Group Head of Physical Security at Equity Bank Kenya

• The Head of Physical Security, you will be responsible for providing strategic direction, governance, and operational oversight for an organization’s physical security functions. The purpose of this position is to protect people, assets, facilities, and operations by developing, implementing, and maintaining effective security programs, policies, and systems that reduce risk and ensure a safe and secure environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy & Policy Development
• Develop and implement a comprehensive physical security strategy aligned with corporate objectives and risk tolerance.
• Establish, maintain, and update security policies, standards, guidelines, and procedures to mitigate risk and safeguard people and assets.
• Risk Management & Assessments
• Lead continuous identification, evaluation, and mitigation of physical security risks, threats, and vulnerabilities across the organization.
• Conduct regular security risk assessments, audits, threat analyses, and gaps evaluations.
• Security Operations Oversight
• Oversee day-to-day physical security operations including access control, CCTV/surveillance, intrusion detection, visitor management, alarms, and perimeter protection.
• Direct incident response, emergency preparedness, investigations, and crisis management plans.
• Leadership & Team Management
• Lead, mentor, and develop the security team, including hiring, training, performance management, and career development.
• Manage relationships with external security contractors, guard services, and vendor partners.
• Compliance & Reporting
• Ensure compliance with relevant legal, regulatory, and industry security requirements.
• Prepare and present security posture reports, incident summaries, and risk information to senior leadership.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
• Collaborate with internal departments (e.g., Real Estates, Facilities, HR, IT, Operations, Legal) to integrate security into business operations.
• Serve as a point of contact with law enforcement, emergency responders, building management, and external partners.
• Technology & Systems Management
• Oversee the deployment, standardization, and lifecycle management of physical security technology systems (access control, CCTV, intrusion sensors, etc.).
• Evaluate new security technologies and optimize current installations to enhance protective measures.
• Training & Security Awareness
• Develop and deliver security training and awareness programs for employees, ensuring clarity around security protocols and emergency responses.
• Continuous Improvement
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and key risk indicators (KRIs), and drive regular improvements to security processes and program effectiveness.
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• Core Accountabilities and Deliverables
•  Physical Security Strategy & Governance
• Lead development, approval, and execution of the enterprise-wide physical security strategy and roadmap in alignment with organizational goals.
• Establish, maintain, and update security policies, standards, guidelines, procedures, and operating frameworks.
• Ensure strategy reflects evolving threat landscapes, risk tolerance, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation
• Conduct periodic risk assessments, threat analyses, vulnerability studies, and business impact evaluations.
• Ensure identification of security gaps and delivery of remediation plans that reduce risk exposure for people, property, and assets.
• Maintain a physical security risk register and report on trending risks with actionable insights.
• Operational Delivery & Oversight
• Oversee implementation and maintenance of core physical security operations — access control, CCTV/surveillance, alarm systems, perimeter security, executive protection, emergency response and incident management.
• Track and report operational performance metrics (KPIs), site security audit outcomes, vendor SLA compliance, and incident response readiness.
• Validate that security systems and processes function effectively across all facilities.
• Incident Response & Crisis Management
• Assume accountability for major security incidents, emergency plans, and response execution.
• Deliver post-incident analysis, corrective actions, and organizational learning reports.
• Ensure escalation pathways and crisis communications are well defined and tested.
• Leadership & Team Development
• Provide leadership, direction, training, performance evaluation, and development for the security team and contracted partners.
• Define roles, responsibilities, performance expectations, and succession plans for security personnel.
• Foster a high-performance culture with continuous learning and professional development.
• Compliance & Assurance
• Ensure organizational compliance with applicable physical security laws, regulatory requirements, standards (e.g., ISO 27001, PCI DSS physical security controls), and audit findings.
• Drive internal and external security assurance reviews and implement agreed-upon controls.
• Produce compliance reports and deliver actionable remediation plans to leadership.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners including Facilities, HR, Operations, Legal, Risk, IT, and external agencies to integrate security into organizational processes.
• Prepare periodic executive-level reports and briefings on security posture, key risks, trends, and investments required.
• Represent the organization in relevant security forums with regulatory bodies, law enforcement, and industry groups.
•  Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Evaluate emerging technologies, tools, and methodologies to enhance physical security effectiveness.
• Drive continuous process improvements, automation opportunities, and optimization of security investments.
• Benchmark security performance against industry standards and best practices.

 Experience Requirements

• 8- 10 years of relevant experience in Physical Security risks management
• At least 5 years’ experience in Physical Security or Security Project Management
• Experience in working in field environments is preferred.
• Experience in developing and implementing Physical security policies, procedures, and standards.
• Demonstrated experience in effective liaison and coordination with law enforcement agencies and security partners.

Academic Qualifications and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in security management.
• Possession of either CSMP, CPP, or PSP certifications
• Proven proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English. French is an added advantage.