Physical Security Associate Manager

As a member of the Sidley Physical Security Department, this position reports to the Physical Security Manager in Chicago and has direct supervisory responsibility for the Physical Security Analyst in New York.  The position is responsible for developing and implementing physical security procedures and protocols to protect the Firm’s personnel, facilities, and assets.  Key responsibilities include analyzing intelligence related to terrorism, crime, and geopolitical developments that may affect the Firm; ensuring security procedures comply with applicable government requirements and Firm standards; assisting with the design, installation, and vendor oversight of the Firm’s access control systems; and conducting investigations involving alleged malfeasance, harassment, intimidation, or other security-related matters at the direction of Physical Security leadership.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops, implements, reviews, and maintains physical security procedures, protocols, and operational standards designed to protect Firm personnel, offices, facilities, and assets.
• Assesses physical security risks and vulnerabilities and recommends appropriate preventive, protective, and corrective measures to Physical Security leadership.
• Conducts research, analysis, and interpretation of intelligence concerning terrorism, criminal activity, civil unrest, geopolitical developments, and other emerging threats that may affect the Firm, its offices, personnel, or business operations.
• Monitors relevant threat information and identifies trends, developments, and potential security concerns requiring further assessment or action.
• Prepares and communicates security assessments, threat analyses, situational reports, briefings, and recommendations to Physical Security leadership and other appropriate Firm stakeholders.
• Develops and implements security procedures and protocols consistent with applicable federal, state, and local requirements, as well as Firm policies, guidelines, and security standards.
• Assists the Physical Security Manager with the planning, design, implementation, maintenance, and enhancement of the Firm’s physical access control systems and related security technology.
• Coordinates with and provides oversight of security vendors, contractors, and service providers involved in the installation, maintenance, repair, and operation of access control and other physical security systems.
• Evaluates access control requirements and assists in addressing system performance, security vulnerabilities, operational issues, and opportunities for security enhancements.
• Conducts investigations at the direction of the Physical Security Director or Physical Security Manager concerning alleged malfeasance, harassment, intimidation, threats, inappropriate conduct, security incidents, or other matters involving Firm personnel or external individuals.
• Conducts investigative interviews, gathers and reviews relevant information and documentation, evaluates available evidence, maintains appropriate records, and prepares investigative findings and reports for Physical Security leadership.
• Coordinates, as appropriate and at the direction of the Physical Security Director and New York’s Director of Administration, with Human Resources, Information Technology, office administration, law enforcement, building management, and other internal or external stakeholders regarding security incidents and investigations.
• Responds to and assists in managing physical security incidents, threats, emergencies, and other situations that could affect the safety and security of Firm personnel, facilities, or assets.
• Maintains appropriate confidentiality and discretion when handling sensitive security, intelligence, investigative, personnel, and access-control information.
• Supervises the Physical Security Analyst assigned to the New York office, including assigning and reviewing work, establishing priorities, providing guidance and direction, and monitoring performance and professional conduct.
• Provides training, coaching, and operational support to the Physical Security Analyst and promotes consistent application of Firm physical security procedures and standards.
• Supports the Physical Security Manager and Physical Security Director in implementing departmental initiatives, security programs, risk mitigation measures, and other projects designed to strengthen the Firm’s overall physical security posture.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with Firm personnel, office leadership, building management, security vendors, law enforcement agencies, and other external security partners, as appropriate.
• Maintains knowledge of physical security practices, threat assessment methodologies, investigative techniques, access control technologies, and relevant regulatory requirements and industry developments.
• Performs other physical security, intelligence, investigative, supervisory, and administrative duties as assigned by the Physical Security Director or Physical Security Manager.

Education and/or Experience:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Security Management, Intelligence Studies, Emergency Management, Political Science, International Relations, or a related field preferred.  An equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and professional experience may be considered.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in physical security, corporate security, law enforcement, military security, intelligence, investigations, or a related field, including experience assessing and responding to security risks and threats.
• Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and evaluating physical security procedures, protocols, and operational standards.
• Experience conducting threat and risk assessments, including researching, analyzing, and interpreting information concerning criminal activity, terrorism, civil unrest, geopolitical developments, and other emerging threats.
• Experience conducting sensitive investigations, including investigative interviews, information and evidence gathering, documentation review, analysis of findings, and preparation of clear and objective investigative reports.
• Working knowledge of physical access control systems and related security technologies, including experience supporting system implementation, administration, maintenance, or enhancement.
• Demonstrated experience responding to and assisting with the management of security incidents, threats, emergencies, or other situations affecting personnel, facilities, or business operations.
• Prior supervisory or team leadership experience, including experience assigning and reviewing work, establishing priorities, providing guidance, coaching employees, and monitoring performance.
• Experience working collaboratively with multiple organizational functions and external stakeholders, including management, Human Resources, Information Technology, office administration, building management, security vendors, and law enforcement.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive, confidential, and investigative information with a high degree of professionalism, discretion, sound judgment, and integrity.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to evaluate complex information, identify trends and potential threats, assess risk, and develop practical security recommendations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated ability to prepare security assessments, investigative reports, threat analyses, briefings, and other professional communications for management.
• Knowledge of physical security principles and practices, threat and vulnerability assessment methodologies, investigative techniques, access control technologies, and applicable security standards and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively to time-sensitive security matters in a professional services or similarly complex organizational environment.
• Experience in a law firm, professional services organization, corporate environment, or other organization with geographically dispersed operations preferred.
• Relevant professional certifications, such as Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Physical Security Professional (PSP), Professional Certified Investigator (PCI), or comparable security, intelligence, investigative, or law enforcement credentials, are preferred but not required.
• Proficiency with computers, database systems, and related software applications used to research, analyze, document, track, and report security, intelligence, investigative, and access control information.
• Ability and willingness to travel to Firm offices and other locations, as needed, to support security assessments, investigations, system implementations, incident response, and other Physical Security Department initiatives.

Preferred:

• Prior supervisory or management experience, including responsibility for assigning work, establishing priorities, coaching and developing staff, evaluating performance, and providing operational direction.
• Experience overseeing security vendors, contractors, consultants, and service providers, including monitoring performance and coordinating security-related projects.
• Experience conducting or overseeing complex and sensitive workplace investigations involving threats, harassment, intimidation, misconduct, or other security-related matters.
• Experience conducting threat, vulnerability, and risk assessments and developing appropriate mitigation strategies and recommendations for management.
• Experience analyzing intelligence concerning terrorism, crime, civil unrest, geopolitical developments, and emerging threats affecting personnel, facilities, travel, or business operations.
• Experience coordinating with law enforcement, government agencies, building management, corporate security organizations, and other external security partners.
• Experience preparing and presenting executive-level security assessments, investigative findings, threat briefings, and recommendations to senior management and other stakeholders.
• Experience managing security incidents, emergencies, or crisis-response activities requiring coordination across multiple business functions or locations.

Other Skills and Abilities:

The following will also be required of the successful candidate:

• Strong organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Good judgment
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
• Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
• Able to work under pressure
• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

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The target salary range for this role is:

Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities above satisfactorily and meet the requirements. The requirements listed above are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email [email protected] (current employees should contact Human Resources).

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.