Head of Security & Maintenance
Permanent contract / Glion, Switzerland
Glion Institute of Higher Education (GIHE), in the top 5 for Hospitality & Leisure Management by the QS World University Ranking, is a brand of the Sommet Education Group. Founded in 1962, GIHE is a private Swiss institution offering Bachelor's and Master's degrees in hospitality, luxury and event management to an international student body across three campuses in Glion and Bulle, Switzerland, and London, UK.
You share our values: Development, Distinctiveness, Joint commitment, Openness and Sense of service.
As the Head of Security & Maintenance, you will be responsible for leading and optimizing all safety, security, and technical maintenance operations across both Glion and Bulle campuses. This role plays a strategic and operational leadership function, ensuring a secure, efficient, and sustainable environment that supports students, staff, and visitors. The position requires a strong combination of technical expertise, leadership, crisis management, and project oversight skills.
Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
- Serve as a key member of the operational leadership team, contributing to campus-wide strategy related to safety, security, and infrastructure
- Develop and implement long-term plans for maintenance, refurbishment, security protocols, and building development
- Manage annual budgets for both Maintenance and Security departments, including investments and service contracts
- Chair the Glion Health & Safety Committee, ensuring full compliance with regulatory standards and internal policies, while fostering a culture of prevention and accountability
Maintenance Management
- Lead, supervise, and motivate the technical and maintenance teams across both campuses with support for Maintenance Manager
- Ensure optimal functioning and upkeep of all buildings, machinery, and systems through preventive maintenance and timely interventions
- Monitor utility consumption (electricity, water, gas, fuel, waste) and lead sustainability efforts to reduce environmental impact and cost
- Ensure compliance with health, hygiene, environmental, and insurance standards
- Oversee all renovation, refurbishment, and infrastructure projects in close coordination with internal and external stakeholders
- Implement and manage efficient processes for asset management and insurance claims
Security & Safety
- Develop, execute, and oversee all safety and security policies and procedures, aligned with Swiss law and internal standards
- Supervise security operations 24/7 with the support of Security Coordinators
- Ensure proper functioning of access control systems, alarm systems, surveillance (CCTV), and emergency protocols
- Lead crisis and risk management efforts, including business continuity planning and incident response
- Maintain strong relationships with police, fire departments, and local authorities in all relevant cantons
- Conduct security investigations and manage related disciplinary processes when required
Team & Stakeholder collaboration
- Foster a unified team spirit across campuses through regular briefings, meetings, and transparent communication
- Ensure collaboration with other departments, especially during construction projects, access issues, or emergencies
- Represent the institution in external safety/security-related matters and maintain high visibility as a role model of professionalism and compliance
Profile and experiences:
- High School diploma or equivalent (degree from a business school in business administration or facility management would be an advantage)
- Ideally MSST safety, first aid and fire & safety certified
- Minimum 5 - 7 years of relevant experience in technical maintenance, facilities management, and/or campus security operations
- Proven track record of leading multidisciplinary teams across multiple sites
- Demonstrated experience managing large-scale projects, budgets, and external contractors
- Experience in crisis management, risk assessment, and emergency response planning
- Familiarity with Swiss health, safety, and building regulations
- Strong technical knowledge of building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing), security infrastructure (CCTV, access control, alarms), and preventive maintenance planning
- In-depth understanding of health & safety regulations and environmental sustainability standards
- Excellent leadership with the ability to inspire, guide, and manage performance across diverse teams
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and deliver under pressure
- Clear and confident communicator, both verbal and written, with experience presenting to leadership teams and external authorities
- Fluent in French and English (written and spoken); German is an asset
Other information:
- Type of contract: undefined period of time contract
- Activity rate: 100%
- Location: multisite position (Glion & Bulle campuses)
- Start date: as soon as possible