Director of Security

Lead security, safety and operational risk management for a prestigious location in Tokyo. You will combine strategic oversight with clear, timely action in a busy international environment. This role calls for a confident people leader who makes sound decisions under pressure and follows through on commitments.

You will work closely with the leadership, providing clear reporting and advice in English while leading a Japanese-speaking security team. 

Responsibilities

·        Set the direction for security, safety and operational risk management, maintaining effective policies, procedures, controls and emergency arrangements.

·        Ensure compliance with corporate policies, local regulations and relevant industry standards. Identify and reduce operational risks through intelligence gathering, incident analysis and preventive measures.

·        Lead crisis management, emergency preparedness, incident response and post-incident reviews. Communicate emerging threats, including severe weather, promptly and keep leadership informed of readiness and actions.

·        Oversee investigations and claims, working with legal counsel, insurers and authorities as needed. Maintain effective relationships with Japanese police and fire services.

·        Drive occupational health and safety initiatives, staff training and workers’ compensation processes.

·        Recruit, develop and manage the security team, setting clear expectations, monitoring performance and supporting succession planning.

·        Manage departmental budgets and deploy security personnel, technology and resources effectively, including coordination with the external security provider.



Experience and capabilities

·        Extensive experience in security, safety and operational risk management. Luxury hospitality experience would be ideal; candidates with transferable corporate or physical security experience from other sectors may also be considered, subject to assessment.

·        Business-level Japanese and English are both essential. You must be able to communicate confidently in Japanese with the team, police and fire services, and in English with leadership and international colleagues.

·        Proven crisis leadership and sound judgement under pressure, with strong investigative, analytical and incident management skills.

·        A solid understanding of security-related legal, regulatory and compliance requirements.

·        Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a team, make firm decisions, organise priorities and deliver work on time.

·        Strong stakeholder management, influencing and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across an international workforce and senior leadership team.