Deputy Lead – Security
Posted
Summary
Deputy Lead – Security supporting the Head of Security at a manufacturing/FMCG site in Thika/Ruiru, Kenya. Day-to-day work covers guard manpower deployment and rosters, access control, CCTV and alarm monitoring, incident response and investigations, and security reporting/compliance. Requires ~10 years' security experience including 5 in a leadership role.
Job title: Deputy Lead – Security
Location: Thika / Ruiru, Kenya
Role Summary
We are looking for an experienced and dependable Deputy Lead – Security to support the Head of Security in overseeing day-to-day security operations and safeguarding the Company’s people, assets and premises.
The role will work closely with the Head of Security in overseeing security operations and will deputise when required, supporting manpower deployment, access control, surveillance, incident management, investigations and emergency response.
This role requires a hands-on security professional with strong leadership skills, sound judgement, integrity and the ability to manage security teams effectively while maintaining high standards of operational discipline.
Key Responsibilities
Security Operations & Manpower Management
• Support the Head of Security in coordinating day-to-day security operations and deputise in their absence.
• Plan and coordinate security manpower deployment to ensure adequate coverage across designated security points.
• Prepare and manage duty rosters, shifts, officer replacements and redeployment.
• Conduct regular patrols, perimeter inspections and manpower audits to ensure officer alertness, discipline, grooming and performance.
• Ensure effective protection of Company people, assets and premises against theft, intrusion, vandalism, fire and other security threats.
• Oversee security controls relating to receipt and dispatch of goods, offloading of raw materials, waste disposal and movement through designated factory entry and exit points.
• Ensure security personnel are properly deployed, briefed and compliant with established security procedures.
Access Control & Surveillance
• Oversee the entry and exit of employees, visitors, contractors, vehicles and other persons accessing Company premises.
• Ensure searches and access-control procedures are conducted professionally and in accordance with Company requirements.
• Monitor CCTV, access control, alarm and other security systems and ensure exceptions or suspicious activities are promptly addressed.
• Identify security vulnerabilities and recommend appropriate preventive and corrective measures.
Team & Performance Management
• Supervise, guide and motivate security personnel to maintain high standards of discipline, professionalism and performance.
• Conduct regular security briefings and ensure officers understand their responsibilities and deployment requirements.
• Monitor security personnel performance and escalate conduct, discipline or performance concerns for appropriate action.
• Promote accountability, teamwork and adherence to Company standards across the security function.
Incident Management & Investigations
• Respond promptly to security incidents, emergencies and operational challenges and ensure appropriate escalation.
• Conduct preliminary security investigations and gather relevant information and intelligence as required.
• Ensure incidents, irregularities, property damage, theft and unauthorised activities are accurately recorded in the Occurrence Book and other relevant records.
• Prepare timely, factual and confidential investigation and incident reports for management review.
• Support emergency preparedness and response to security-related threats and incidents.
Reporting & Compliance
• Maintain accurate security records including Occurrence Books, deployment registers, duty rosters, incident reports and equipment records.
• Monitor proper use, custody and accountability of security equipment and resources.
• Ensure security operations comply with Company policies, procedures and applicable security standards.
• Prepare periodic security reports and operational updates for the Head of Security and Management.
• Identify recurring security risks and recommend measures to strengthen controls and improve security operations.
Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Education & Professional Training
• Bachelor’s degree in Security Management, Criminology or a related field will be an added advantage.
• Relevant professional security training is required.
Experience
• Minimum 10 years of relevant security experience, including at least 5 years in a supervisory or security leadership role, with proven experience managing security teams and operations within the manufacturing or FMCG industry.
• Previous experience in corporate security, law enforcement or the military is desirable.
• Practical experience with CCTV surveillance, access control systems and alarm systems.
• Good understanding of manpower planning, rostering, investigations, incident management, emergency response and security risk management.
• Experience preparing security reports and maintaining operational security records.
Skills & Competencies
• Strong leadership and team-management capability.
• Sound judgement and decision-making.
• Strong investigation and problem-solving skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong report-writing and documentation skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, discipline and accountability.
• Ability to remain calm and make appropriate decisions during security incidents and emergencies.
• Flexibility to work shifts, weekends and public holidays where operationally required.
What Success Looks Like
• Effective security coverage and manpower deployment across assigned operations.
• Strong discipline, accountability and performance within the security team.
• Effective access control and protection of Company people, assets and premises.
• Security incidents responded to, investigated, documented and escalated promptly.
• Improved identification and mitigation of security risks and vulnerabilities.
• Accurate and timely security reporting to support management decision-making.
• Effective continuity of security leadership when deputising the Head of Security.