Director Corporate Security - Corporate Security

FirstEnergy • Akron, OH

8h • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Corporate Security is responsible for leading and governing FirstEnergy’s physical security, physical security technology, and field compliance support programs across a multi‑state electric transmission and distribution footprint. This role ensures the protection of critical infrastructure, personnel, and assets while maintaining compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, industry standards, and corporate policies. The Director will reside within the Cyber & Corporate Security Office at FirstEnergy and reports to the Vice President and Chief Security Officer. The Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for security programs supporting Generation, Transmission, and Distribution operations, including substations, control facilities, service centers, offices, and other critical sites, and serves as a key partner to Operations, Compliance, Legal, Corporate Safety, IT, and Facilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Security Management, Criminal Justice, Business, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in corporate or critical infrastructure security, preferably within electric utilities or other regulated industries.
• Demonstrated experience supporting transmission and distribution operations in a multi‑site, multi‑state environment
• Strong understanding of intelligence, physical security risk management, and compliance expectations applicable to critical infrastructure
• Proven ability to partner effectively with field operations and corporate functions
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire and guide cross-functional teams
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of conveying complex technical insights to both technical and non-technical audiences including senior executives and external stakeholders
• Strong project management skills with a demonstrated ability to meet critical deadlines and manage concurrent initiatives
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining meticulous attention to detail

Nice To Haves

• Professional certifications (CPP, PSP, or similar).
• Experience with NERC‑related physical security programs or audits
• Experience integrating physical security technology with enterprise systems and IT/OT environments

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive corporate physical security strategy aligned with FirstEnergy’s enterprise risk management framework and critical infrastructure protection priorities
• Establish security governance, policies, standards, and procedures applicable to transmission, distribution, and corporate facilities across five states
• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on physical security risk, threat mitigation, and compliance posture
• Ensure security programs support reliability, resiliency, and continuity of electric service
• Provide oversight and strategic direction for physical security programs protecting: Generation facilities and Transmission substations, Distribution substations and service centers, Control Centers and facilities, offices, and operational sites
• Oversee Intelligence, access control, perimeter protection, surveillance, intrusion detection, and guard services as appropriate to site risk
• Ensure consistent application of security standards across operating companies while allowing for local operational needs
• Support emergency response, incident escalation, and coordination with Corporate Safety, Operations, and external stakeholders
• Lead the design, implementation, and lifecycle management of physical security technologies, including: Access control systems, Video surveillance, Alarm and intrusion detection systems, Centralized monitoring and reporting tools, including Gunshot Detection
• Partner with IT and OT cybersecurity stakeholders to ensure physical security systems are resilient, secure, and aligned with digital and data governance requirements
• Establish technology standards, approved platforms, and system architecture to support scalability across a multi‑state footprint
• Evaluate emerging technologies to enhance substation and facility protection while managing cost and operational impact
• Provide physical security compliance support to field operations, ensuring adherence to: Corporate security policies and standards, Applicable regulatory and industry requirements (e.g., NERC‑related physical security expectations, state requirements, contractual obligations)
• Support operating companies during audits, inspections, self‑assessments, and corrective action plans related to physical security controls
• Translate regulatory and corporate requirements into practical, field‑deployable security solutions
• Develop guidance, training, and tools for field leaders to sustain compliant and effective security practices
• Oversee threat and vulnerability assessments for critical facilities, including substations and control locations
• Lead or support investigations into security incidents such as vandalism, theft, trespassing, sabotage, or suspicious activity
• Analyze incident trends and develop preventative strategies and continuous improvement initiatives
• Coordinate with Legal, HR, Corporate Safety, and Law Enforcement as appropriate
• Manage security vendors, integrators, and service providers, including performance oversight and compliance with contractual requirements
• Develop and manage the corporate security budget, including capital planning for security technology investments
• Support procurement and contract negotiations for security services and systems

Benefits

• competitive pay plus incentive compensation
• a company-sponsored pension plan
• 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution
• a choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs
• skills development training with tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

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