AVP, Security

Macerich • Phoenix, AZ

3h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Security is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing the organization’s security strategy across a multi-state regional portfolio. This role ensures the safety of employees, visitors, customers, and assets while supporting the organization’s operational, financial, and reputational objectives. The AVP provides strategic leadership for physical security operations, emergency preparedness, investigations, and compliance, while managing a critical sub-function within the broader Security or Risk Management organization. The role partners closely with senior leadership, property management, operations, retailers, and external law enforcement agencies to establish a consistent, effective, and forward-looking security program across the Region.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Relevant background in law enforcement, retail operations, loss prevention, or corporate security.
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience, with deep expertise in physical security or a related discipline.
• Broad knowledge of security operations, including law enforcement practices, investigations, and incident management.
• Experience overseeing enterprise security, risk management, and/or facilities operations within a complex, multi-site organization.
• Proven track record leading crisis response, emergency management, and high-impact investigations.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and partner with senior leadership, cross-functional stakeholders, and external agencies.
• Strong executive presence, sound judgment, and ability to lead effectively in high-pressure, high-risk environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and enterprise systems; strong digital and data fluency.
• Flexible and responsive leader, with availability to support business needs outside standard hours, including on-call responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve regional physical security strategies, policies, standards, and procedures aligned with corporate objectives and risk tolerance.
• Carefully review and implement functional strategies, annual objectives, operating budgets, policies, and procedures supporting a robust and scalable physical security infrastructure.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on physical security risks, regional trends, and mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with and support the regional counterpart to align on strategy, strengthen national retail relationships, and actively participate in national industry groups to benchmark and adopt best practices.
• Understand and apply industry trends and best practices related to security vendors, guard services, and physical security systems within retail and commercial real estate environments.
• Maintain full understanding of all third‑party security vendor engagements, including contract terms, performance metrics, and financial commitments. Proactively manage vendor relationships by monitoring compliance, evaluating service against agreed standards, identifying gaps or risks, and driving accountability through regular reviews, issue resolution, and continuous performance improvement initiatives.
• Provide oversight and financial review of security invoices, expenses, and chargebacks to ensure cost control and contract compliance.
• Ensure compliance with applicable local, state, provincial, and federal laws, regulations, and directives.
• Drive the management, maintenance, and effectiveness of physical security systems, including access control, intrusion detection, CCTV, alarms, and related technologies.
• Establish, communicate, and monitor operational standards to ensure consistent and effective security coverage across all regional properties and operators.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to evaluate new security technologies and vendor solutions.
• Lead the development, implementation, and testing of regional operational plans for crisis response, disaster recovery, evacuation procedures, workplace violence prevention and response, and other emergency and critical incidents.
• Coordinate investigations and critical incident responses in coordination with law enforcement and other external agencies.
• Serve as a security subject matter expert during critical events and executive decision-making processes.
• Design and implement regional training and awareness programs related to security policies, procedures, and emerging threats.
• Deliver ongoing security communications and guidance to ensure employees and partners are informed, prepared, and capable of responding to incidents.
• Promote a culture of safety, vigilance, accountability, and professionalism throughout the organization.
• Represent the organization in local, state, provincial, or federal working groups, advisory councils, and security-related forums.
• Maintain awareness of evolving threat landscapes, law enforcement practices, crime trends, and relevant intelligence.
• Build and sustain strong partnerships with law enforcement, emergency responders, regulatory agencies, and industry peers across the West Region.
• Manage a regional security sub-function within the broader security or risk management organization.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels, succession planning, performance management, and professional development practices are in place.

Benefits

• Best-in-class benefits with affordable employee contribution levels
• Paid time off, including vacation time, 12 paid holidays and 80 hours of sick time annually
• 401(k) match with immediate vesting
• Ability to purchase company stock at a 15% discount
• 24 paid volunteer hours and employer charitable match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Career-development resources
• Comprehensive wellness program including a ClassPass membership

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager