Sr Global Protective Security Operations Specialist

Illumina•San Diego, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sr Global Protective Security Operations Specialist is based at Illumina’s headquarters in San Diego, California, and reports to the Senior Director, Global Security, coordinating closely with Regional Security Managers and business stakeholders. This cross-functional role requires an adaptable, detail-oriented security professional with a low-profile, high-impact approach. The specialist supports global travel risk mitigation, corporate event and executive protection, intelligence and threat monitoring, security investigations, and campus security programs. The role administers the global travel security function, assesses threats and geopolitical risks, and provides travel guidance and intelligence products to support business decisions and crisis management. It also plans security for high-profile corporate events and supports discreet, legally compliant investigations into threats such as workplace violence, harassment, insider threats, financial loss, and intellectual property theft. The specialist contributes to security awareness, employee safety, program metrics, physical security planning, policy compliance, and site-based crisis management. The estimated U.S. base salary range is $90,000–$135,000. Employees are eligible for a variable cash program (bonus or commission), and eligible roles may receive equity. Benefits include access to genomics sequencing, family planning, health, dental and vision coverage, retirement benefits, and paid time off. The role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Requirements

At least 5 years of progressive security experience directly within corporate security, global intelligence, executive protection, or specialized military or law enforcement units.
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
Experience working in travel security or risk assessment within a corporate environment or government agency.
Investigative background with experience managing investigations, threat assessments, and threat monitoring.
Experience planning and executing security protection operations.
Understanding of global geopolitical issues and threats across world regions and their potential impact on Illumina’s business.
Ability to adapt to an open, transparent, collaborative corporate culture and balance security with company values and business interests.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and support the strategic direction of new programs.
Strong critical-thinking and writing skills, including the ability to communicate complex analysis briefly and accurately to varied audiences, including senior executives.
Excellent written and verbal English communication and report-writing skills.
Ability to work independently while being willing to take on additional responsibilities and cover for team members.
Proficiency in operational performance management and technology enablement tools, platforms, and systems.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in a second language.

Responsibilities

Administer the global travel security function, including systems, assessments, communications, vendors, and stakeholder management.
Review and support approval processes for travel to high-risk and restricted destinations in accordance with company policies and duty-of-care requirements.
Conduct travel risk assessments and provide destination-specific security guidance, contingency planning, and briefings for employees, executives, and business-critical travelers.
Use global intelligence resources to assess local threats and travel-related risks.
Work with the Global Security Team and Illumina Security Operations Center to monitor, research, analyze, and communicate emerging threats and trends affecting campuses, operations, and staff.
Produce travel advisories, country risk assessments, executive briefings, incident reports, and crisis updates.
Monitor global events and emerging risks affecting travelers and provide timely recommendations to stakeholders and leadership.
Design and implement security plans for board or shareholder meetings, product launches, and large-scale corporate events.
Manage venue security operations, including access control, crowd management, asset protection, and technical surveillance countermeasures.
Support crisis management operations with timely, actionable intelligence.
Develop and deliver security awareness solutions for staff across the global footprint.
Develop and maintain KPIs, metrics, and executive reporting dashboards to evaluate program effectiveness and inform decisions.
Represent Global Security in multidisciplinary initiatives and collaborate with internal business areas and external suppliers.
Assist with employee safety programs to prevent workplace threats and violence and support incident response.
Support regional security investigations in coordination with Regional Security, HR, Legal, and Compliance.
Work with Health and Safety counterparts to create and maintain a safe and healthy work environment.
Support campus-wide planning teams for the physical security systems program and contribute to program development, policy compliance, and site-based crisis management.

Benefits

Variable cash program (bonus or commission) eligibility.
Equity for eligible roles.
Access to genomics sequencing.
Family planning benefits.
Health insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Retirement benefits.
Paid time off.
Employee Resource Groups offering career development experiences, cultural awareness, and social responsibility opportunities.