Ground Security Manager (lead)

Cardinal Security • Newark, NJ

3d

About The Position

The Ground Security Manager (Lead) is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing all on-site security measures to protect VIP clients, personnel, and critical assets. This role involves managing close protection teams, site security personnel, and rapid response units. By coordinating with external agencies and internal stakeholders, the Ground Security Manager (Lead) ensures seamless ground operations, upholds stringent security standards, and fosters a safe environment for high-profile individuals in a variety of scenarios.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Security Management, or a related field preferred (equivalent experience considered).
• 5+ years in physical security, executive protection, law enforcement, or military, with at least 2 years in a leadership capacity.
• Proficiency in threat assessment, emergency response protocols, and protective detail operations.
• Familiarity with CCTV systems, access control solutions, and other security technology platforms.
• Training in defensive tactics, firearms handling (where legally permitted), and first aid/CPR.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities, especially under high-pressure or rapidly evolving conditions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to brief VIPs and senior leadership.
• Proven team-building capabilities, fostering a supportive culture that values collaboration and accountability.

Nice To Haves

• Certifications such as Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Physical Security Professional (PSP), or related are advantageous.
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel regionally/internationally if required.
• Security clearance or eligibility to obtain one (depending on client contracts).

Responsibilities

• Supervise and Develop Teams: Oversee close protection specialists, site security officers, and rapid response units, setting performance objectives and ensuring consistent adherence to protocols.
• Training & Professional Development: Implement ongoing training programs focused on defensive tactics, emergency response, and de-escalation methods.
• Performance Evaluation: Conduct regular reviews, provide feedback, and identify growth opportunities for team members to maintain a high level of readiness.
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation: Conduct site assessments, route planning, and vulnerability analyses to identify and proactively address potential threats.
• Event & Venue Coordination: Collaborate with venue managers, event planners, and law enforcement to design secure perimeters and checkpoints for high-profile gatherings.
• Resource Allocation: Align personnel and equipment resources based on evolving operational needs, ensuring coverage for all potential security scenarios.
• Rapid Deployment: Coordinate fast-response actions in critical situations, directing units in real time while minimizing risks to VIPs and bystanders.
• Emergency Procedures: Establish, document, and regularly update protocols for evacuations, medical emergencies, and active threat scenarios.
• Post-Incident Analysis: Evaluate all security responses, document lessons learned, and refine standard operating procedures to improve future outcomes.
• Interdepartmental Coordination: Work closely with the Logistics & Planning Coordinator to ensure ground operations align with broader security objectives and resource availability.
• Law Enforcement Liaison: Maintain positive relationships with local authorities, emergency services, and private security counterparts to enhance cooperation.
• Client & Stakeholder Interaction: Serve as a point of contact for VIP clients during on-site operations, addressing concerns and providing status updates.
• Policy Enforcement: Ensure all ground security activities meet legal requirements and organizational guidelines (e.g., use of force protocols, data protection, confidentiality).
• Documentation: Maintain detailed logs of incidents, patrol reports, and shift assignments, providing regular updates to the Deputy Director of Security or Chief Security Officer.
• Regulatory Awareness: Stay current on local and national regulations affecting private security operations, incorporating necessary changes into daily practices.
• Trend Monitoring: Keep abreast of developments in security tactics, equipment, and technologies that could enhance ground operations.
• Feedback Integration: Collect feedback from team members, clients, and other stakeholders to continuously refine security processes and protocols.
• Innovation: Pilot new strategies or tools (e.g., advanced surveillance systems, AI-assisted threat detection) and evaluate their impact on ground security effectiveness.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation: Salary and benefits aligned with experience and industry standards.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for advanced training, certifications, and leadership development.
• Dynamic Work Environment: Engage in diverse security assignments, from intimate VIP gatherings to large-scale events.
• Culture of Excellence: Join a mission-driven team that values integrity, collaboration, and innovation.

What This Job Offers

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