Head of Security

Job Description

The Killarney Grand – A Home for Music, Culture and Community

Located in the heart of one of Ireland’s most loved tourist towns, The Killarney Grand is more than a venue – it is a vibrant centre for live music, Irish culture, and community spirit. Affectionately known as “The Grand,” it encompasses Paddy Sheehan’s Bar, The Grand Nightclub, The Piano Bar, and the boutique Grand Hotel. From traditional Irish tunes spilling onto Main Street to the late-night energy inside the nightclub, The Grand delivers an atmosphere that is electric, welcoming, and unmistakably Irish.

Renowned as one of Ireland’s premier live music destinations, The Killarney Grand hosts performances seven nights a week, offering everything from lively trad sessions and local folk to energetic cover bands and touring acts. Beyond the music, The Grand is defined by its people — known for their genuine Irish hospitality.

Purpose of the Role

The Head of Security is responsible for leading and overseeing all security operations within the venue to ensure the safety and wellbeing of customers, staff, contractors, and the premises. The role shall be focused on maintaining a safe, professional, and welcoming environment while supporting the smooth operation of a busy hospitality venue.

The Head of Security will manage the security team, respond to incidents effectively, ensure compliance and safety requirements are upheld, and work closely with senior leadership to uphold high operational and customer service standards.

Key Responsibilities

Management

• Lead and manage all security operations across the venue during trading hours and events.
• Supervise, coordinate, and support the entire security team, including door staff.
• Attend management meetings and provide regular updates on security operations and incident trends to senior leadership.

Duty of Care

• Ensure a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for customers, staff, performers, and contractors.
• Oversee crowd and capacity management, customer entry procedures, and capacity control in line with licencing requirements.
• Responsible for upholding the Duty of Care for customers.
• Liaise with senior leadership and the security team regarding barred customers, incidents, and operational concerns.

Working Pattern

• The nature of this role and working in hospitality will require the candidate to work late nights and weekends.

Incident Reporting

• Lead person responsible for gathering incident reports and statements of incidents.
• Manage incidents professionally including conflict resolution, intoxication issues, refusals of entry, removals, and emergency situations.
• Lead person responsible for completion of incident reports.
• Management of CCTV downloads relating to any incidents for An Garda Síochána, company solicitor and insurance.
• Lead person for investigating incidents, complaints, or breaches of company policy within the security team.

First Aid

• First Aid certification for candidate is desirable.
• Lead person for reporting and management of any head injuries — these must be documented, the injured party advised on company procedure and reported to the company solicitor and insurance company.

Security Equipment

• Manage and maintain bodycam inventory.
• Manage and maintain radio inventory for all departments – security, bar, floor.

Security Operations

• Compile weekly rota for security staff and ensure adequate staffing levels for busy nights, events, and peak trading periods.
• Lead person for vetting customers entering the premises; ensure all entry checks and ID verification are made.
• Management of security labour tracker and related financials.
• Monitor CCTV systems and ensure all security logs, incident reports and records are completed accurately and promptly.
• Conduct regular security briefings with the team before shifts and events.
• Work closely with bar and floor supervisors to maintain high operational and customer service standards.
• Assist in developing and implementing venue security procedures and emergency response plans.
• Liaise with An Garda Síochána, emergency services and local authorities where required.
• Monitor customer behaviour throughout the venue and proactively identify potential risks or issues.
• Manage closing procedures and ensure the safe departure of customers at the end of trading hours.

Training

• Candidate should hold an in-date PSA licence.
• Management of PSA licence inventory for the security team, including renewals.
• Ensure security staff maintain a professional appearance, professional conduct and always uphold licencing requirements.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and training of new security personnel including vetting of applicants.

Compliance

• Ensure compliance with licencing laws.
• Ensure safety obligations are upheld as well as company policies and procedures.

Business Reputation

• Function as an ambassador for The Killarney Grand, promoting the business and upselling to customers.
• Ensure search procedures are conducted professionally and consistently.

Key Skills

• Embody the true spirit of Irish hospitality and uphold the tradition of Céad Míle Fáilte.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent conflict management and communication skills with ability to remain calm under pressure and make decisions quickly.
• Professional, approachable, and customer-focused manner.
• Strong organisational and multitasking abilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexible to work weekends and evenings if required.
• Competent in IT and tech usage/management for the role.

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience in a similar role is required.
• Valid PSA licence required.
• First Aid certification is desirable.
• Experience working with CCTV and incident reporting systems.
• Knowledge of health and safety procedures and emergency evacuation protocols.

Benefits Package

• Highly competitive, experience-aligned salary.
• Exclusive performance bonus recognising exceptional contribution.
• Enhanced pension contributions.
• Fully covered professional expenses.
• Company laptop and mobile phone.

How to Apply

We are seeking candidates with previous experience in a similar leadership position within security, hospitality, events, or nightlife operations. Whether you meet every requirement listed in the job description or bring transferable experience from a comparable role, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Apply via the button below. A CV is not mandatory but would be welcomed.