Security Managers

Direct an organization's security functions, including physical security and safety of employees, facilities, and assets.

Median Annual Wage: $105,060

Education: Bachelor's degree (60%); Master's degree (15%); Associate's degree (15%)

Projected Growth: Slower than average (3% to 7%)

Related Job Titles: Corporate Physical Security Supervisor; Corporate Security Manager; Director Security Management; Director, Corporate Security; Manager, Security Infrastructure and Enterprise Services; Manager, Security Services and Safety System Support; Manager, Security and Safety; Security Director; Security Manager

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Security Managers.

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  • Identify, investigate, or resolve security breaches.
  • Respond to medical emergencies, bomb threats, fire alarms, or intrusion alarms, following emergency response procedures.
  • Monitor and ensure a sound, ethical environment.
  • Plan, direct, or coordinate security activities to safeguard company assets, employees, guests, or others on company property.
  • Develop, implement, manage, or evaluate policies and methods to protect personnel against harassment, threats, or violence.
  • Develop, conduct, support, or assist in governmental reviews, internal corporate evaluations, or assessments of the overall effectiveness of facility and personnel security processes.
  • Train subordinate security professionals or other organization members in security rules and procedures.
  • Assess risks to mitigate potential consequences of incidents and develop a plan to respond to incidents.
  • Communicate security status, updates, and actual or potential problems, using established protocols.
  • Direct or participate in emergency management and contingency planning.
  • Conduct threat or vulnerability analyses to determine probable frequency, criticality, consequence, or severity of natural or man-made disasters or criminal activity on the organization's profitability or delivery of products or services.
  • Supervise or provide leadership to subordinate security professionals, performing activities, such as hiring, background investigation, training, assigning work, evaluating performance, or disciplining.
  • Develop budgets for security operations.
  • Write or review security-related documents, such as incident reports, proposals, and tactical or strategic initiatives.
  • Analyze and evaluate security operations to identify risks or opportunities for improvement through auditing, review, or assessment.
  • Develop or manage integrated security controls to ensure confidentiality, accountability, recoverability, or audit ability of sensitive information, proprietary information, or information technology resources.
  • Monitor security policies, programs or procedures to ensure compliance with internal security policies, licensing requirements, or applicable government security requirements, policies, and directives.
  • Conduct physical examinations of property to ensure compliance with security policies and regulations.
  • Collect and analyze security data to determine security needs, security program goals, or program accomplishments.
  • Coordinate security operations or activities with public law enforcement, fire and other agencies.
  • Review financial reports to ensure efficiency and quality of security operations.
  • Purchase security-related supplies, equipment, or technology.
  • Develop or manage investigation programs, including collection and preservation of video and notes of surveillance processes or investigative interviews.
  • Develop, arrange for, perform, or assess executive protection activities to reduce security risks.
  • Plan security for special and high-risk events.
  • Support efforts to reduce substance abuse or other illegal activities in the workplace.
  • Develop, recommend, or manage security procedures for operations or processes, such as security call centers, system acquisition, development, and maintenance, access control, program models, or reporting tools.
  • Prepare reports or make presentations on internal investigations, losses, or violations of regulations, policies and procedures.
  • Attend meetings, professional seminars, or conferences to keep abreast of changes in executive legislative directives or new technologies impacting security operations.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Security Managers.

  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Security Managers.

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