About The Role
The Security & Life Safety Manager is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational oversight, and continuous enhancement of all security, emergency preparedness, and life safety programs across Bay Adelaide Centre and 2 Queen Street East, representing more than 3.5 million square feet of premier Class A office and mixed-use real estate in Toronto’s downtown core. At the center of this portfolio is Bay Adelaide Centre, one of Toronto's most prestigious commercial office complexes, complemented by oversight of 2 Queen Street East, a critical transit oriented asset directly connected to TTC Queen Station and the future Ontario Line. Together, these properties form a significant employment and transportation hub within the Financial District, requiring a sophisticated and integrated approach to security operations, emergency management, stakeholder engagement, and public safety.
This role is accountable for ensuring the safety and security of tenants, employees, contractors, visitors, and the public through the effective management of security operations, life safety systems, emergency response planning, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation initiatives. The position oversees all security personnel, physical security infrastructure, and third-party service providers, ensuring adherence to applicable legislation, industry best practices, client expectations, and CBRE corporate standards.
As a key member of the property leadership team, the Security & Life Safety Manager provides leadership in daily security operations, crisis management, business continuity planning, tenant engagement, and stakeholder relations. The role fosters strong partnerships with external agencies and community partners, including Toronto Police Service (52 Division and Community Response Unit), PATH-COMM, emergency services, Metrolinx, TTC and municipal authorities to support a safe, secure, and welcoming environment across all assets.
The Security & Life Safety Manager applies security risk management principles to identify, assess, and mitigate risks while safeguarding people, property, operations, and reputation. This position is responsible for maintaining compliance with all applicable government regulations, fire and life safety requirements, and CBRE policies, while driving continuous improvement and operational excellence across the portfolio.
What You’ll Do
Security Operations & Leadership
- Oversee security operations, manage budgets, and ensure timely delivery of departmental objectives and service commitments.
- Oversee the operation and continuous enhancement of the Security Operations Centre (SOC), ensuring effective monitoring, incident management, dispatching, and emergency communications across the Bay Adelaide Centre complex.
- Manage day-to-day security and life safety operations, electronic security systems, investigations, and emergency preparedness activities.
- Develop and execute a multi-year Security & Life Safety strategy aligned with the client, CBRE, and asset management objectives.
- Provide monthly compliance reporting to ownership and senior leadership on security performance metrics, emerging risks, incidents, and capital project initiatives.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance security operations, tenant experience, and operational efficiency.
- Lead security planning for large scale events, demonstrations, labour disruptions, severe weather events, and other business continuity risks.
- Provide formal supervision to employees including recruiting, hiring, coaching, performance evaluations, training, development, and retention.
- Oversee administration and maintenance of CCTV, access control, alarm monitoring, and related security technologies.
- Lead evaluation of emerging physical security technologies including AI-enabled video analytics, visitor management systems, security automation, and integrated command centre solutions.
- Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency through technology and process innovation.
- Coordinate daily activities, schedules, staffing assignments, and cross training initiatives.
- Implement security procedures and ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulations.
- Act as primary point of contact for tenants, clients, stakeholders, and department managers.
- Lead by example and model CBRE RISE values when engaging in diplomatic and high-profile tenant environments.
- Develop and maintain security protocols for high-profile tenants and security sensitive occupancies.
- Foster a customer service focused security culture that balances risk mitigation with exceptional tenant experience.
- Participate in key tenant meetings and support relationship management activities related to security, emergency preparedness, and special events.
- Support tenant onboarding activities including security orientations, access control planning, and emergency preparedness programs.
- Coordinate security operations and emergency response planning with diplomatic security personnel, local and global law enforcement agencies, intelligence partners, and government stakeholders.
- Conduct threat, vulnerability, and risk assessments for high-profile tenants and special events.
- Manage security considerations related to demonstrations, protests, dignitary visits, geopolitical events, and elevated threat conditions.
- Maintain awareness of geopolitical and regional security developments affecting diplomatic occupants.
- Develop strong working relationships with emergency services, protective services, government agencies, and law enforcement partners.
- Develop, implement, maintain, and test Emergency Response Plans, Business Continuity Plans, and Crisis Management procedures.
- Lead emergency response activities during incidents and coordinate with tenants, emergency services, government agencies, clients, and stakeholders.
- Protect the organization and clients from damage and loss through training in fire safety, emergency response, life safety, and first aid.
- Manage fire and life safety programs including fire drills, inspections, fire system testing, evacuation procedures, and corrective action programs.
- Coordinate with fire protection vendors, AHJs, and property management stakeholders.
- Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, codes, standards, and policies related to security, life safety, emergency management, and occupational health and safety.
- Develop and implement strategies addressing vulnerable persons, mental health related incidents, and community safety concerns in collaboration with community partners and Toronto Police.
- Lead audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews and ensure corrective actions are completed.
- Monitor and assess information from credible sources regarding potential security risks and emerging threats impacting the property, tenants, and surrounding community.
- Conduct security risk assessments, threat assessments, and vulnerability assessments.
- Lead investigations involving security incidents, workplace violence, theft, property damage, alarms, and emergencies.
- Analyze incident trends and implement corrective measures to reduce risk.
Contract, Vendor & Technology Management
- Manage security and life safety contracts including guard services, monitoring agreements and providers, maintenance vendors, and consultants.
- Monitor vendor performance, service level agreements, and budget compliance.
- Stay current with innovative technologies, emerging risks, and advancements in physical security and life safety systems.
- Apply knowledge of the security discipline and collaborate across departments to achieve organizational objectives.
What You’ll Need
- High School Diploma or GED with 5+ years of job-related experience. Prior shift manager or supervisory experience preferred. Active local or national security staff certification requirements.
- Direct managerial experience in security and life safety, overseeing a Class A commercial office environment exceeding 1 million square feet.
- Experience working in a high-rise commercial multi-use complex and knowledge working with ACMS and CCTV is preferred.
- Experience working directly with institutional ownership groups, senior executives, and high-profile tenants.
- Must be knowledgeable in security legislation, governing codes, fire and life safety systems and conducting workplace investigations.
- Experience in interviewing, motivating, leading, and mentoring staff
- Demonstrated experience managing critical incidents and leading teams during emergencies.
- 5+ years’ experience in developing/managing operational and capital expenditure for fiscal budgets.
- Support major capital projects, tenant fit-outs, and construction activities through risk assessments, access control planning, and life safety reviews.
- Participate in design reviews and security planning associated with redevelopment projects and building enhancements.
- A strong history of community involvement and leadership is an asset.
- Excellent operational knowledge of fire alarm and security systems including ACMS, intercoms, elevator controls, 2-way radios, telephones, duress system, CCTV, CCURE, and key control and security related technologies.
- Strong skills in MS Word/Excel/PowerPoint/Outlook within an Office/Windows environment.
- Knowledge of procurement systems such as P2P, Pulse
Education/Designations/Licenses
- Strong working knowledge of the criminal code as it applies to trespass, young offenders etc.
- Industry recognized certification (CPP) or equivalent experience and training preferred.
- Certification in Emergency Management (CEM, AEM, or equivalent) considered an asset.
- First Aid/CPR certification required or ability to obtain upon hire.
- Incident Command System (ICS 100/200/300) certification considered an asset.
- Must be knowledgeable with the PSISA and relevant workplace health and safety legislation including OHSA, WHMIS and Workplace Violence (requires federal, provincial, and local legislation knowledge).
- Must be able to obtain Level 2 Security Clearance with the Government of Canada if required.
Why CBRE
When you join CBRE, you become part of the global leader in commercial real estate services and investment that helps businesses and people thrive. We are dynamic problem solvers and forward-thinking professionals who create significant impact. Our collaborative culture is built on our shared values - respect, integrity, service and excellence - and we value the diverse perspectives, backgrounds and skillsets of our people. At CBRE, you have the opportunity to chart your own course and realize your potential. We welcome all applicants.
Our Values in Hiring
At CBRE, we are committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels they belong. We value diverse perspectives and experiences, and we welcome all applications.
Disclaimers
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.
Applicant AI Use Disclosure
We value human interaction to understand each candidate's unique experience, skills and aspirations. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make hiring decisions, and we ask that candidates disclose any use of AI in the application and interview process.
About CBRE Group, Inc.
CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2024 revenue). The company has more than 140,000 employees (including Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves clients through four business segments: Advisory (leasing, sales, debt origination, mortgage serving, valuations); Building Operations & Experience (facilities management, property management, flex space & experience); Project Management (program management, project management, cost consulting); Real Estate Investments (investment management, development). Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.
CBRE carefully considers multiple factors to determine compensation, including a candidate’s education, training, and experience. The minimum salary for the Security & Life Safety Manager position is $100,000 annually and the maximum salary for the Security & Life Safety Manager position is $120,000 annually. The compensation that is offered to a successful candidate will depend on the candidate’s skills, qualifications, and experience. Successful candidates will also be eligible for a discretionary bonus based on CBRE’s applicable benefit program.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: CBRE is an equal opportunity employer who welcomes and encourages application from all persons regardless of race, creed, ancestry, national or ethnic origin, colour, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, family status, gender identity or expression, disability or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, provincial or territorial law.
Candidate Accommodations: CBRE values the differences of all current and prospective employees and recognizes how every employee contributes to our company’s success. CBRE provides reasonable accommodations in job application procedures for individual with disabilities. If you require assistance due to a disability in the application or recruitment process, please submit a request via email at recruitingaccommodations@cbre.com or via telephone at Via telephone at +1 866 388 4346 (Canada) and +1 866 225 3099 (U.S.)
