Manager, Public Safety – Marquee Events - ref. w1347323
Job Description:
Manager, Public Safety – Marquee Events
Full-Time; Contract (June to September 30, 2026, with possibility to extend)
Date Posted: May 23^rd, 2025
Who we are…
The Pacific National Exhibition is an iconic institution in BC, famous for bringing generations of people together to celebrate and build memories. This 115-year-old, non-profit organization has an annual operating budget of over $70 million dollars and generates revenue through four activity streams: the 15 day annual summer Fair which averages more than 700,000 people annually, Playland amusement park which welcomes 400,000 guests annually including Fright Nights, and a busy year-round portfolio of events including concerts, trade shows and film, cultural and community events.
In total we bring over 2 million people through the site each year. The fourth activity stream is park care and facility maintenance. The PNE is proud of the work it does at Hastings Park and has a vibrant team that is passionate about events, guest experience and delivering memorable experiences.
At the PNE, we strive to create an environment that reflects our organization’s core values: Enthusiasm, Excellence and Evolution. With a focus on these core values, we are committed to achieving our mission which is to “Deliver Memorable Experiences” for all who interact with the PNE whether it is our guests, our employees or the community.
The PNE is excited to be a Host Venue for FIFA FanFest during the FIFA World Cup 2026™. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Manager, Public Safety – Marquee Events to lead the planning, development, and delivery of all security and safety operations related to this world-class event.
Reporting to the Director of Safety & Security, this role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of safety, security, risk mitigation, and emergency preparedness for the FIFA FanFest hosted on the PNE festival grounds. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader with strong project management skills and experience coordinating with law enforcement, emergency services, and key stakeholders.This role will lead all preparedness efforts in close collaboration with the Vancouver Host City Committee and other partners to ensure a coordinated, effective, and integrated safety and security strategy.
Why join our Team?- 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 will you do this year?
In your role as the Manager, Public Safety – Marquee Events, your main duties will include:
- Lead the end-to-end planning, development, and implementation of all safety and security operations for FIFA FanFest at the PNE festival grounds.
- Serve as the primary liaison between the PNE and key external partners, including the Vancouver Host City Committee, Vancouver Police Department, fire and emergency services, private security providers, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Collaborate with internal PNE departments to ensure event security plans are integrated with site operations, crowd management, and guest experience strategies.
- Develop a comprehensive site security plan, including access control, credentialing, surveillance, bag checks, metal detection, and emergency response protocols.
- Lead and coordinate emergency planning efforts, including scenario planning, tabletop exercises, and communication strategies.
- Ensure all safety and security protocols meet FIFA, municipal, provincial, and federal safety and risk standards.
- Oversee the development and delivery of training and briefings for staff and contracted security teams related to emergency procedures, crowd control, and incident response.
- Conduct and lead risk assessments of all festival venues and ensure appropriate measures are taken to mitigate risks.
- Manage real-time event safety operations, including incident response, crowd monitoring, and coordination with emergency agencies.
- Ensure compliance with applicable legislation including the Criminal Code, WorkSafeBC regulations, and internal PNE policies.
- Support post-event debriefs and contribute to the evaluation and reporting of security and safety performance.
- Perform all other duties as required.
- Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience in safety, security, policy development, or event management.
- 5-7 years of progressive experience in security management, emergency planning, or public safety, ideally within large-scale public events, festivals, or complex organizations.
- Proven experience developing and executing operational and emergency plans in high-profile, dynamic environments, with strong knowledge of safety standards, emergency response protocols, and risk management best practices.
- Experience working with police, fire, and emergency services, with a strong understanding of stakeholder coordination at all levels, including government agencies, regulatory bodies, and private contractors.
- Familiarity with international sporting event safety and security frameworks, regulations, and best practices is considered a strong asset.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multi-stakeholder projects.
- Deep knowledge of risk and crisis management, emergency preparedness, and incident response planning.
- Strong leadership, communication, and strategic problem-solving skills; ability to remain calm under pressure and make sound decisions during critical situations.
- Working knowledge of the Criminal Code, local bylaws, and relevant provincial and federal legislation.
- Must be available to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays, particularly during the event period.
- Successful candidates must undergo a Criminal Record Check.
- A confident and collaborative leader with a passion for public safety and large-scale events.
- Calm under pressure with a proactive, solution-focused mindset.
- Skilled at navigating complex stakeholder relationships across agencies and departments.
- Experienced in safety and security planning for festivals or major public events.
- Strong communicator and strategic thinker who values teamwork and detailed planning.
- Adaptable, hands-on, and committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences.
- Well-versed in emergency preparedness, risk management, and operational execution.
Where and when to APPLY?
Applications can be submitted via the PNE website at www.pne.ca/jobs and will be accepted until the role is filled.
Preference will be given to candidates who submit their resume/cover letter before Sunday, June 22 . We look forward to hearing from you!
Additional Information
The PNE's compensation offerings are in alignment with a pay-for-performance pay philosophy that recognizes individual, and teamwork performance. The role is a contract, full-time position with a typical salary range of $80,000 - $90,000 per annum.The starting salary will be based on the successful candidate’s competencies, including but not limited to knowledge, skills, experience, and internal pay structures. As a part of the PNE's total compensation package, this position may be eligible for other benefits subject to program eligibility requirements.
The PNE is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating an inclusive workforce that reflects the diverse community we proudly serve. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or age.If you require any support or accommodations throughout any stage of the recruitment process, please contact the People & Culture Department at hr@pne.ca.