Data Center Physical Security Specialist

Job Summary The Data Center Physical Security Specialist is a key leadership role responsible for the day-to-day oversight and operational integrity of our 24/7/365 physical security program. We are seeking a hands-on professional who leads by example. This includes maintaining a high standard of personal physical readiness to ensure you can effectively lead, train, and respond alongside your team during any challenge.

To support this, we actively promote a culture of readiness and provide resources to help our team stay in top condition. Reporting to the Head of Physical Security, this position manages all on-site security operations, including the contract armed security team, life-safety and fire fighting systems, and comprehensive incident response. The ideal candidate is a hands-on expert with a strong background in managing armed security personnel, developing and delivering training, and maintaining rigorous compliance and reporting standards within a critical infrastructure environment.

---Responsibilities
** 1. Security Team & Operations Management**
* ** Supervise 24/7 Armed Security Team:
** Provide direct oversight, leadership, and guidance to the on-site contract security officers, ensuring constant readiness and professional conduct.
* ** Training & Development:
** Design, implement, and lead the site-specific onboarding and continuous training program for all new and existing security officers. This includes training on:
* Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
* Access control and visitor management protocols
* Use of force and de-escalation tactics
* Emergency response procedures (fire, medical, security)
* Incident reporting and documentation
* ** Performance Management:
** Act as the primary point of contact for the security vendor, monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and address all performance, scheduling, or conduct issues.
* ** Post Coverage:
** Ensure all security posts are staffed 24/7 according to the contract, and manage any call-offs or emergency staffing needs.
** 2. Incident Response & Reporting**
* ** Primary Incident Commander:
** Serve as the on-site lead for all physical security and life-safety incidents, coordinating the response of security staff, first responders, and internal stakeholders.
* ** Incident Reporting:
** Oversee the entire incident reporting process. Ensure all events are logged accurately, investigated thoroughly, and documented in detailed, professional reports.
* ** Analysis & Escalation:
** Analyze incident data to identify trends, risks, or vulnerabilities. Escalate critical incidents and findings to the Director of Physical Security with recommendations for corrective action.
* ** Investigations:
** Conduct or support internal investigations related to security breaches, policy violations, or other incidents as directed.
** 3. Life Safety & Emergency Preparedness**
* ** Fire Fighting & Life Safety:
** Act as the primary security liaison for all fire protection and life safety systems. Ensure all systems (alarms, suppression, extinguishers) are inspected, tested, and functional in coordination with the Facilities team.
* ** Emergency Drills:
** Plan and execute regular emergency drills (eg, fire, evacuation, shelter-in-place) for all site personnel, including security officers.
* ** Documentation:
** Maintain all logs and records related to emergency system testing, drills, and response.
** 4. Physical Security Systems & Audits**
* ** Access Control:
** Oversee the daily operation of physical access control, CCTV, and intrusion detection systems.
* ** Audits & Compliance:
** Conduct regular patrols and physical security audits of the site to ensure compliance with all security policies, procedures, and industry standards (eg, ISO 27001, SOC
2).
* ** Vendor Management:
** Escort and monitor third-party vendors performing work on-site, ensuring they adhere to all security and safety protocols.

---Qualifications
** Required**
* *
* Experience:

** 5+ years of experience in physical security, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or team lead role (eg, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Shift Supervisor)
* ** Environment:
** Prior experience in a high-security, 24/7 critical environment such as a data center, government facility (SCIF), hospital, or critical infrastructure plant
* ** Armed Security:
** Verifiable experience managing or working with an armed security force, including a deep understanding of use-of-force policies and de-escalation techniques
* ** Training:
** Demonstrable experience in developing and delivering training programs to security personnel
* ** Incident Reporting:
** Exceptional skill in writing clear, concise, and professional incident reports and managing a reporting system (eg, using a GSOC or incident management platform)
* ** Technical

Skills:

** Proficiency with modern physical security technology, including enterprise-level access control systems (ACS), video management systems (VMS), and visitor management systems
* ** Emergency Response:
** Must have experience in emergency…