Physical Security Manager

Physical Security Manager

Company Overview

Join a leader in lithium-ion battery manufacturing, focused on energy storage at a new 2M sqft production and warehouse facility in Phoenix, Arizona.

Position Overview

The Physical Security Manager is responsible for the end-to-end physical security program for the entire manufacturing facility. This role provides strategic leadership and operational oversight to protect employees, visitors, intellectual property, production assets, and infrastructure. The manager oversees on-site and outsourced security services, physical security systems, emergency preparedness, and regulatory compliance, while partnering closely with Facilities, EHS, IT, HR, and Operations.

This position serves as the senior authority for physical security at the factory and is accountable for program design, vendor performance, incident response, and continuous improvement of the site’s security posture.

This position is located in Phoenix, Arizona and will report to Process Innovation leadership in Arizona.

Primary Responsibilities

Security Strategy & Governance

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the factory-wide physical security strategy, policies, and SOPs.
• Establish security standards aligned with corporate requirements, regulatory expectations, and industry best practices.
• Own site-level security risk management, ensuring risks are identified, mitigated, and tracked.
• Operations & Systems Oversight
• Oversee the design, deployment, and lifecycle management of access control, CCTV, visitor management, and alarm systems.
• Ensure systems are reliable, compliant, and integrated with facility and IT infrastructure.
• Partner with Facilities and IT to embed security into expansions, renovations, and new production lines.

Vendor & Guard Force Management

• Manage all outsourced security services, including guard force providers and security vendors.
• Define SLAs, post orders, and performance metrics.
• Conduct audits, performance reviews, and corrective action plans.
• Oversee contract management and cost control.

Incident Management & Emergency Preparedness

• Lead security incident response, investigations, and escalation management.
• Ensure accurate reporting, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain emergency response and crisis management plans.
• Lead drills, tabletop exercises, and after-action reviews.

Risk, Audits & Compliance

• Conduct regular security risk assessments and vulnerability analyses.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies.
• Support internal and external audits and remediation activities.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Provide security leadership and advisory support to site leadership.
• Deliver security awareness training to employees and contractors.
• Serve as the primary liaison with corporate security, law enforcement, and emergency responders.

Key Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Education & Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Security Management, Criminal Justice, Information Security, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• CPP, PSP, or similar certifications preferred.

Experience:

• 7+ years of progressive experience in physical or industrial security.
• Experience managing outsourced security services and guard forces.
• Experience supporting large manufacturing or industrial facilities.

Skills:

• Strong knowledge of access control, CCTV, and alarm systems.
• Risk assessment, investigation, and incident management expertise.
• Vendor management and contract oversight skills.
• Excellent communication, judgment, and crisis management abilities.

Working Conditions

• Ability to work flexible hours and respond to incidents as required.
• Occasional travel may be required.