Director of Security

About the role

Shangri-La Bosphorus, a luxury 5-star hotel in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul, is looking for a Director of Security. The role ensures the safety of guests, colleagues, visitors and hotel assets through risk management and security strategies, leads the Security team and develops security policies and emergency plans in line with luxury hospitality standards.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Security team, fostering vigilance, professionalism and exceptional service.
• Develop, implement and continuously improve security policies, procedures and emergency response plans.
• Oversee investigations into incidents, accidents, guest concerns and security breaches, ensuring timely resolution and accurate reporting.
• Collaborate with hotel leadership and department heads to identify risks and implement preventive measures.
• Maintain relationships with local authorities, emergency services and regulatory agencies, and ensure compliance with local laws, health and safety regulations, fire and life safety requirements and company policies.
• Lead crisis management, emergency preparedness training and drills.
• Monitor security systems, surveillance operations, access control and loss prevention initiatives.
• Deliver a discreet, guest-centric security service.

Required profile

• Proven experience as a Director of Security, Security Manager or similar leadership role in a luxury hotel, resort or international hospitality environment.
• Strong knowledge of hotel security operations, risk assessment, crisis management, loss prevention and fire life safety systems.
• Ability to lead, motivate and develop high-performing teams.
• Excellent investigative, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with a calm approach under pressure.
• Experience working with government agencies, law enforcement and emergency response services.
• Excellent command of English; additional languages are an advantage.

Required skills

• Security technologies: CCTV, access control, incident reporting systems and security management software.
• Understanding of local security, health and safety and regulatory requirements.

What we offer

• A workplace that values passion and supports personal growth.
• Structured learning and development pathways.
• Competitive benefits, recognition programs and colleague stay/travel perks.
• Inclusive teams that value diversity.