Assistant Director of Safety & Security

About the role

The Assistant Director of Safety & Security supports the Director in leading the Safety, Security, Emergency Response, Medical, Water Rescue, Technology and Risk Management functions for CostaTerra Golf & Ocean Club, a private members‑only residential community in Comporta, Portugal. Acting as the second‑in‑command, the role ensures a safe, secure and welcoming environment for members, guests, employees and contractors.

Key responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership for the Safety & Security department, supervising managers, supervisors, SOC personnel and contractors.
• Assume full command of the department in the Director’s absence, maintaining service standards and staffing levels across all shifts.
• Oversee physical security operations including access control, patrols, gate management, investigations and incident response.
• Coordinate with contracted security providers and monitor performance against service agreements.
• Support occupational health and safety programs, conducting risk assessments, inspections, audits and incident investigations.
• Liaise with local law enforcement, emergency services and governmental authorities.
• Drive continuous improvement of safety and security policies, procedures and technologies.

Required profile

• Proven experience in senior safety, security or risk management roles, preferably within luxury hospitality or residential communities.
• Strong leadership and people‑management skills, with the ability to supervise diverse teams and external contractors.
• Excellent understanding of security operations, emergency response protocols and occupational health & safety regulations.
• Ability to act decisively and maintain operational readiness in high‑pressure situations.

Required skills

• Knowledge of physical security systems and access‑control technologies.
• Experience with incident investigation and reporting.
• Familiarity with occupational health & safety legislation and best practices.
• Effective communication and stakeholder‑management abilities.