Senior Security Operations Manager

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

About Kirkland & Ellis At Kirkland & Ellis, we don’t just meet the standard for legal excellence — we set it. Our culture is built on teamwork, ingenuity and an unwavering commitment to continuous growth. We tackle the most sophisticated legal challenges with bold ideas and innovative solutions, powered by the exceptional experience and ambition of our 7,000+ people, including 4,000+ attorneys, across 22 offices worldwide.

Our dedicated professionals share our lawyers’ commitment to excellence and show up each day to do meaningful work that helps drive global business, investment and innovation forward.

• Lead GSOC Operations: Oversee a 24/7 Global Security Operations Center, managing and developing a team of up to 10 GSOC Operators providing continuous coverage.
• Manage Threats & Incidents: Monitor global security risks, lead incident detection and escalation, and coordinate responses to security events and emergencies.
• Strengthen Emergency Response: Direct evacuations, shelter‑in‑place actions, and crisis communications in partnership with internal teams and external resources.
• Optimize Programs & Tools: Maintain and enhance GSOC procedures, playbooks, and technologies including access control, video surveillance, alarm monitoring, intelligence platforms, and mass communications.
• Deliver Actionable Insights: Analyze GSOC data to identify trends, measure performance, and provide leadership with clear visibility into threats and response effectiveness.
• Own Travel
  
  Risk Management:
  
  Lead the Firm’s global Travel Risk Management program, including pre‑trip planning, traveler monitoring, real‑time alerts, and emergency support.
• Collaborate Across the Firm: Partner with Human Resources (HR), Security, Travel, Facilities, Information Technology (IT), and regional leadership to mitigate risk and support Firm initiatives.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required, or equivalent experience.
• Experience: 7–10 years of experience managing a GSOC or comparable security operations environment.
• Security Leadership: Proven ability to supervise teams, manage complex operations, and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Technology Expertise: Strong working knowledge of GSOC technologies, risk and travel monitoring platforms, incident reporting systems, and mass communication tools, with comfort leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for automation and efficiency.
• Communication & Judgment: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a calm, professional presence during high‑impact situations.
• Operational Flexibility: Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, global environment with flexibility to support a 24/7 operation.
• Certifications (Preferred): ASIS International credentials such as Certified Protection Professional (CPP) or Physical Security Professional (PSP).
• Tools (Plus): Experience with CCure access control systems and Ontic Security Management Software.

If you’re motivated to lead global security operations, strengthen resilience, and safeguard people wherever work and travel take them, we’d love to hear from you.

At Kirkland & Ellis, we consider compensation more than just a base salary. We offer an exceptional range of flexible benefits including comprehensive healthcare, paid time off, and retirement. We also offer personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP. To complete an application and submit your resume, please click “Apply Now.”

Don’t meet every job requirement? That’s okay! If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn't perfectly fit every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right person for this role or others at Kirkland.

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.