Security Manager

The Security Manager will be responsible for ensuring the physical, information, and process security of the Visa Application Centre (VAC). This role involves implementing and enforcing embassy, client, and corporate security policies to safeguard passports, applicant data, cash, and staff. The manager will work proactively to prevent fraud, theft, data breaches, and operational risks, maintaining a secure, compliant, and audit-ready environment across all VAC operations.

Key Responsibilities

Security & Risk Management: Implement and maintain robust physical, document, and data security controls throughout the VAC. Ensure zero tolerance for passport loss, data leaks, or fraud. Oversee CCTV systems, access logs, vaults, and restricted zones, ensuring secure handling of passports and sensitive documents. Manage contracted security personnel and control room staff. Coordinate with external authorities such as local police, civil defense, and Embassy security teams.

Incident & Investigation Management: Lead investigations into security breaches, misconduct, or operational risks. Ensure all incidents are reported within 24 hours, with corrective actions promptly completed. Maintain evidence, logs, and compliance documentation. Conduct regular security risk assessments and vulnerability analyses. Maintain Business Continuity Plans (BCP) for security incidents and coordinate crisis response with senior management.

Compliance & Audit: Prepare the VAC for internal, ISO, and mystery audits by enforcing compliance with GDPR, data privacy, and Embassy security protocols. Provide monthly security performance reports and track audit findings to ensure continuous improvement.

Training & Awareness: Conduct security training sessions, drills, and certifications for all staff members. Promote a security-first culture across the organization. Develop and update security Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), enforce policies, and recommend disciplinary actions when necessary.

Performance and Compliance Targets: Achieve zero loss of passports, documents, biometric data, or cash in line with Corporate Security and Embassy requirements. Ensure 100% compliance with Embassy, client, and internal audit standards, maintaining satisfactory audit scores. Log, investigate, and close all security incidents within prescribed service level agreements. Report incidents immediately to relevant management within 24 hours. Ensure all staff complete mandatory security training and certifications. Maintain strict adherence to SOPs, data privacy laws, GDPR, and Embassy protocols. Monitor security infrastructure effectively to protect assets. Control and optimize security-related costs while preventing financial losses due to fraud or theft. Minimize risks of penalties, contract breaches, and reputational damage through strong governance, thereby protecting the company’s brand, diplomatic trust, and client confidence.

Required Qualifications

Education: A minimum of a degree in Security Management, Criminal Justice, IT Security, or Risk Management.

Experience: 5 to 8 years of experience in security, compliance, or risk management roles. Prior experience in visa centres, BPO, banking, government services, or other high-security environments is essential. Familiarity with ISO standards, GDPR, or Embassy security frameworks is preferred.

Behavioral Competencies: Strong entrepreneurship mindset, quality and service orientation, teamwork and collaboration skills, sensitivity to diversity, commitment to personal and professional development, ability to deliver results, effective communication, and leadership capabilities.

Functional Competencies: Expertise in risk assessment and management, incident response and crisis management, investigation and reporting, fraud prevention and investigation, data protection and privacy, audit and certification management, and risk and compliance control.

Additional Requirements: Fluency in both the local language and English is mandatory. Knowledge of an additional international language is advantageous. Experience working in culturally diverse environments and cross-functional expertise will be beneficial.

This role offers the opportunity to lead security operations in a dynamic, multicultural setting, ensuring the highest standards of protection and compliance within the Visa Application Centre.