Question 1

What is the difference between a security guard and a security supervisor?

Accepted Answer

A security supervisor is a senior management role responsible for leading and coordinating security teams, managing rosters, and supporting compliance. Security guards perform frontline security duties under supervision. Under the Security Services Industry Award 2020 (MA000016), supervisors are classified at higher levels reflecting their management responsibilities.

Question 2

What award covers security supervisors in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Security supervisors are covered by the Security Services Industry Award 2020 (MA000016). This award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates and conditions for employees working in security services. Supervisors are typically classified at Level 3 or higher depending on their scope of responsibilities.

Question 3

What classification level should I use for a security supervisor?

Accepted Answer

Under the Security Services Industry Award 2020, security supervisors typically fall under Level 3 (supervising small teams) to Level 4 (supervising larger teams or multiple sites). Classification depends on the number of staff supervised, complexity of operations, and level of responsibility. See our Security Services Award rates guide for current classifications.

Question 4

Should I include pay rates in a security supervisor job description?

Accepted Answer

While not legally required, including indicative pay rates helps attract suitable candidates and sets clear expectations. You can reference the applicable award rate or use phrases like 'Award rates plus penalties' or 'Competitive salary based on experience.' Check the Security Services Industry Award 2020 for current supervisory rates.

Question 5

What qualifications do security supervisors need?

Accepted Answer

Security supervisors must hold a current security licence issued by their state or territory. Certificate III or IV in Security Operations is highly preferred. Minimum 2-3 years of security industry experience is typically required, along with previous supervisory or team leadership experience. Use HR software to track staff qualifications and licence renewals.

Question 6

Do security supervisors need any certificates?

Accepted Answer

Security supervisors require: a current security licence (mandatory), Police Check (mandatory), First Aid certificate (mandatory), and preferably Certificate III or IV in Security Operations. Some roles may also require crowd control licence, RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol), or specialized training depending on the security environment.

Question 7

What experience should I look for in a security supervisor?

Accepted Answer

Look for candidates with at least 2-3 years of security experience, previous supervisory or team leadership experience, demonstrated ability to manage staff rosters and schedules, incident management experience, strong understanding of security procedures and compliance requirements, and excellent communication skills for client liaison.

Question 8

Can I promote existing security guards to supervisor roles?

Accepted Answer

Yes, promoting from within is common in the security industry. Ensure the candidate has sufficient experience (typically 2-3 years), demonstrates leadership potential, has strong knowledge of security procedures, and is willing to undertake supervisory training. Consider providing Certificate IV training to support their development in the supervisory role.

Question 9

Should I hire security supervisors on a permanent or casual basis?

Accepted Answer

Security supervisor roles are typically permanent (full-time or part-time) positions due to the ongoing nature of team management, rostering, and client relationships. Permanent employment ensures consistency in leadership and better continuity for security operations. See our guide on casual vs permanent employment trends.

Question 10

What penalty rates apply to security supervisors?

Accepted Answer

Penalty rates under the Security Services Industry Award 2020 apply for work on: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and night shifts. Security supervisors often work varied hours including on-call availability for emergencies. Use award interpretation software to calculate supervisory rates and penalties accurately.

Question 11

What are the minimum shift lengths for security supervisors?

Accepted Answer

Under the Security Services Industry Award 2020, minimum engagement periods typically apply. However, security supervisors often work standard business hours for administrative duties, plus on-call availability for incident escalations and emergencies. Shift patterns depend on operational requirements and site coverage needs.

Question 12

What should I include in a security supervisor employment contract?

Accepted Answer

Key elements include: position title and classification level (Level 3 or 4), employment type (typically permanent full-time), salary or hourly rate, applicable award, reporting structure, main duties including team supervision and rostering, work locations and sites covered, on-call requirements, and any specialized security clearances. Use our digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Question 13

How do security supervisors manage team rosters?

Accepted Answer

Security supervisors are responsible for creating staff rosters that ensure adequate site coverage, compliance with award requirements, and efficient deployment of security personnel. Using rostering software helps supervisors manage shift assignments, handle last-minute changes, and ensure all shifts are covered while staying compliant with award rules.

Question 14

What rostering challenges do security supervisors face?

Accepted Answer

Common challenges include: managing 24/7 coverage requirements, handling last-minute call-ins or absences, balancing staff preferences with operational needs, supporting compliance with award minimum rest periods, coordinating multiple sites, and managing penalty rate costs while maintaining service levels. Modern rostering software helps address these challenges efficiently.

Question 15

Can security supervisors change rosters at short notice?

Accepted Answer

Under the Security Services Industry Award 2020, roster changes require notice or employee agreement depending on employment type. For emergencies or operational needs, supervisors should maintain clear communication with staff and follow award requirements. Use shift swap features to enable staff flexibility while maintaining coverage.

Question 16

How far in advance should security supervisors publish rosters?

Accepted Answer

The Security Services Industry Award 2020 requires rosters to be provided in advance according to award specifications. Best practice is to provide rosters at least 7-14 days in advance to give staff visibility and enable better work-life balance. Using rostering software helps supervisors plan ahead and communicate schedules efficiently.

Security supervisor job description