Director of Security

We’re Sonesta International Hotels—the 8th largest hotel company in the U.S. and growing fast. An epic blend of full-service and focused hotels in major cities, Sonesta’s uniquely diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties makes us everywhere you want to be. Driven by the human side of hospitality, we deliver service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and experiences that truly connect.

About the role

To ensure the safety and tranquil stay of hotel guests and employees, assist as needed, enforce hotel policies and procedures, and record assigned tasks in writing. Prepare incident and accident reports accurately as specified by the Director of Engineering & Security. Maintain all dock receiving and flow of products/packages inbound and outbound, including shipping items back to guests and clients and distributing packages to appropriate departments or guests. Oversee the property’s lost & found program.

Responsibilities

• Establish documentation and confidential reporting systems for investigation results available for current litigation/settlement and future reference.
• Provide necessary incident reports or information to police, fire agencies, Corporate Legal, Risk Management, and insurance agencies to assist in case evaluation or defense.
• Control labor costs and expenses within the Security department.
• Participate in the preparation of the annual departmental operating budget and financial plans.
• Manage daily activities of the security department, including planning, assigning posts, and scheduling employees for proper coverage.
• Communicate and enforce policies and procedures; recommend or initiate salary, disciplinary, or other HR-related actions.
• Alert management of potentially serious issues and promote teamwork through daily communication with other departments.
• Determine security and safety requirements to protect hotel property, employees, and guests 24/7.
• Train employees on safety issues to ensure compliance with Company loss control policies and regulations.
• Develop and conduct training for general managers, security officers, owners, and employees in safety, security, and fire protection.
• Inform management of hazardous situations, emergencies, or security threats.
• Schedule preventative maintenance and repairs for Security equipment.
• Monitor Workers Compensation claims/statistics and implement procedures to reduce claims.
• Arrange and provide special security services for events and executives as requested.
• Establish and implement procedures for inspecting employee lockers, bags, and parcels.
• Investigate all loss and safety incidents involving guests, employees, or hotel exposure; implement enhancements based on findings.
• Supervise security activities for guests, employees, and owners, ensuring compliance with policies and standards.
• Train and schedule all Security officers.
• Review incidents with the Director of Engineering and keep management informed of major incidents.
• Ensure the Daily Activity Report reflects all security activities and is distributed appropriately.
• Conduct thorough investigations and prepare accurate incident reports for losses, thefts, and accidents.
• Enforce hotel rules, regulations, and Company standards of conduct; conduct detailed investigations as warranted.
• Conduct integrity checks using CCTV as needed.
• Ensure completion of security programs (Lost & Found, Hotel Parking, Locker Room Inspection, Dock handling, Receiving functions, package distribution).
• Review daily logs for completeness and take follow-up action as necessary.
• Prepare and conduct daily shift briefings.
• Participate in monthly inventories.
• Check in, sort, and distribute FedEx, UPS, and USPS packages.
• Assist with pulling and distributing liquor requisitions.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including serving as “manager on duty” when required.
• Work in other hotel areas to assist operations as needed.

Requirements

• Four years of related Security experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience in hotel security, safety, military, or law enforcement, including supervisory experience.
• Must speak fluent Spanish and English; other languages preferred.
• Must be able to work any shifts, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Must have a Food Handler's card and TIPS certification.
• Ability to perform physical tasks: carrying, lifting, pushing, or pulling items weighing up to 50-100 pounds; frequently standing, moving, handling objects, bending, stooping, and kneeling.
• Strong communication skills for interacting with guests, employees, and third parties.
• Certification in safety and training and/or licensed as a Security Officer or Law Enforcement Officer may be required.
• Certified CPR, First Aid instructor, and training in law enforcement techniques desired.
• Working knowledge of local laws, investigation methods, OSHA requirements, and fire/life safety codes.
• Problem-solving, reasoning, motivation, organizational, and training abilities.
• Mathematical skills, including basic math, budgeting, profit/loss concepts, percentages, and variances.

Benefits

• Medical, Pharmacy, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Vacation and Sick Days
• Paid Funeral Leave
• Sonesta Hotel Discounts
• Educational Assistance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Referral Incentive
• Doctor Clinic
• Sick Incentive
• Development Programs
• Milestone (Years of Service) Incentive
• Employee Cafeteria
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Various Employee Perks and Discounts