Security Supervisor at 16 On Center – Chicago, Illinois

About Us:

16 On Center Chicago owns and operates several live music venues, third-party production, restaurants, bars, and food halls across Chicago and New York. Join the team of one of the country's leading independent promoters.

Our most effective service to our community comes from a team with a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. 16 On Center actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Position Summary

As the Security Supervisor at The Salt Shed, you play a critical role in creating a safe and memorable concert experience for our guests. Whether checking bags, monitoring access points, or securing the stage, a successful security team always puts guest safety first. Our Security Supervisors serve as role models for the team, demonstrating leadership while helping provide a friendly, professional, and safe guest experience.

Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Work with venue management and security contractor leadership to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of venue security operations.
• Assist with guest ingress and egress, crowd flow, and incident management.
• De-escalate and respond to guest issues, including handling ejections as needed.
• Ensure staff are assigned to all necessary posts for each event and that relevant information is shared during pre-shift and throughout the event.
• Provide breaks to staff throughout the event.
• Proactively identify safety or security concerns and address them or notify management.
• Assist management in enforcing venue policies and procedures for guests and staff.
• Provide leadership and direction during emergency situations, including evacuations.
• Monitor the venue and surrounding perimeter to ensure access points are staffed and secure.
• Assist guests needing medical attention by contacting EMT services or guiding them to First Aid.
• Support access point operations, including bag checks, walkthrough metal detectors, and wanding.
• Complete incident reports for major issues during events.
• Ensure staff at access points understand credential requirements and policy updates.
• Monitor guest behavior to maintain safe crowd management.
• Provide guest assistance and wayfinding (restrooms, merchandise, VIP, ADA areas, etc.).
• Resolve guest issues with strong customer service and escalate when appropriate.
• May work shifts at other 16 On Center venues or locations.
• Support the venue’s sustainability initiatives, including recycling, composting, and waste reduction.
• Perform additional duties or projects as assigned by management.

About You:

• 3+ years of security experience in a music venue or event environment, preferably in a leadership or supervisory role
• Current PERC license preferred
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively within a team
• Hands-on experience with common venue security responsibilities, including bag checks, metal detectors and wanding, barricade positions, artist escorts, and managing difficult guest situations
• Friendly and approachable with strong guest service skills
• Experience with CCTV and security access systems preferred
• Flexible availability, including nights, weekends, holidays, and late hours
• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Ability to safely manage and de-escalate situations involving intoxicated or disruptive guests
• Ability to stand for extended periods and work in a loud indoor or outdoor environment
• Commitment to inclusivity and respect for all cultures, music, and art forms

• Job Type: Part-Time, Hourly
• Compensation: $23 - $25/hour
• Paid leave and paid sick leave in accordance with Chicago requirements.
• Dining discounts at 16 On Center properties and complimentary or discounted tickets to shows at 16 On Center venues, including Salt Shed, Thalia Hall, SPACE, and Empty Bottle, subject to availability.
• Transit benefits through a pre-tax payroll deduction program
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match, once eligibility requirements are met.