Job Purpose
Under the direction and supervision of the Manager, Physical Security & Surveillance Monitoring, the Supervisor, Physical Security will be responsible to:
- Coordinate and support the implementation of physical security programs to protect Jamaica’s borders, Agency staff, customers, assets, and revenue.
- Supervise daily physical security operations, including facility risk assessments, security guard management, electronic access control, incident resolution, and breach investigations.
- Assist in executing disaster recovery and contingency plans to ensure continuous security and safety during emergencies.
- Maintain effective working relationships with internal stakeholders and local security personnel to facilitate smooth security operations.
Key Responsibility Areas
Technical/Professional Responsibilities
Implementation and Compliance
- Implement the JCA’s physical security protocols and procedures across all Agency-operated and occupied sites.
- Conduct security assessments of terminals, warehouses, and other facilities to ensure compliance with Agency security requirements.
- Perform periodic audits and inspections of the Agency’s tangible and intangible assets to ensure adherence to physical and personnel security standards and policies.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of developments and best practices in physical security.
- Provide recommendations based on security data analysis to improve the Agency’s security programs and needs.
- Conduct site surveys of new facilities with the Ministry of National Security to assess security needs and verify compliance.
Incident Management and Investigations
- Serve as the day-to-day point of contact for physical security, investigations, and incident reporting.
- Respond promptly to routine and emergency security incidents, while prioritizing customer service and protection of Agency assets and personnel.
- Identify, investigate, and resolve security breaches; assist with external investigations as required.
- Prepare detailed incident reports, maintain security incident databases, and submit reports and tactical or strategic proposals.
Security Personnel Management
- Provide day-to-day leadership, supervision, and direction to contracted security guards, including liaison with contractor management.
- Coordinate patrol activities of high-risk areas with contracted security personnel.
- Collaborate with contracted guards to prevent security breaches and ensure effective incident response.
- Train security personnel and Agency staff on security policies, procedures, and environmental awareness related to loss prevention and physical security.
Access Control and Equipment Management
- Manage and approve the issuance of security and temporary passes for staff, visitors, and contractors.
- Coordinate deployment and use of intrusion detection systems, alarm systems, and panic buttons at all sites.
- Maintain an active inventory of security-related equipment, ensuring operational readiness.
- Ensure resources and facilities are available for collecting and temporarily holding weapons for visitors at Agency sites.
Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement
- Collaborate with other JCA Divisions/Branches to support the implementation of physical security strategies and safeguard assets.
- Maintain strong liaison relationships with local law enforcement agencies, first responders (police, JDF, Coast Guard, fire brigade, ambulance), and other security partners.
- Request and coordinate assistance from external agencies when dealing with criminal or emergencies on Agency premises.
- Support and provide advance assessments for other security programs such as event security and emergency response.
Planning and Preparedness
- Coordinate the planning and implementation of security contingency, disaster management plans, and simulation exercises.
- Regularly update the Manager, Physical Security & Surveillance Monitoring Services on security strategy implementation, compliance, and emerging issues.
Human Resources Responsibilities
- Provides day-to-day supervision in the continual performance improvement of the Unit.
- Guides the Unit staff in interpreting the policies and procedures to determine proper courses of action.
- Participates in developing the Section Workplans and prepares work plans for direct reports.
- Documents and maintains Standard Operating Procedures for areas of responsibility.
- Monitor and review the section’s performance to ensure its agreed performance targets are met.
- Conducts periodic reviews of direct reports by work plans.
- Conducts assessment of direct reports based on performance assessment criteria and prepares performance reports.
- Evaluates the performance of direct report in keeping with targets and standards.
- Signs performance management reports.
- Ensures staff have sufficient physical resources to undertake their duties efficiently and effectively.
- Recommends transfer, promotion, termination and leave by established Human Resource Policies and Procedures.
- Provide leadership and guidance to staff through coaching, mentoring, training, and support as needed.
- Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Unit.
- Recommend disciplinary action where necessary in respect of direct reports.
- Institutes strategies to achieve the unit’s established short- and long-term objectives and ensures that the design and objectives are communicated to the staff.
- Hold regular staff meetings to discuss the unit’s work, try to solve any problem that may surface, and review the progress towards achieving the objectives.
- Ensures that the staff is provided with the necessary tools and equipment to carry out their functions effectively and efficiently.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Contributes to the strategic planning and review process for the Unit’s activities.
- Monitors work processes, systems and controls within the unit to achieve its objectives effectively and efficiently.
- Contributes to developing operational manuals, outlining applicable policies and procedures for the operational activities to be integrated into a single Operations Handbook for Jamaica Customs.
Customer Service Responsibilities
- Maintains customer service principles, standards, and measurements.
- Identifies and incorporates the interests and needs of customers in business process design.
- Ensures critical success factors are identified and meet expectations.
Other Responsibilities
- Performs all other duties and functions as may be required occasionally.
- May be required to provide witness statements, attend court proceedings, and give evidence.
- Enforces Health & Safety Policies & Procedures and mitigates and minimises workplace hazards.
Required Skills/Competencies
Core
- Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide teams effectively.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including interacting professionally with diverse audiences.
- Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills.
- Advanced planning, organisation, and time management abilities to prioritise and manage multiple demands.
- Strong analytical, judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
- Strategic thinking with the capacity to monitor, evaluate, and advise on security matters, including international developments.
- Keen attention to detail and sharp observational skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively within a team environment.
- Adaptable and composed under pressure.
- Maintains high levels of confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism.
- Skilled in exercising tact, diplomacy, and sound judgment, especially in sensitive situations.
- Ability to manage change and lead operational improvements in a dynamic environment.
- Capacity to communicate and collaborate effectively with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
- Sound discretion and independent judgment, particularly in the absence of senior management.
Technical
- Expert knowledge of Jamaican Customs laws, regulations, and operational procedures.
- In-depth understanding of physical security principles, risks, and mitigation strategies.
- Proven experience in developing, implementing, and managing risk-based security programs.
- Familiarity with legal frameworks and best practices related to investigations and security operations.
- Hands-on experience with physical security technologies, including access control systems, alarm systems, intrusion detection, visitor management, badging, and patrol operations.
- Skilled in preparing detailed and accurate incident reports, security assessments, and post-incident reviews.
- Capable of coordinating with emergency responders and managing incident command protocols during critical events.
- Knowledge of managing aggressive behaviour and conducting security audits.
- Demonstrated ability to ensure compliance with national and international safety, health, and security standards.
- Ability to safeguard highly confidential and sensitive information.
- Multi-disciplinary approach to security management integrating operational, technical, and administrative aspects.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant IT tools to support reporting and communication
Minimum Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies, Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Security Management, Security Technology, or a related field from a recognised tertiary institution.
- At least five (5) years experience in corporate security, intelligence, military, or law enforcement, with at least two (2) years in a supervisory or leadership role.
- Proven experience conducting security training and drills, including onboarding, emergency response, and evacuation procedures.
- Formal training in Supervisory Management
- Specialized training and certifications in security-related disciplines such as Risk Assessment, Investigations, Emergency Preparedness, or Threat Management.
- Demonstrated experience in managing multiple security workflows and responding to critical incidents.
- Familiarity with Workplace Violence Prevention, Business Continuity Planning (BCP), and incident response protocols.
- Experience with physical security systems and technology platforms, including access control, CCTV, intrusion detection, and visitor management.
- District Constable or Bailiff designation would be an asset.
- Certified Protection Professional (CPP) or equivalent international certification (e.g., PSP, PCI) would be advantageous.
- Experience working in a regulated environment or with government or international stakeholders would be a plus.
Special Conditions Associated with The Job
- Work will be conducted in various office locations and operational environments, using standard equipment and specialised security software.
- Operates in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment with continuous engagement with internal and external stakeholders, including law enforcement and regulatory bodies.
- Must be available to respond to security-related incidents and emergencies on a 24/7 basis.
- Extensive islandwide travel is required, often at short notice.
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and during emergencies or critical incidents.
- May be required to carry a licensed firearm in accordance with legal requirements and organisational policy.
- High-risk exposure to potentially volatile or hostile environments and situations.
- Subject to routine and ad hoc polygraph testing and background checks.
- Occasional high-pressure situations due to simultaneous incidents, multiple inquiries, or crisis scenarios.
- Regularly required to be on-call and available for rapid deployment.
- Duties may involve prolonged walking, standing, or patrolling in various environmental conditions.
- Exposure to hazardous working conditions, including dust, noise, heat, confined spaces, and proximity to moving machinery or heavy equipment.
