Center Security Head

Center Security Head

Manila, Philippines

Job Purpose

To ensure the security of the Visa Application Centre in Manila by protecting passports, applicant data, cash, assets, and people. The role leads the center's security function, implements security standards, and ensures compliance with applicable Philippine laws and regulations, client and diplomatic mission requirements, and VAS security policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage physical, document, and information security at the center, including CCTV, access control, vaults, and restricted areas.
• Ensure passports, visa application documents, and other sensitive records are handled, stored, and transferred securely throughout the application process.
• Lead and supervise the Centre Security Lead and contracted security personnel, including rostering, performance management, and compliance with established security procedures.
• Lead investigations into security breaches, suspected fraud, theft, misconduct, and other incidents. Ensure timely reporting, documentation, and implementation of corrective actions.
• Conduct security risk assessments and vulnerability reviews, maintain the center's security risk register, and implement appropriate mitigation measures.
• Maintain readiness for client, diplomatic mission, regulatory, and internal security audits and inspections.
• Deliver security awareness training, emergency drills, and required certifications for center staff, ensuring security procedures remain current and effective.
• Coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), relevant local authorities, diplomatic mission security teams, and external security providers as required.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and ensure personal data is handled in accordance with the Philippine Data Privacy Act of 2012 and other applicable data protection requirements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Philippine occupational safety, fire safety, emergency preparedness, and workplace security requirements.
• Oversee security systems and service providers, including CCTV, access control, alarm systems, and other security infrastructure, ensuring issues are resolved promptly.
• Establish and maintain emergency response procedures for security threats, suspicious activities, public disturbances, and other incidents that may affect center operations.
• Work closely with the Centre Operations Head and Centre IT Lead to address security risks, safeguard systems and assets, and maintain business continuity.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree or diploma in Security Management, Criminal Justice, Risk Management, Public Safety, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of five years of experience in security, compliance, or risk management, including experience managing contracted security personnel.
• Previous experience in a supervisory or managerial security role, with responsibility for security procedures, incident management, and team performance.
• Experience in high-security environments such as visa application services, banking, government services, diplomatic facilities, or BPO operations is an advantage.
• Working knowledge of physical security systems, incident investigation, risk assessment, emergency response, and audit requirements.
• Familiarity with Philippine security regulations, emergency response requirements, and applicable data privacy legislation.
• Fluency in English and Filipino (Tagalog), with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Relevant security management, investigation, emergency response, or first-aid certifications are an advantage.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Leadership and security team management.
• Results delivery and service quality.
• Effective communication, teamwork, and stakeholder coordination.
• Physical security, document protection, and information security management.
• Risk assessment, threat identification, and incident response.
• Investigation, evidence handling, and incident reporting.
• Fraud prevention, confidentiality, and data protection.
• Audit readiness, compliance monitoring, and implementation of security controls.
• Emergency preparedness, crisis management, and sound decision-making.
• Attention to detail, integrity, discretion, and accountability.

Working Requirements

• Based at the VAS Visa Application Centre in Manila, Philippines.
• Travel to other centers within the Philippines as required.
• Flexibility to work according to center operating hours, including shifts, weekends, and peak-period coverage where required.
• Availability to respond to security incidents and emergencies outside normal working hours when necessary.
• Ability to conduct security inspections, supervise security personnel, and ensure consistent implementation of security procedures across the center.