Director of Security - Luxury Hotel - Qiddiya

Role overview

This position leads the full security function for a luxury hotel project in Qiddiya, with responsibility for protecting guests, employees, visitors, and property. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on oversight of daily security operations, high-profile guest protection, event safety, asset protection, emergency readiness, and regulatory compliance in Saudi Arabia. A guest-first security approach is essential, along with the ability to uphold the standards expected in a world-class luxury hospitality setting.

Key responsibilities

The Director of Security will be expected to build, maintain, and continuously improve the hotel’s security framework while guiding the security organization and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.

• Set security policies, procedures, standards, and operating practices that fit the hotel’s brand and operational needs.
• Promote a professional security presence that remains visible, discreet, and centered on guest experience.
• Manage, mentor, and hold accountable Security Managers, Supervisors, Officers, and third-party security teams.
• Advise executive leadership and represent the security function at senior management level.
• Create and supervise security plans for VIPs, high-profile guests, and special visitors.
• Work with Saudi authorities, government agencies, and outside protection teams when required.
• Coordinate security arrangements for major events, VIP arrivals, and multi-agency operations.
• Perform security risk assessments across guest areas, back-of-house zones, and operational spaces.
• Track emerging risks related to location, guest profile, and operating environment, then develop mitigation actions.
• Safeguard guest privacy, employee safety, hotel assets, financial holdings, and physical infrastructure.
• Partner with departments such as Finance, Front Office, Housekeeping, and Food & Beverage on loss prevention initiatives.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and comply with Saudi data protection expectations.
• Design crowd control and access management plans for busy periods, corporate functions, entertainment events, private functions, and VIP occasions.
• Oversee perimeter security and proactive monitoring of guest activity to reduce risk.
• Supervise CCTV, access control, intrusion detection, perimeter protection, and integrated security technology.
• Ensure timely monitoring and response to surveillance alerts and incidents.
• Evaluate and introduce security technologies that improve protection without harming the guest experience.
• Build, test, and update emergency response and crisis plans covering fire, medical emergencies, security threats, natural disasters, civil unrest, and terrorism.
• Serve as Incident Commander in major emergencies and lead security-focused business continuity planning.
• Coordinate emergency drills with Civil Defence and other government bodies.
• Lead investigations into theft, fraud, misconduct, security breaches, and guest incidents.
• Maintain incident documentation, evidence handling, and chain-of-custody standards.
• Apply corrective measures to reduce the chance of repeat incidents.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with Saudi security laws, permits, audits, and regulatory checks.
• Build strong working relationships with law enforcement, security agencies, Civil Defence, and other authorities.
• Select, assess, and manage contracted security providers, departmental budgets, and security-related procurement.
• Create and deliver training on security awareness, emergency response, crisis management, VIP protection, fire safety, first aid, and customer service.
• Drive continuous improvement, innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence across the security team.

Required experience and qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Security Management, Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Hospitality Management, or a closely related discipline is mandatory.
• A master’s degree or an equivalent professional credential is an advantage.
• The ideal candidate will bring substantial senior-level security leadership experience in hotels, luxury resorts, or broader hospitality settings, preferably at director level or equivalent.
• Background should include managing security for luxury hotels, major events, VIP guests, and large-scale hospitality operations.
• Strong practical experience is needed in risk management, investigations, loss prevention, emergency preparedness, crisis handling, business continuity, and security systems.
• Previous involvement with Saudi government authorities, security agencies, Civil Defence, law enforcement, and regulators is required.
• Experience leading sizeable security teams, handling vendors and budgets, implementing security strategy, and working within KSA compliance frameworks is important.

Ideal capabilities

The role calls for strong leadership, communication, analytical thinking, judgment, and stakeholder management skills. The successful candidate should remain calm in high-pressure situations, make sound decisions during emergencies, and maintain a service-oriented security culture that matches a luxury hotel environment.

Additional notes

This is a full-time, on-site leadership role based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the Qiddiya luxury hotel project.