Director of Protection Services

About the role

The Director of Protection Services will provide strategic and operational leadership for safety and security across North-West University’s multi‑campus environment. Reporting to the DVC of Operations, Digital and AI Systems, the role ensures a safe, secure and compliant environment for students, staff, visitors and university property.

Key responsibilities

• Co‑determine and implement the Protection Services strategy aligned with university strategy and national imperatives.
• Develop and oversee comprehensive safety and security plans, risk assessments, crime‑prevention priorities and technology‑enabled solutions.
• Lead the implementation and periodic review of the Gender‑Based Violence response protocol in line with DHET policy.
• Direct investigations of serious incidents, manage caseload, evidence, timelines and use systems such as CHASE.
• Analyse crime intelligence, incident trends and hotspot data to guide resource deployment and proactive interventions.
• Ensure effective day‑to‑day security operations across campuses, including access control, parking management, special‑event security, visible patrols and outsourced services.
• Develop, maintain and monitor SOPs, service‑level agreements and compliance with relevant legislation.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Security Management or related field (NQF Level 9).
• PSIRA registration (Grade A).
• Minimum eight years of relevant experience in protection services, safety and security management, law enforcement, policing, military, intelligence or risk management.
• At least five years in senior management positions.

Required skills

• Experience with CHASE investigation management system.