Head of Security Unit (80 - 100 %)

11 July 2026
100%
Permanent position
Winterthur

Job summary

Join the Department of Security and Environment in Winterthur! Lead a crucial team improving operational resilience and safety.

Tasks

Oversee the Security Department and manage a small team of specialists.
Develop and coordinate Business Continuity Management concepts.
Ensure effective emergency response, including training and drills.

Skills

Minimum 3 years in security leadership or crisis management.
Strong decision-making and resilience under pressure.
Excellent interpersonal skills with various stakeholders.

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About the job

Security, Operational Capability and Resilience for a Modern Administration

The Department of Security and Environment includes the areas of City Police, Protection & Intervention, Registration and Civil Status, Environmental and Health Protection as well as the City Magistrate's Office. The Security Unit is the central organisational unit for operational security of the Winterthur city administration. It is responsible for the operational emergency organisation, coordinates Business Continuity Management and undertakes central tasks in technical, organisational and advisory security management. The role covers the headquarters with over 850 employees as well as the support of seven departments and the City Chancellery. This entails high visibility, strategic impact and a central role for the operational capability of the administration. We offer you a responsible leadership position with scope for design and high visibility from 1 September 2026 or by arrangement. You will strengthen the safety of employees, the resilience of the city administration and its operational capability in extraordinary situations. You will work at the interface of leadership, security, building management, departments and crisis organisations – meaningful, versatile and with direct impact.

Your Tasks

Leading the Security Unit and personnel management of a small team of specialists

Coordinating and further developing the Operational Security concept and Business Continuity Management

Ensuring emergency response, alerting, evacuation, de-escalation and first aid

Planning, conducting and evaluating training sessions, evacuation drills, crisis staff exercises and alert tests

Responsibility for central tasks in technical, organisational and advisory security management and collaboration with internal departments, external security service providers, authorities, emergency organisations and building management

Your Profile

At least 3 years of experience in security leadership, operational security, emergency organisation, crisis management or Business Continuity Management

Experience in crisis staff work, structured leadership processes under time pressure and situation assessments

Decisive, resilient and assertive personality with a calm, professional demeanour

High social competence in dealing with leaders, administrative units, political stakeholders and external partners

Further training or in-depth knowledge in BCM, crisis management, occupational safety, fire protection or adult education is an advantage

What We Offer

A versatile field of tasks with high impact for the entire city administration

Fair, transparent salary system with market-appropriate remuneration

5 weeks holiday, an additional week from age 55, holiday purchase possible at 100% workload

Long-term development prospects

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Contact

Your questions about the position will be gladly answered by Renate Lichti, Head of Human Resources, telephone +52 267 57 07.
Want to learn more? https://stadt.winterthur.ch/

We look forward to receiving your online application.