Manager - physical security program

Job Description

Location : Westerville, OH (HQ)

Reports to : VP Global Real Estate

The Sr. Manager, Global Physical Security, is responsible for leading Vertiv’s physical security program across a diverse global real estate portfolio—including offices, labs, manufacturing, and distribution facilities. Reporting to the VP, Global Real Estate, this leader will establish and govern global physical security standards, manage guard vendor contracts, oversee security systems (access control, CCTV and visitor systems), and ensure consistent implementation across all regions. The role is an integral member of the Global Real Estate (GRE) organization and is key to mitigating risk, ensuring the safety of employees and assets, and driving operational consistency across Vertiv’s 400+ global locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Governance & Strategic Alignment
• Develop and enforce global standards and policies for physical security across all Vertiv sites. Conduct ongoing site risk assessments and partner with business units to align protection needs with operations. Align physical security strategy with broader enterprise risk, business continuity, and real estate strategy. Ensure security program aligns with Vertiv’s compliance, legal, and EHS requirements.
• Guard Force Management
• Manage third-party security guard vendors including contracting, performance metrics, and cost control.
• Standardize post orders, uniforms, and onboarding to ensure professionalism and consistency.
• Lead vendor RFPs and establish SLAs to ensure high performance and accountability.
• Access Control & Visitor Systems
• Own global administration of badge access and visitor management systems across regions.
• Partner with IT and Facilities to standardize platforms (e.g., Lenel, Genetec, Proxyclick) and enforce provisioning protocols.
• Ensure seamless integration of security systems at new sites and during renovations.
• Incident & Crisis Response
• Develop and Lead incident response programs and policies to proactively mitigate risk before it happens efforts (i.e. physical breaches, civil unrest, workplace threats, and emergencies).
• Maintain standardized logging, escalation, and root cause analysis tools.
• Support business continuity and emergency response plans in collaboration with EHS, HR and other business leaders (Regional and Functional).
• Technology & Infrastructure Oversight
• Oversee deployment and maintenance of global security infrastructure including card access control, CCTV, alarm, and intrusion systems.
• Evaluate and implement next-gen solutions to improve visibility, cost-efficiency, and centralization.
• Coordinate closely with IT to ensure cyber-physical system integrity.
• Site Launch & Integration
• Act as Physical Security lead for new site launches, expansions, and relocations.
• Ensure appropriate security coverage and technology readiness from day one.
• Support M&A activities to assess and integrate acquired site security programs into Vertiv standards.
• Metrics, Audits & Reporting
• Track and report on global physical security KPIs and trends (incident volumes, SLA performance, coverage).
• Lead periodic audits and site walkthroughs in coordination with GRE and EHS teams.
• Deliver executive-level reporting and briefings to leadership.
• Change Management & Communications
• Drive internal alignment and adoption of new physical security policies, tools, and vendors.
• Develop communication and training materials to support successful rollout and compliance.
• Serve as a global point of contact for physical security escalations and guidance.
  
  

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Security Management, Business, or related field.

10+ years of experience in physical security, 5+ years preferably in a regional or global role.

Experience managing guard contracts, implementing physical security systems, and leading incident response.

Strong knowledge of global security regulations and risk management practices.

Demonstrated ability to operate in a matrixed, fast-paced global organization.

Other Requirements

Certifications (CPP, PSP) preferred but not required.

Travel: Up to 25% globally.

On-call availability for global incident response as needed.

Multilingual skills a plus.

The successful candidate will embrace Vertiv’s Core Principals & Behaviors to help execute our Strategic Priorities.

OUR CORE PRINCIPALS : Safety. Integrity. Respect. Teamwork. Diversity & Inclusion.

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Customer Focus

Operational Excellence

High-Performance Culture

Innovation

Financial Strength

OUR BEHAVIORS

Own It

Act With Urgency

Foster a Customer-First Mindset

Think Big and Execute

Lead by Example

Drive Continuous Improvement

Learn and Seek Out Development

At Vertiv, we’re on a mission to empower the people that will power the future. From a simple swipe to life-changing medicines, from push notifications to generative AI. We design, manufacture, and service the products and solutions that keep the world connected. With $6.9 billion in revenue, a strong customer base and global reach spanning nearly 70 countries, we are uniquely positioned to deliver greater value to our customers and create new opportunities for our people.

Vertiv is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We promote equal opportunities for all with respect to hiring, terms of employment, mobility, training, compensation, and occupational health, without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression (including transgender status or sexual stereotypes), genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, you can request help by sending an email to [email protected] . If you are interested in applying or learning more about this role, please visit the company’s career page located on Vertiv.com/Careers

Work Authorization

No calls or agencies please. Vertiv will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

About The Team

Work Authorization

No calls or agencies please. Vertiv will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We promote equal opportunities for all with respect to hiring, terms of employment, mobility, training, compensation, and occupational health, without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression (including transgender status or sexual stereotypes), genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation, or disability.