Managing Director, Head of Physical Security

SMR Group is seeking a Head of Physical Security for a new role to own and advance our client’s global physical security agenda across sites, events, and travel. You will refine and execute the firm’s physical security roadmap, spanning access control, executive protection, threat monitoring, and coordinated response to incidents in close partnership with key internal teams.

Does This Sound Like You?

You are exactly who our client is looking for if you bring blended experience across the following private and public sector environments:

You will also have the following education, experience, skills, and competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or ongoing professional development strongly preferred.
• Extensive experience in the intelligence community, law enforcement, or other government roles with direct exposure to threat assessment, protective operations, or complex security environments.
• At least 15 years of progressive responsibility in physical security, including in-house corporate leadership overseeing programs such as executive protection, access control, and incident response.
• Demonstrated success directing third-party security vendors and consultants and working collaboratively with law firms and law enforcement agencies on sensitive matters.
• Strong, hands-on leadership with the ability to influence senior stakeholders, communicate clearly
  under pressure, drive cross-functional alignment, and operate effectively in high-stakes, time-sensitive situations.
• Possess sound judgment and discretion, and presents as a calm, decisive presence during critical incidents.

What You Will Take Ownership of in This Role

• Shape and lead the company’s end-to-end physical protection agenda by defining its direction, guardrails, and implementation plan, making sure it supports organizational objectives and meets all regulatory and professional standards. Take full responsibility for planning and controlling the physical security budget so that resources are directed toward the most critical, high-value security programs and projects.
• Lead and orchestrate protection coverage for top executives by crafting, directing, and at times personally providing close protection for senior leadership. This includes building and executing security plans for offices, sensitive meetings, major conferences, and marquee events, while coordinating with internal teams and specialized external providers for advance work, route design, monitoring, and all protective logistics.
• Monitor and interpret emerging security risks by drawing on open-source reporting, official briefings, and professional security networks, turning raw information into clear, actionable insights. Direct and synchronize cross-functional response efforts with Risk/Business Continuity, Corporate Services, HR, and other stakeholders during incidents such as facility intrusions or active assailant events, while steering and overseeing all related investigations into internal incidents and external threat activity.
• Strengthen the safety posture of workplaces, travel, and staff by regularly evaluating security exposures across offices and operational sites, and by shaping the protective layout and features of new or recently acquired facilities. Steer decisions on access control and monitoring systems, collaborate closely with Events and Travel teams and external risk partners to ensure secure gatherings and itineraries, and help design and deliver training that boosts employee preparedness on issues such as active shooter response and personal security.
• Cultivate and maintain close working ties with law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and local levels, while carefully selecting and directing external security providers and contract personnel. Take the lead in drafting, updating, and overseeing physical security policies and processes, ensuring they consistently align with internal company standards as well as all applicable laws and regulatory obligations.

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