Assistant Manager, Public Safety - Events

Pacific National Exhibition • Vancouver, BC

38d • CA$74,000 - CA$80,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Assistant Manager, Public Safety – Events. This role will work under the direction of the Manager, Public Safety and provide direct administrative and operational support to all PNE events. The PNE is an iconic, non-profit organization in BC with a 114-year history, generating revenue through its summer and winter fairs, Playland amusement park, and a year-round portfolio of events. The organization aims to create an environment reflecting its core values: Enthusiasm, Excellence, and Evolution, with a mission to “Deliver Memorable Experiences.”

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in safety, security, public policy, event management, or a related field — or an equivalent combination of education and progressive experience.
• 5–7 years of increasingly responsible experience in security management, emergency planning, or public safety, preferably supporting large scale events, festivals, or complex organizations.
• Proven track record designing and implementing operational and emergency response plans for high profile, fast moving environments; thorough knowledge of safety standards, incident response protocols, and risk mitigation best practices.
• Experience coordinating with police, fire, emergency services, government agencies, regulatory bodies, and private contractors to achieve timely, compliant outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross functional teams and deliver complex, multi stakeholder projects on schedule.
• Excellent conflict de-escalation skills, decisive judgment under pressure, and clear, confident communication.
• Valid British Columbia Security Worker/Guard License required.
• In-depth knowledge of risk and crisis management, emergency preparedness, and incident command principles.
• Strong leadership, strategic problem solving, and calm decision making during critical incidents.
• Working knowledge of the Criminal Code, applicable local bylaws, and relevant provincial and federal legislation.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required during event periods.
• Successful candidates must pass a Criminal Record Check.

Nice To Haves

• First Aid/CPR certification an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership for the Public Safety – Events team, overseeing 350+ unionized event staff (Captains, Security Guards, Hosts, Ambassadors, Medical) and non-union Duty Managers.
• Develop, implement and maintain security protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and post orders for all security personnel.
• Develop and manage Public Safety event budgets, staffing forecasts, and vendor contracts.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, training coordination and performance management for all Public Safety event staff (union and non-union).
• Plan, develop and execute end-to-end safety and security operations for events and venue spaces, ensuring plans scale to event size and risk level.
• Prepare and deliver clear pre-event briefings and operational handovers to all relevant staff and contractors.
• Coordinate real-time responses to emergencies, medical incidents and unruly behaviour directing resources and escalation as required.
• Act as primary liaison with external partners, including Vancouver Police Department, fire and emergency services, private security providers and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal departments to integrate security providers and other stakeholders.
• Create and maintain comprehensive site security plans covering access control, credentialling, crowd management and guest experience strategies.
• Conduct risk assessments for events and venues and implement mitigating controls to reduce identified risks.
• Serve as the primary contact for law enforcement, emergency services, and event organizers during event operations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation and regulations (e.g., Criminal Code, WorkSafeBC) and with PNE policies.
• Support post-event debriefs and compile evaluations and reports on safety and security performance, lessons learned and improvement actions.

Benefits

• Exhilarating and fun-loving culture
• Flexible work environment
• Opportunity for free or discounted tickets to shows, events, sports games, and much more
• Staff discounts for Playland, The Fair, and Fright Nights, as well as all PNE Food Stands
• Competitive compensation package
• Opportunity to create lasting memories and friendships!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager