Director of Security

JOB SCOPE

As the Director of Security for Ultra Luxury Hotel - Qiddiya, you will be responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of security operations across this ultra-luxury property to ensure the safety, privacy, and well-being of guests, team members, and assets. Operating to the highest standards of luxury hospitality, your role encompasses developing and maintaining world-class security protocols, delivering bespoke VIP and Royal protocol programmes, and building a discreet, service-oriented security culture that is seamlessly integrated into the guest experience. You will serve as the primary security authority for the hotel, responsible for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, royalty, heads of state, diplomats, government ministers, ambassadors, and other high-profile international guests, while ensuring full compliance with Saudi laws, regulations, and governmental requirements.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Security Strategy & Leadership

• Develop, implement, and continuously review the hotel's security strategy, policies, procedures, and standards in alignment with Ultra Luxury Hotel - Qiddiya brand values and operational requirements.

• Establish and maintain a security culture that is discreet, professional, and guest-centric, ensuring all security measures are delivered with the discretion and sophistication expected of an ultra-luxury hospitality environment.

• Lead, manage, and inspire the hotel security team, including Security Managers, Supervisors, Officers, and contracted security service providers, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Provide strategic direction, training, mentorship, and performance management to all security personnel, ensuring the highest standards of professionalism, conduct, and operational readiness.

• Represent the Security function at the Executive Committee level, providing strategic security counsel to senior hotel leadership.

VIP, Royal & Diplomatic Guests

• Design, plan, and oversee the delivery of comprehensive security programmes for Royal Family members, Heads of State, government ministers, senior diplomats, ambassadors, ultra-high-net-worth individuals, and other high-profile VIP guests.

• Liaise with Royal Diwan protocol offices, government security agencies, Ministry representatives, diplomatic protection units, and international security teams to ensure seamless, coordinated protection arrangements.

• Maintain strong awareness of royal, diplomatic, and governmental protocol requirements, ensuring all security operations are aligned with the expectations and sensitivities of the most senior guests.

• Establish and maintain a discreet network of trusted contacts within Saudi security, government, and diplomatic circles to facilitate intelligence sharing and operational coordination.

• Manage and coordinate multi-agency security operations for high-profile visits, ensuring clear command structures, communication protocols, and contingency planning.

Security Risk Management & Intelligence

• Conduct comprehensive security risk assessments, threat analysis, and vulnerability reviews across all hotel areas, including guest rooms, public areas, back-of-house operations, car parks, and perimeter zones.

• Maintain an operational awareness programme, monitoring threat intelligence relevant to the hotel's guest profile, geographic location, and operational environment.

• Develop and maintain robust risk mitigation strategies, translating assessments into actionable security plans and operational procedures.

• Provide regular security briefings to hotel leadership, adapting operational posture in response to changing threat environments or guest profiles.

Guest Safety & Asset Protection

• Ensure the safety, privacy, and security of all hotel guests, with particular emphasis on the bespoke protection requirements of VIP, UHNWI, and high-profile guests.

• Oversee the security of hotel assets, including art collections, jewellery, high-value property, financial holdings, and physical infrastructure.

• Manage loss prevention strategies across all hotel departments, working closely with Finance, Front Office, Food & Beverage, and Housekeeping to minimise exposure to theft, fraud, and asset loss.

• Protect the confidentiality and privacy of all guests in accordance with hotel policy, Saudi data protection requirements, and the highest standards of discretion.

Security Technology & Surveillance Systems

• Oversee the installation, operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of all security technology systems, including CCTV and IP surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, perimeter security, and integrated security management platforms.

• Monitor surveillance systems and ensure timely, professional response to all security alerts, incidents, and breaches.

• Ensure that all technology systems are regularly reviewed and upgraded in line with industry best practices and the evolving security landscape.

• Evaluate and implement emerging security technologies to enhance the hotel's protection capabilities while maintaining the discreet aesthetic required of a luxury property.

Emergency Preparedness & Crisis Management

• Develop, implement, and regularly test comprehensive emergency response plans covering fire, medical emergencies, natural disasters, security incidents, civil disturbances, and acts of terrorism.

• Serve as the hotel's Incident Commander during major security or emergency events, coordinating the response of internal teams, emergency services, and government authorities.

• Lead the hotel's Business Continuity Planning (BCP) for security-related scenarios, ensuring robust protocols are in place to protect guests, team members, and the hotel's operational integrity.

• Coordinate emergency preparedness exercises, security drills, and tabletop simulations in partnership with Civil Defence, Saudi Fire and Emergency Services, and other relevant authorities.

• Ensure all emergency response plans are aligned with Saudi regulatory requirements and the Civil Defence Authority's standards.

Event Security Management

• Plan and oversee security operations for all hotel events, including private functions, state banquets, diplomatic receptions, corporate events, entertainment events, and large-scale VIP gatherings.

• Conduct pre-event security assessments, develop tailored security plans, manage venue access control, and coordinate multi-team security deployments for high-profile events.

• Liaise with event organisers, government protocol teams, and external security agencies to ensure cohesive, seamless security arrangements for all major events.

Investigations & Incident Management

• Lead and manage all security investigations including theft, fraud, misconduct, trespass, security breaches, and incidents involving guests or team members.

• Maintain comprehensive incident documentation, evidence management, chain-of-custody procedures, and detailed reporting for all security incidents.

• Liaise with Saudi law enforcement agencies, the Public Prosecution Authority, and other relevant governmental bodies in the management of incidents requiring official involvement.

• Implement corrective and preventive actions following investigations to eliminate recurrence and strengthen the hotel's overall security posture.

Regulatory Compliance & Government Liaison

• Ensure full compliance with all applicable Saudi laws, regulations, and standards governing hotel security, including the requirements of the Ministry of Interior, General Directorate of Investigations, Civil Defence Authority, and all relevant regulatory bodies.

• Maintain active, professional relationships with representatives from Saudi security agencies, government ministries, law enforcement, and emergency services.

• Manage the hotel's licensing, permits, and regulatory submissions related to security operations, surveillance systems, and contracted security services.

• Conduct regular security audits, compliance reviews, and readiness assessments to ensure the hotel meets and exceeds all statutory and brand security requirements.

Security Vendor & Contract Management

• Source, select, and manage all contracted security service providers, ensuring delivery of services that meet the hotel's exacting standards of quality, professionalism, and discretion.

• Manage the security department budget, monitor expenditure, and optimise resource allocation while maintaining uncompromised operational standards.

• Oversee procurement of security equipment, systems, and technologies, ensuring best value and alignment with the hotel's operational requirements.

Team Training & Development

• Design and deliver a comprehensive security training programme encompassing security awareness, emergency response, VIP protection protocols, crisis management, first aid, fire safety, and luxury hospitality service standards.

• Ensure all security personnel are trained to present themselves in a manner consistent with the Ultra Luxury Hotel - Qiddiya brand: professional, discreet, courteous, and culturally aware.

• Drive a culture of continuous learning, professional development, and operational excellence across the security team.

• Ensure that new technologies, equipment, and methodologies are continuously explored and implemented wherever appropriate to strengthen the hotel's security capabilities.

• Implement and promote sustainable practices within security operations, focusing on responsible resource management, energy efficiency, and the reduction of environmental impact.

Requirements

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

SKILLS:

The Director of Security at Ultra Luxury Hotel - Qiddiya must demonstrate exceptional senior leadership capability within a world-class luxury hospitality security environment. The role demands mastery of VIP and Royal operations, executive coordination, and high-level government and diplomatic liaison within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The successful candidate will possess outstanding decision-making, crisis leadership, and incident command capabilities, with the ability to operate with authority and composure in the most demanding and sensitive security environments. Strong analytical and intelligence assessment skills are essential, alongside deep expertise in security risk management, emergency preparedness, and business continuity planning. The role requires an advanced understanding of Saudi regulatory, governmental, and security frameworks, combined with an established professional network across Saudi security, government, law enforcement, and hospitality sectors. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills are required to engage confidently with royalty, heads of state, senior government officials, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to embed a discreet, service-oriented security culture that is invisible yet impeccable — consistent with an ultra-luxury hospitality brand of the highest international standing.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Security Management, Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Hospitality Management, or a related field. A Master's degree or equivalent advanced qualification is desirable.

Experience:

• Extensive, proven senior security leadership experience within luxury or ultra-luxury hotels in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a demonstrated track record at Director level or equivalent.