Collaborative

Where and when to APPLY?

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

Preference will be given to candidates who submit their resume/cover letter before Sunday, January 28, 2024. We look forward to hearing from you!

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 $120,000 - $140,000 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, colour, 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 .

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