Director, Physical Security Operations

American Water•Camden, NJ

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director, Physical Security Operations will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive enterprise-wide physical security program. This role is both strategic and operational, responsible for the management and delivery of CAPEX and OPEX budgets for physical security and safeguarding critical infrastructure, employees, and assets through robust security measures. The position oversees the Executive Protection Program, onsite and field security, security technology systems, and the Security Operations Center (SOC), ensuring alignment with company goals, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.

Requirements

Enterprise knowledge of physical security standards, practices, and regulatory requirements, particularly as they apply to critical infrastructure environments (e.g., ASIS, AWWA, NFPA, EPA).
Knowledge of industry‑recognized threat, risk, and vulnerability assessment methodologies, such as AWWA J‑100, RAMCAP, or comparable frameworks.
Strong knowledge of security management principles and best practices, including the application of risk management, human factors, and organizational behavior concepts to physical security programs.
Knowledge of physical security systems and security engineering concepts, including access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, alarm systems, and integration with building infrastructure; ability to review and interpret technical drawings and site plans.
Knowledge of security program governance, budgeting, and business planning processes, including CAPEX/OPEX planning, vendor management, and cost‑benefit evaluation of security investments.
Strong quantitative skills (e.g., analytical, technical, problem solving).
Effective people management skills (e.g., planning, organizing, recruiting, controlling, and leading individual staff and teams).
Excellent written and verbal communication skills (e.g., fluency in report writing and presentations).
Effective interpersonal skills (e.g., persuasion, negotiation, listening, cooperation, tact, diplomacy, problem solving, internal consulting).
Excellent project and change management skills (e.g. planning, organizing, directing, monitoring and reporting on project activities, managing concurrent projects).
Leadership presence (e.g., ability to deal effectively and maintain collaborative relationships with Company senior management and other key stakeholders).
Ability to plan, manage, and forecast CAPEX and OPEX budgets for enterprise physical security programs, including cost analysis, financial controls, vendor oversight, and development of business cases for security investments.
Bachelor’s degree in Security Management, Criminal Justice, or related field. Relevant work experience in lieu of degree may be considered.
With a bachelor’s degree, 15+ years’ experience in physical security, preferably in utilities, critical infrastructure, or manufacturing.
Without a bachelor’s degree, 20+ years’ experience in physical security, preferably in utilities, critical infrastructure, or manufacturing.
5+ years’ experience directly leading physical security teams and programs across multiple locations, including direct supervision of managers, specialists, and/or contracted security providers.
Proven experience designing, implementing, and leading an enterprise-wide physical security program, including policies, standards, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Demonstrated experience overseeing Executive Protection programs, including threat assessments, advance planning, coordination with leadership, and engagement with external partners or law enforcement.
Demonstrated success leading crisis response, emergency management, and business continuity coordination, including workplace violence prevention, evacuations, and disaster response planning.
Valid Driver’s License

Nice To Haves

One or more of the following certifications is strongly preferred: ACFE, CFE, ASIS; CPP, PCI, PSP and/or other relevant certifications.
Incident Command System (ICS) Level 100, 200, 300, and 400

Responsibilities

Develop and implement an enterprise-wide physical security strategy to ensure the safety of all visitors, employees, customers, and assets at the company's facilities.
Facilitates executive protection services for the CEO and all Executive Leadership Team (ELT) members, including advance planning, secure transportation, and on-site protective support during business activities, travel, and company-sponsored events.
Collaborate with external partners to conduct threat and risk assessments and implement appropriate protective measures to ensure the personal safety of executive leadership, adjusting security strategies based on evolving conditions and risk levels.
Establish policies, standards, and procedures for physical security across all facilities and field operations.
Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and mitigate potential security risks.
In partnership with the Operational Excellence team, establish and manage operational plans for crisis response, disaster recovery, evacuation, workplace violence, and other emergency events.
Partner with leadership to integrate security considerations into business continuity and risk management plans.
In partnership with the Director of Facilities, oversee the installation, maintenance, and operation of security systems, alarms, surveillance equipment, and other physical security measures.
Manage day-to-day security operations, including onsite/field security teams and contracted security personnel.
Oversee the Security Operations Center (SOC) to ensure effective monitoring, incident response, and escalation protocols.
Manage and allocate CAPEX and OPEX budgets related to physical security and security technology programs
Direct the deployment, maintenance, and lifecycle management of security technology (site assessments, access control, surveillance, intrusion detection, etc.).
Oversee threat assessments and vulnerability analyses for critical infrastructure.
Lead investigations of security incidents and coordinate with law enforcement and regulatory agencies as needed.
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal security regulations and standards.
Maintain effective relationships with Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement and Emergency Management agencies.
Stay updated on emerging security trends, technologies, and methodologies to continuously improve the company's security posture.
Build and lead a high-performing security team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Create training and awareness programs for employees on physical security protocols to ensure all employees are adequately informed and equipped to handle security issues.