Security, Manager

About the role

This Security Manager position places you at the heart of KoBold Metals' operations in Zambia, where you will own the end-to-end design, implementation, and management of the country-level security program. You are responsible for ensuring that all security activities align with global standards while being scaled appropriately for the specific risk environment of the Zambian context. A core part of your ownership is to act as the primary liaison and coordinator with all relevant national authorities, including the Zambia National Police and the District Joint Operations Committee, particularly for sensitive border operations. You will leverage your extensive background to select, vet, and manage both local and international security providers through a rigorous, company-specific matrix. The role demands that you translate the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights into concrete, on-the-ground procedures for the mining and extractives sector in Zambia. You will develop and deploy security strategies that are proven to function effectively in remote, logistically complex, and high-risk environments. Ultimately, you will safeguard personnel, assets, and operations while balancing the needs of private security with local communities, NGOs, and civil society stakeholders.

Key facts

What you'll do

You will design, implement, and manage comprehensive country-level security programs for Zambia that adhere to global standards and are scaled for risk.

You will coordinate escort protocols and liaison functions with the Zambia National Police, District Joint Operations Committee, and relevant authorities for sensitive border areas.

You will select, onboard, and manage local and international security providers using a KoBold-specific vetting matrix to ensure quality and compliance.

You will develop and manage security operations in Zambia, ensuring deep knowledge of the Zambian legal and regulatory landscape and key government institutions.

You will demonstrate proven ability to handle security operations in remote, logistically complex, and high-risk environments without compromise.

You will apply strong working knowledge of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights to guide practical implementation within mining and extractives contexts.

You will manage armed and unarmed guard forces as well as contracted security providers to ensure operational effectiveness and adherence to policy.

You will build and maintain intelligence networks to produce actionable threat assessments that inform strategic security decisions.

You will utilize extensive investigative and investigation management experience to support due diligence and internal inquiries.

You will balance private security operations with local communities, NGOs, and civil society to maintain positive social license to operate.

You will enforce security contracting compliance with a strong understanding of US FCPA, UK Bribery Act, and local anti-corruption frameworks.

You will leverage experience in the mining, oil & gas, or natural resources sectors, with a preference for background in Zambia's Copperbelt region.

You will ensure familiarity with border area security operations adjacent to the Democratic Republic of Congo to mitigate cross-border risks.

You will apply knowledge of international security standards for private security contractors, such as IFC Performance Standards, to guide best practices.

You will lead crisis management frameworks, including kidnap & ransom response and medical evacuation planning, to protect personnel in emergencies.

You will exercise excellent leadership, negotiation, and cross-cultural communication skills to manage diverse teams and stakeholders.

You will willingness to travel extensively and work in remote field locations to ensure security operations are effective on the ground.

You will demonstrate proficiency in English, both written and spoken, while valuing knowledge of local Zambian languages such as Bemba, Nyanja, and Tonga as an asset.

You will utilize working knowledge of French to facilitate cross-border coordination when necessary.

Requirements

You must be a Zambian national with the right to work in Zambia and a residence in Zambia, with consideration for a relocation plan to Lusaka.

You must possess a minimum of 15 years of experience in corporate security, law enforcement, military, or intelligence, including at least 3-5 years in a leadership or management capacity.

You must have demonstrated experience managing security operations in Zambia, including knowledge of the Zambian legal and regulatory landscape, government institutions, and key stakeholders such as the Zambia National Police, Zambia Army, and DJOC.

You must show proven ability to develop and manage security programs in remote, logistically complex, and high-risk environments.

You must have strong working knowledge of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights and their practical application in mining or extractives.

You must have experience managing armed and unarmed guard forces and contracted security providers.

You must demonstrate ability to build and maintain intelligence networks and produce actionable threat assessments.

You must have extensive investigative and investigation management experience as an asset.

Practical notes

Typical interview steps

Security interviews usually include a technical assessment, a threat modeling exercise, and behavioral rounds. Candidates may be asked to review a code sample for vulnerabilities or design a secure system. Practical knowledge and clear risk communication are the core skills. Interviewers often ask how you triage and communicate risk. Showing calm judgment under pressure matters as much as technical depth.

Good to know

Work in a sector where remote deposits demand more advanced exploration methods. Use data science, novel sensors, and fieldwork to locate metals for electric vehicles and renewable energy. Operate across many countries and partner with leading technology companies and research institutions.