Chief Security Officer

Description

Position Summary:

The Chief Security Officer (CSO) is the highest-ranking executive responsible for overseeing and managing the overall security strategy, policy development, and operational execution of security functions within the organization. This role ensures that the organization’s assets, employees, and reputation are protected against all types of security risks, including physical security breaches, and other vulnerabilities. The CSO will work closely with senior management, external stakeholders, and regulatory bodies to develop and enforce security policies, strategies, and solutions aligned with organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities:

· Security Strategy Development: Develop and implement a comprehensive security strategy to safeguard organizational assets, data, and personnel.

· Policy Creation & Enforcement: Create, enforce, and continuously improve security policies, guidelines, and procedures to protect the organization against security breaches and vulnerabilities. re-evaluate the existing policies

· Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate security risks related to physical and operational threats. Oversee guest safety programs. Prepare detailed investigation reports following any incident. These should be sent to senior mgmt. and logged for insurance purposes. Track Safety record for employee work related accidents.

· Leadership & Oversight: Lead and manage the security team, providing guidance, support, and direction for all security-related operations. Proper communication and follow up regarding incidents

· Crisis Management: Lead the response to security crises or incidents, ensuring swift recovery and implementation of corrective actions.

· Collaboration: Work closely with senior leadership and department heads to integrate security priorities into all business operations and plans.

· Compliance & Regulations: Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards regarding security practices and data protection.

· Security Technology Oversight: Oversee the selection, implementation, and management of security technologies (such as surveillance systems, intrusion detection, and cybersecurity tools) to enhance organizational security.

· Training & Awareness: Develop and deliver training programs to enhance security awareness and capabilities across the organization. Conduct regular safety drills for staff. Ensure staff is trained on security awareness and emergency response plans. Develop and execute preparedness plans.

· Budget & Resource Management: Oversee the budget for security operations, ensuring efficient use of resources while maintaining high standards of security.

· Continuous Improvement: Regularly assess and update security practices in response to evolving threats, new technologies, and industry trends.

· Be able to lead crisis response efforts

Qualifications

Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Business Administration, or a related field.

· Proven experience (10 years) in security management or a related field, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.

· In-depth knowledge of security systems, risk management, and regulatory requirements

· Experience managing physical security operations.

· Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.

· Ability to analyze complex security threats and develop actionable solutions.

· Strong understanding of business operations and the integration of security with business goals.

Key Competencies:

· Leadership & Management

· Strategic Thinking

· Risk Assessment & Mitigation

· Crisis Management

· Communication & Collaboration

· Budget Management

· Regulatory Compliance Expertise

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that an employee must be able to handle to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform in this environment.

Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

· Physical demands

o While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk and hear

o The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls

o Position may require reaching with hands and arms

· Communication

o Ability to communicate, both verbally and written, effectively with guests, vendors and co-workers

o Must read, write and speak the English language fluently

o Knowledge of Spanish is helpful

· Computer skills

Strong Microsoft Office skills with an emphasis on Excel