In an era where operational security risks continue to evolve, organizations require security leaders who are not only well-trained but also capable of adapting and responding to dynamic threats. The Senior Security Officer role is tailored for a result-driven individual with a disciplined background in the security forces and a proven track record in corporate security operations.
Reporting directly to the Group Security Manager, the successful candidate will oversee and coordinate all security operations across the organization’s facilities. This position demands someone with exceptional investigation, surveillance, and risk management skills to ensure the safety and continuity of business operations while protecting personnel, visitors, proprietary information, and physical infrastructure.
The Senior Security Officer will lead security personnel and coordinate the institution’s efforts to foster a secure and resilient work environment. This will include policy interpretation, contract management of outsourced services, security systems audits, incident response coordination, and continuous development of business contingency protocols.
Detailed Job Description
Job Title: Senior Security Officer
Job Reference: 2500003K
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Shift: Day Job
Number of Openings: 1
Reporting To: Group Security Manager
Date of Posting: August 6, 2025
Application Deadline: Ongoing
Job Purpose
The Senior Security Officer will be charged with providing leadership and coordination for all security-related functions across the organization. The position holder will ensure that security frameworks are effectively implemented, policies are followed, risks are identified and mitigated, and that business continuity is guaranteed in a cost-effective and efficient manner.
They will also provide strategic input into the development and improvement of security policies, emergency preparedness, recovery plans, and performance evaluation of security teams.
Key Responsibilities
1. Organizational Security Coordination
- Lead, coordinate, and oversee security measures and operations to protect company assets, personnel, and information.
- Implement security plans and standards across all company locations to promote a safe and secure working environment.
- Act as the primary liaison between the company and external security agencies or service providers.
2. Investigations and Loss Prevention
- Conduct thorough investigations into security incidents and breaches, documenting findings and recommending corrective measures.
- Identify trends in security threats and propose preventive mechanisms to avert potential future losses.
3. Security Policy and Contract Management
- Develop, interpret, and disseminate the company’s security-related policies and ensure their consistent application across departments.
- Develop and oversee guidelines for security contract management in collaboration with the Group Security Manager.
- Monitor compliance by outsourced security service providers and evaluate their performance against service level agreements.
4. Liaison and Coordination
- Facilitate liaison and collaboration with national security agencies, emergency services, and community security stakeholders.
- Represent the organization in joint security forums and ensure communication of relevant security intelligence.
5. Performance Monitoring and Appraisals
- Oversee the work and performance of security personnel, conducting evaluations, offering feedback, and recommending capacity-building initiatives.
- Monitor operational effectiveness through audits, evaluations, and feedback mechanisms.
6. Emergency and Recovery Planning
- Develop and implement business recovery and contingency plans within the scope of the security department.
- Ensure emergency preparedness for incidents such as fire, natural disasters, terrorist threats, and workplace violence.
7. Physical Security Management
- Conduct routine and ad-hoc physical security surveys of company premises and recommend improvements.
- Supervise the management of access control systems, CCTV monitoring rooms, and other technological security infrastructure.
8. Risk and Vulnerability Assessments
- Plan and execute periodic risk assessments to identify security vulnerabilities and recommend mitigation strategies.
- Analyze and track the implementation of recommendations to reduce identified risks.
9. Documentation and Compliance
- Maintain accurate and detailed records of security operations, incidents, investigations, and inspections.
- Ensure security practices comply with statutory regulations and internal standards.
10. Inventory and Resource Management
- Maintain inventory records for security-related equipment, including surveillance systems, access control tools, uniforms, and communication gadgets.
Key Performance Indicators
The performance of the Senior Security Officer will be measured against the following indicators:
- Security Governance, Risk, and Compliance: Effectiveness in integrating risk management strategies and governance mechanisms.
- Incident Response: Speed, accuracy, and comprehensiveness of incident reporting and handling.
- Documentation: Timely preparation and maintenance of security reports, audits, and performance records.
- SLA Monitoring: Oversight and adherence to service-level agreements with outsourced providers.
- Detection and Change Failure Rates: Frequency and success of identifying risks and mitigating failures in security systems.
- Security Technology Management: Optimization and maintenance of surveillance systems, access control, and other infrastructure.
Technical Competencies and Skills
To effectively carry out the responsibilities of the role, the successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate:
- Ability to integrate safety and security measures into organizational operations seamlessly.
- Competency in evaluating and revising safety and security policies.
- Experience in coordinating emergency preparedness and response teams.
- Proficiency in conducting security risk and vulnerability assessments.
- Skills in handling complex security investigations and producing reports.
- High-level surveillance, emergency response, and hazard management capabilities.
- Thorough knowledge of threat identification, mitigation, and safety compliance standards.
- Strong leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and outsourced services.
Knowledge and Experience Requirements
Candidates applying for the Senior Security Officer role should meet the following educational and experiential criteria:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Security Management, Criminology, Police Science, Conflict Management, Disaster Management, Public Administration, or any relevant Social Science from a recognized institution.
- A Diploma in Investigation, Intelligence, or Security Management from a recognized institution.
- A Certificate in Supervisory Skills, obtained through a course lasting no less than two weeks.
- Formal training in Police, Military, or Intelligence Services, locally or internationally.
- A minimum of three (3) years of corporate experience in security operations.
- At least nine (9) years of service in Military, Police, or National Intelligence environments.
This diverse experience base is vital for understanding both the operational and strategic layers of security management within a corporate framework.
Work Environment and Reporting
The position will be based in Nairobi, and the Senior Security Officer will operate primarily under a day-shift system. However, the nature of the role may necessitate off-hours availability during emergencies or high-risk scenarios. The successful candidate will report directly to the Group Security Manager and will interact regularly with both internal and external stakeholders.
Career Growth and Impact
This role provides a significant leadership platform for professionals looking to deepen their influence in corporate security management. With oversight of broad security operations and strategic liaison responsibilities, the Senior Security Officer will play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s resilience posture, regulatory compliance, and overall risk mitigation strategy.
If you have the experience, strategic foresight, and dedication to contribute to a secure operational environment, then this role offers you a rewarding challenge and the chance to impact lives and business continuity at a high level.
Interested and qualified individuals are encouraged to apply in accordance with the instructions provided by the recruiting organization.
Applications for this position are ongoing. Please ensure that your application includes relevant certifications, a detailed resume, and contact information for at least two referees.
If you have any questions or require clarification on the application process, you are encouraged to contact the organization directly.
