Associate Director - Plant Protection

MSD•Elkton, VA

29d•$129,000 - $203,100•Hybrid

About The Position

We aim to create workplace experiences that enable our people to be inspired to invent. Inside our organization, we provide workplace solutions that enable our people to do their very best work in safety. Outside our organization we ensure we protect the people around us, communities and the environment. Position Summary The Associate Director, Emergency Management, is responsible for providing strategic leadership, oversight, and management of the Security Command Center, Emergency Response Operations, and the General Emergency Management System (GEMS) Plan for the Elkton, VA facility. This role ensures the site’s readiness to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies while maintaining compliance with all applicable security, fire and life safety, and emergency preparedness regulations and standards. The position works closely with Plant Protection cross-functional teams to effectively and safely operate and maintain the Local Security Command Center and its systems to support all entities at the Elkton site. The Associate Director will work closely with global security partners, oversee emergency response and security personnel, manage key external partnerships, and drive continuous improvement in emergency management programs. The position will be a primary stakeholder for the Global Security Group: responsible for escalating designated Global Security Group matters; coordinating investigative and security efforts; and a stakeholder with the GSG Physical Security Center of Excellence and the company's physical security standard.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Science, Engineering, Emergency Management, Criminal Justice, Public Safety, or a closely related field.
Minimum of 10 years of experience as a public safety officer, including supervisory and crisis management experience.
Demonstrated professional‑level experience in emergency operations, incident management, and/or emergency preparedness programs.
Strong knowledge of security principles and emergency response practices.
Strong computer skills using MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and the ability to learn and operate additional security, emergency notification, and incident management systems.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively under pressure and at all levels of the organization.
Demonstrated ability to think critically and make sound decisions in high‑stress and time‑sensitive situations.
Proven technical problem‑solving abilities related to emergency response, security systems, and/or fire and life safety issues.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective teams and partnerships, with a strong focus on collaboration and customer service.
Ability to handle and prioritize multiple, simultaneous assignments in a dynamic environment.

Nice To Haves

Certifications: CPR / First Aid / AED Certified Protection Officer (IFPO), Certified Protection Professional (ASIS), Certified Security Supervisor (IFPO)
National Incident Management System (NIMS) ICS 100, 200, 300, and 700
Work Place Violence/ Active Assailant Response
Experience conducting investigations and interviews.
Experience interacting with local, state, and federal agencies.
Experience managing contracted professionals and vendors.
Program management experience with the ability to translate strategic vision into detailed plans and execution, with significant attention to detail.
Crisis management experience, including incident command or Emergency Operations Center (EOC) leadership.

Responsibilities

Planning and Preparedness Develop, implement, and maintain site emergency management programs, including Emergency Operations Plans, Continuity of Operations/Business Continuity Plans, Hazard Mitigation Plans, and the General Emergency Management System (GEMS).
Conduct and oversee risk assessments to identify natural, technological, and man‑made hazards; develop strategies to reduce vulnerability and enhance site and community resilience.
Maintain ongoing familiarity with existing regulations and proactively monitor proposed and new regulations, communicating impacts to management and operating personnel.
Ensure ongoing compliance with all relevant regulations, permits, and internal standards; develop procedures and processes to support robust and sustainable programs.
Act as the site’s General Emergency Management System (GEMS) Coordinator.
Response Coordination Provide direction and leadership for Security, Emergency Response, and Rescue operations.
Serve as the primary liaison with local, state, and federal agencies, including municipal and county emergency management, law enforcement, and fire departments.
Collaborate with Global Security and external partners to facilitate fire, security, and emergency response needs.
Ensure that the Emergency Response Team (ERT) is adequately staffed, trained, and equipped.
Training, Exercises, and Readiness Organize, conduct, and evaluate training programs, drills, tabletop exercises, and full‑scale exercises for site personnel.
Conduct training for the site Incident Management Team and ensure competency in incident command, communication, and decision‑making.
Manage and maintain the site emergency notification system and ensure effective communication protocols during emergencies.
Communication and Reporting Establish and maintain effective emergency communication systems and processes to provide situational awareness during incidents and potential events.
Prepare and deliver reports, briefings, and documentation on potential and actual emergency scenarios, program performance, and key risk indicators.
Participate in relevant local and state committees, working groups, and industry forums.
Conduct incident investigations; complete required reports, permit applications, and maintain accurate records and documentation.
Maintain and utilize escalation chains of command for emergency incidents and Global Security Group escalated matters.
Leadership, Administration, and Compliance Oversee the site’s Fire Chief, Security Team, Access Control Team, Compliance and Emergency Response Technicians, and other emergency management staff and contractors, including those under Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).
Act as the Liaison and designated security Incident Management Team Command Coordinator.
Manage and oversee all aspects of Local Security Command Center: personnel, Enterprise systems including Badge Access, Guest Management, Video Surveillance; Traka Key Management, Guard Tour Reporting System (GTRS), Security Watch List, Intercom Communication System and the company's Mass Notification System.
Manage a multi‑shift team composed of both company and contract specialists, including setting objectives, performance management, employee development, scheduling, and workforce planning.
Oversee program budgets and financial transactions; support capital planning and prioritize investments in systems, equipment, and technology for emergency response and security.
Ensure Global Engineering Solutions (GES) and Integrated Facility Management (IFM) partners meet contractual obligations, Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to Security and Emergency Response.
Develop internal best practices that meet or exceed industry standards; drive continuous improvement initiatives across emergency management, security, and fire/life safety programs.