Manager, Public Safety

Full-time; Permanent

Date Posted: October 8, 2024

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 114-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.

At the PNE, we strive to create an environment that reflects our organization’s core values: Enthusiasm, Excellence and Evolution.

With a focus on these core values, we are committed to achieving our mission which is to “Deliver Memorable Experiences” for all who interact with the PNE whether it is our guests, our employees or the community.

Reporting directly to the Director of Safety & Security, the Manager, Public Safety is the primary leader responsible for ensuring a safe and secure environment for all guests, staff, and assets at the PNE.

The role involves overseeing security operations, emergency response planning, staff management, and the coordination of safety initiatives for events and day-to-day operations.

Why join our Team?

• Exhilarating and fun-loving culture
• Flexible work environment
• Opportunity for free or discounted tickets to shows, events, sports games, and much more
• Staff discounts for Playland, The Fair, and Fright Nights, as well as all PNE Food Stands
• Competitive compensation package
• Opportunity to create lasting memories and friendships!

What will you do this year?

In your role as a Manager, Public Safety, your primary accountabilities will be to:

• Lead the safety and security of public areas, staff, venues, and grounds, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, fire protocols, and security measures.
• Foster a culture of exceptional guest experience by prioritizing safety, attentiveness, and proactive problem-solving, ensuring every guest enjoys a welcoming and memorable experience.
• Design, implement, and manage safety and security programs, incident response plans, and preventive strategies to maintain a safe environment.
• Lead the coordination of crowd control, access management, and emergency preparedness strategies to ensure the safety and smooth execution of events.
• Recruit, train, and guide the Public Safety team, including part-time and event-specific staff, fostering a culture of service excellence and high performance.
• Responsible for investigation of accidents, thefts and other incidents that may require liaising with Vancouver Police, Vancouver Fire, Insurance Adjusters, Gaming Policy & Enforcement Branch (GPEB) and WorkSafe BC.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external partners, including law enforcement, regulatory bodies, and event organizers, to coordinate comprehensive safety and security efforts.
• Manage the distribution and security of access credentials, keys, and restricted areas, ensuring the proper use and oversight of critical access points.
• Prepare and monitor budgets, forecasts, and resource needs, ensuring the efficient allocation of funds and personnel.
• Provide input on capital expenditure budgets, participating in the planning and execution of safety-related capital projects.
• Build and nurture relationships with clients, guests, contractors, tenants, and stakeholders, addressing security concerns promptly and effectively.
• Ensure adherence to all relevant legislation, including the Criminal Code, provincial and federal statutes, and internal policies.
• Prepare detailed reports, including incident logs and staff activities, implementing corrective actions where necessary.
• Actively participate as a member of the PNE Health and Safety Committee, contributing to ongoing improvements in workplace safety.
• Be available for evening and weekend hours as required for event schedules.

Who will you provide leadership to?

Direct Reports

• Assistant Manager, Public Safety & Site Security
• Assistant Manager, Public Safety & Event Security
• Coordinator, Public Safety

In-Direct Reports

• Site Security
• Public Safety Supervisors (Captains)
• First Aid Supervisors (Captains)
• Hosts/Ambassadors
• Event Security Guards (in-house and contracted services)
• Security Dispatchers
• First Aid Attendants

What else?

• University degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience in safety, security, or event operations.
• Advanced knowledge of safety and security principles for indoor and outdoor large-scale events such as crowd dynamics and crowd flow, severe weather preparedness and response, incident command principles, etc.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in public safety, security, or law enforcement, including experience in a unionized environment.
• Must have knowledge and comprehension of applicable legislation and regulations, standards, professional principles and practices (Criminal Code, Building and Fire Code, WorkSafe BC).
• Must have or be able to obtain within 6 months of employment, a valid BC Security Worker License.
• Proven leadership and team management skills, including working with temporary and event-specific staff.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and multitasking abilities, with experience in budgeting and resource management.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills, particularly in high-pressure situations.
• A professional security designation, through organizations such as ASIS or IAVM considered an asset.
• Previous experience with Incident Command and Emergency Preparedness training considered an asset.
• ICS 200 or equivalent considered an asset.
• Proficiency with security management software and tools.
• Experience with integrated security systems (CCTV, Access, Intrusion).
• High emotional intelligence and ability to manage stressful situations with diverse stakeholders.
• Successful candidates must undergo a Criminal Record Check.

Who are you?

• Organized
• Methodical
• Proactive
• Skillful communicator
• Critical thinker
• Committed to striving for excellence

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. 

Additional Information

The PNE's compensation offerings are in alignment with a pay-for-performance pay philosophy that recognizes individual, and teamwork performance.

The role is a permanent, full-time position with a typical salary range of $80,000 - $92,000 per annum.  The starting salary will be based on the successful candidate’s competencies, including but not limited to knowledge, skills, experience, and internal pay structures.

 As a part of the PNE's total compensation package, this position may be eligible for other benefits subject to program eligibility requirements. 

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 hr@pne.ca.