Physical Security Associate Manager

Sidley Austin•New York, NY

5d•$128,000 - $155,000

About The Position

As a member of the Sidley Physical Security Department, the Physical Security Associate Manager reports to the Physical Security Manager in Chicago and directly supervises the Physical Security Analyst in New York. The position develops and implements procedures and protocols to protect the Firm’s personnel, facilities, and assets. It analyzes intelligence and security risks, supports access control systems and vendor oversight, and conducts investigations into security-related matters at the direction of Physical Security leadership. The role also supports incident response, coordinates with internal and external stakeholders, maintains confidentiality when handling sensitive information, and assists the Physical Security Manager and Director with departmental initiatives and risk-mitigation programs. The position may require travel to Firm offices and other locations as needed.

Requirements

Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in physical security, corporate security, law enforcement, military security, intelligence, investigations, or a related field, including assessing and responding to security risks and threats.
Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Security Management, Intelligence Studies, Emergency Management, Political Science, International Relations, or a related field is preferred; an equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience may be considered.
Experience developing, implementing, and evaluating physical security procedures, protocols, and operational standards.
Experience conducting threat and risk assessments, including researching and analyzing information on criminal activity, terrorism, civil unrest, geopolitical developments, and emerging threats.
Experience conducting sensitive investigations, including interviews, gathering information and evidence, reviewing documentation, analyzing findings, and preparing objective reports.
Working knowledge of physical access control systems and related security technologies, including supporting implementation, administration, maintenance, or enhancement.
Experience responding to and assisting with management of security incidents, threats, emergencies, or situations affecting personnel, facilities, or business operations.
Prior supervisory or team leadership experience, including assigning and reviewing work, setting priorities, guiding and coaching employees, and monitoring performance.
Experience collaborating with organizational functions and external stakeholders, including management, Human Resources, Information Technology, office administration, building management, security vendors, and law enforcement.
Ability to handle sensitive, confidential, and investigative information with professionalism, discretion, sound judgment, and integrity.
Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, including evaluating complex information, identifying trends and potential threats, assessing risk, and developing practical recommendations.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparing security assessments, investigative reports, threat analyses, briefings, and other professional communications for management.
Knowledge of physical security principles and practices, threat and vulnerability assessment methodologies, investigative techniques, access control technologies, and applicable standards and regulatory requirements.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively to time-sensitive security matters in a professional services or similarly complex organizational environment.
Proficiency with computers, database systems, and related applications used to research, analyze, document, track, and report security, intelligence, investigative, and access-control information.
Ability and willingness to travel to Firm offices and other locations as needed.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Good judgment and strong interpersonal communication skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work harmoniously and effectively with others.
Ability to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion.
Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a law firm, professional services organization, corporate environment, or organization with geographically dispersed operations.
Relevant certifications such as Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Physical Security Professional (PSP), Professional Certified Investigator (PCI), or comparable security, intelligence, investigative, or law enforcement credentials.
Experience overseeing security vendors, contractors, consultants, and service providers, including monitoring performance and coordinating security-related projects.
Experience conducting or overseeing complex and sensitive workplace investigations involving threats, harassment, intimidation, misconduct, or other security-related matters.
Experience conducting threat, vulnerability, and risk assessments and developing mitigation strategies and recommendations.
Experience analyzing intelligence on terrorism, crime, civil unrest, geopolitical developments, and emerging threats affecting personnel, facilities, travel, or business operations.
Experience coordinating with law enforcement, government agencies, building management, corporate security organizations, and other external security partners.
Experience preparing and presenting executive-level security assessments, investigative findings, threat briefings, and recommendations.
Experience managing security incidents, emergencies, or crisis-response activities requiring coordination across multiple functions or locations.
Prior supervisory or management experience, including assigning work, setting priorities, coaching and developing staff, evaluating performance, and providing operational direction.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, review, and maintain physical security procedures, protocols, and operational standards.
Assess physical security risks and vulnerabilities and recommend preventive, protective, and corrective measures.
Research, analyze, and interpret intelligence on terrorism, criminal activity, civil unrest, geopolitical developments, and other emerging threats.
Monitor threat information and identify trends and potential security concerns.
Prepare and communicate security assessments, threat analyses, situational reports, briefings, and recommendations.
Ensure security procedures are consistent with applicable government requirements and Firm policies and standards.
Assist with planning, designing, implementing, maintaining, and enhancing physical access control systems and related security technology.
Coordinate and oversee vendors, contractors, and service providers involved in physical security systems.
Evaluate access control requirements and address system performance, vulnerabilities, operational issues, and enhancement opportunities.
Conduct investigations into alleged malfeasance, harassment, intimidation, threats, inappropriate conduct, security incidents, and other matters as directed by Physical Security leadership.
Conduct investigative interviews; gather and review information and documentation; evaluate evidence; maintain records; and prepare findings and reports.
Coordinate with Human Resources, Information Technology, office administration, law enforcement, building management, and other stakeholders on security incidents and investigations, as appropriate and as directed.
Respond to and assist in managing physical security incidents, threats, emergencies, and other situations affecting personnel, facilities, or assets.
Maintain confidentiality and discretion when handling sensitive security, intelligence, investigative, personnel, and access-control information.
Supervise the Physical Security Analyst in New York, including assigning and reviewing work, setting priorities, providing guidance, and monitoring performance and conduct.
Train, coach, and provide operational support to the Physical Security Analyst.
Support the Physical Security Manager and Director with departmental initiatives, security programs, risk-mitigation measures, and other projects.
Develop and maintain working relationships with Firm personnel, office leadership, building management, security vendors, law enforcement, and other security partners.
Maintain knowledge of physical security practices, threat assessment methodologies, investigative techniques, access control technologies, regulatory requirements, and industry developments.
Perform other physical security, intelligence, investigative, supervisory, and administrative duties as assigned.