Security Director

American Dream•East Rutherford, NJ

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Security Director develops, implements, and continuously improves the shopping center’s comprehensive security and safety strategy, establishing and updating security policies, procedures, and post orders aligned with industry best practices.

Requirements

Minimum of 5–10 years of progressive security management experience, preferably in retail, shopping centers, hospitality, airports, stadiums, or large public venues.
Proven experience leading large teams and/or contracted security providers.
Strong knowledge of emergency management, risk assessment, and incident command principles.
Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Security Management, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree or professional certifications (CPP, PSP, CEM, or similar).
Experience working closely with law enforcement or public safety agencies.
Background in crowd management, special events security, or large-scale venue operations.
Familiarity with retail loss prevention and customer-focused security environments.
Strategic thinker with strong operational execution
Calm, decisive leadership under pressure
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
High level of integrity and professionalism
Ability to balance safety, security, and guest experience

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and continuously improve the shopping center’s comprehensive security and safety strategy.
Lead, mentor, and evaluate security management staff, officers, and contracted security teams.
Establish security policies, procedures, and post orders aligned with industry best practices.
Oversee daily security operations, including patrols, access control, CCTV monitoring, and crowd management.
Conduct regular risk assessments and vulnerability analyses; recommend mitigation strategies.
Manage incident response for emergencies including medical situations, theft, active threats, severe weather, and evacuations.
Ensure proper documentation, reporting, and follow-up for all incidents.
Develop and maintain emergency response plans, business continuity plans, and evacuation procedures.
Coordinate and lead emergency drills and training exercises for staff and tenants.
Serve as the primary security liaison during critical incidents.
Partner with tenants to address security concerns and support loss prevention efforts.
Ensure security operations enhance the guest experience while maintaining a visible and professional presence.
Respond to escalated tenant, guest, and employee safety concerns.
Maintain strong working relationships with local police, fire departments, EMS, and homeland security agencies.
Coordinate joint operations, special events security, and investigations as needed.
Act as the primary point of contact for external security agencies.
Develop and manage the security department budget, including staffing, technology, and training.
Oversee contracts for third-party security vendors and technology providers.
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as company policies.
Oversee security technology systems including CCTV, access control, alarms, radios, and incident management platforms.
Evaluate and recommend new technologies to enhance safety and operational efficiency.