Director, Safety & Security (Pacific National Exhibition)

Full-time; Permanent

Date Posted: May 26, 2023

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 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.

Reporting to the Vice President, Event Operations, the Director, Safety and Security will oversee both the strategic and day-to-day responsibilities for security, first aid and health and safety at the PNE. This position plays a lead role in ensuring the security and safety of workers, the public, and the safety of the PNE’s site, facilities, and assets.

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 8 to10 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:

• Prepares a variety of records, reports and statistics for all activities, including Incident Reports, monitors logs and daily activities; identifies problem areas and recommends appropriate corrective action and changes in procedure.
• Acts as the PNE’s liaison for all security and first aid services, including crowd control issues as they relate to our business, events, tenants and other stakeholders including the Vancouver Police, Vancouver Fire and the City of Vancouver.
• Maintains and updates the PNE’s Emergency Action Plans and ensures that all events, operations and buildings have evacuations plans with regular training for workers.
• Liaises with senior staff from other departments, to plan and debrief events and provide recommendations from a safety and security perspective.
• Responsible for developing annual operating budget and is required to participate in business planning activities pertaining to the Fair, Playland and Year-Round Events.
• Leads the PNE’s investigation team during events including the Fair which investigates accidents, thefts and other incidents that may require liaising with Vancouver Police, Vancouver Fire, Insurance Adjusters, Gaming Policy & Enforcement Branch (GPEB) and WorkSafe BC.
• Perform other related duties as required.
• Responsible for the development, implementation and communication of policies pertaining to all aspects of Security, First Aid, Emergency Response and Occupational, Health & Safety for the PNE’s operations, including events.
• Supports OHS team and collaborates with People & Culture team to ensure that disability claims are reported and effectively managed.
• Ensures the safety of the PNE’s site, facilities and assets through the development and maintenance of an effective site security program which includes video surveillance.
• Oversees and leads the PNE’s OH&S program and safety protocols. Ensures that workers receive safety orientations, regular safety training with corresponding safe operating procedures (SOPs). Develops initiatives to improve safety culture and reduce workplace accidents.

What else?

• Ability to foster collaborative, effective working relationships with peers, employees, tenants, clients, government officials and other external contacts
• Some previous experience with Incident Command and Emergency preparedness training
• A professional security designation, including a Security Professional Certification (ASIS) considered an asset.
• Post-secondary education in a relevant field along with a minimum of 5 to 7 years of progressively senior experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to function independently and under pressure and ability to manage various projects at the same time.
• 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.
• Must have knowledge and comprehension of applicable legislation and regulations, standards, professional principles and practices (ie-Criminal Code, Building and Fire Code, WorkSafe BC)
• 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?

• Solutions Focused
• Safety Oriented
• Collaborative

Where and when to APPLY?

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

We look forward to hearing from you!

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 [email protected].

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