Vice President, Global Physical Security
Vice President, Global Physical Security
Summary/Overview
This is an influential role for a senior security executive to lead and strengthen a global physical security program in a complex operating environment. The role is suited to a hands-on leader who can manage today’s risks and work closely with the business to build a practical long-term path for strong security capabilities across facilities, operations, supply chain, travel, and executive risk.
You will spend meaningful time on the ground at different facilities, traveling regularly to company locations. You will partner with local leaders to adapt security solutions to diverse cultures, operational contexts, and business realities. This position is an on-site role based on the West Coast of the United States. The successful candidate will ideally already live in the region or be willing to relocate there in the near term.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and advance the company’s global physical security strategy across a broad and varied operating footprint, aligning programs with business priorities and day-to-day operational realities.
- Partner with executive and functional leaders to assess risk, identify vulnerabilities, and develop practical, phased improvements that strengthen security and support the business.
- Oversee key programs related to facility security, supply chain protection, investigations, crisis response, travel security, executive support, and business continuity planning
- Drive major security initiatives from assessment through implementation, including site design input, vendor strategy, capital recommendations, budget oversight, and operational follow-through
- Provide clear, credible guidance to executive stakeholders on emerging threats, organizational risk, and security investments, with regular exposure to senior leadership
- Build trust across a matrixed organization by leading with judgment, credibility, and follow-through while strengthening security awareness and continuous improvement over time.
Requirements
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in security management, criminal justice, public safety, business, or a related field.
- Advanced degree and/or relevant ongoing professional education are valued.
Experience
- Considerable experience leading corporate physical security at a senior level in a complex, multi-site, or global environment, ideally within an operationally intensive business
- Strong background in enterprise risk assessment, investigations, crisis management, supply chain security, third-party oversight, and TAPA-related strategy or certification activity, along with prior experience traveling internationally in support of global operations
Soft Skills & Competencies
- Low-ego, high-accountability leadership style, with the ability to roll up sleeves, work effectively in a matrix, and succeed in an environment where adaptability and resourcefulness matter.
- Strong critical thinking, executive presence, and emotional intelligence, with the confidence to challenge constructively, influence credibly, and communicate effectively from the operational level to senior leadership.
California, United States
Relocation from within the United States
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