Physical Security Operations Manager - HYBRID

Salute Inc.•Washington, DC

3h•$85,000 - $90,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Physical Security Operations Manager role is focused on the protection of people, property, materials, equipment, and critical infrastructure throughout the construction lifecycle. The Physical Security Operations Manager will establish and enforce layered security controls, manage guard force operations, oversee security system deployment, and mitigate threats commonly associated with mission-critical construction environments. The Physical Security Operations Manager ensures that data center construction sites remain secure during the most vulnerable phase of development. This role directly protects high-value assets, enforces controlled site access, mitigates theft and sabotage risks, and establishes the physical security foundation for long-term operational success. This position reports to the Director of Security (Americas) and requires a hands-on physical security leader who understands that in data center construction, strong perimeter control, disciplined access management, and proactive threat mitigation are critical to operational continuity and client trust. We are seeking a highly experienced Physical Security Operations Manager to lead and oversee all physical security operations across multiple Data Center construction sites. The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in perimeter security, access control enforcement, surveillance operations, contractor credentialing, asset protection, and incident response within high-value construction environments. This is a HYBRID position that requires 25% on demand domestic travel across the United States.

Requirements

5–7+ years of progressive experience in physical security operations.
Direct experience in data center construction, mission-critical infrastructure, or high-value construction sites strongly preferred.
Demonstrated leadership experience managing guard forces and multi-site security programs.
Experience overseeing security system implementation and vendor performance.
Perimeter and layered security design
Guard force management and operational supervision
Construction site threat mitigation
Access control enforcement and credential lifecycle management
CCTV and surveillance oversight
Asset protection and loss prevention
Crisis response leadership
Multi-site operational coordination
Strong documentation and reporting discipline
High integrity and accountability
Associate or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Security Management, Emergency Management, or related field.
Equivalent experience considered.

Nice To Haves

Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
Physical Security Professional (PSP)
First Aid / CPR / AED
OSHA Certification

Responsibilities

Tailor and implement comprehensive physical security plans for active data center construction sites.
Establish standardized post orders, access control procedures, and escalation protocols.
Enforce defense-in-depth strategies incorporating perimeter, entry control, internal zone segregation, and asset protection.
Ensure all physical security measures are consistently applied across multiple geographic locations.
Conduct periodic access audits to prevent unauthorized entry.
Provide direct oversight of Security Project Managers
Establish staffing models appropriate for construction phase risk levels.
Conduct performance reviews, site inspections, and quality assurance audits.
Ensure guards are trained on post orders, emergency response, and site-specific risk factors.
Ensure accountability for all shift coverage, incident response times, and patrol frequency.
Implement material control programs to reduce theft of high-value items such as copper, generators, transformers, switchgear, and network hardware.
Conduct loss prevention investigations when theft or diversion is suspected.
Oversee CCTV camera placement to ensure perimeter, gate, laydown yard, and restricted area coverage.
Supervise Security Project Managers responsible for deploying and integrating access control and surveillance systems.
Conduct physical security risk assessments specific to assigned construction environments.
Identify vulnerabilities related to insider threat, theft, vandalism, and trespassing.
Lead site-level incident response and emergency coordination.
Oversee documentation of all incidents, investigations, and corrective actions.
Develop and implement mitigation plans to address recurring security issues.
Ensure physical security controls support ISO 27001 physical security requirements and SOC 2 standards where applicable.
Align site security operations with OSHA construction safety regulations.
Support emergency response planning including evacuation procedures and site lockdown protocols.
Maintain accurate documentation of access logs, incident reports, and audit records.