What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director Physical Security Technology position at Aligned Data Centers, LLC?
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DEPARTMENT: Operations
REPORTS TO: Aligned Senior Director, Security
SUMMARY: The Director of Physical Security Technology, Programs, and Standards is responsible for establishing and leading a global framework that delivers consistent, scalable, and future-ready physical security solutions. This role strategically integrates technology, policy, and global operational excellence to support business growth, accelerate market entry, and drive cost efficiencies through standardization and strategic vendor partnerships.
This role requires strong operational and technical expertise, with a proven ability to align global security initiatives with broader business objectives. Experience in policy and process development, vendor management, and a deep understanding of physical security compliance standards—particularly within data center environments—is essential.
Success in this role requires agility in fast-paced environments, sound decision-making under pressure, and a customer-focused, solutions-oriented mindset.
RESPONSIBILITIES (to include but not limited to):
- Architect and deploy a unified enterprise platform integrating surveillance, access control, and data analytics to enhance global operational visibility and decision-making.
- Champion the evolution of physical security from a traditional risk mitigation function to a strategic business enabler aligned with organizational growth.
- Lead API integrations to support seamless, customer-facing facility access solutions.
- Direct the development and implementation of multinational integrated security operations centers and comprehensive systems training programs.
- Maintain and continuously improve the organization’s physical security standards documentation to ensure consistency and scalability.
- Embed security design reviews in pre-construction phases to minimize retrofitting costs and streamline project timelines.
- Utilize risk assessments to deliver data-driven, risk-based recommendations that inform and mature program strategies and investments.
- Ensure full compliance with Aligned’s physical security policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Oversee and present annual budgets for security systems and software, collaborating cross-functionally to align fiscal planning with strategic objectives.
- 12 years in corporate or enterprise-level physical security, with 5 years in leadership roles in data centers (Proficiency with ServiceNow, CCURE, Genetec a plus).
- Experience leading a global team with a wide range of skill sets, backgrounds, and personality types.
- Proven leadership with cross functional influence in data center operations and construction.
- Thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment; adjusts quickly to new challenges and shifting priorities.
- Inspires and guides standards toward operational excellence, fosters accountability, morale, and continuous improvement.
- Demonstrates sound judgment and composure in high-stress or emergency situations; makes timely, informed decisions.
- Maintains strict adherence to security protocols, documentation standards, and regulatory compliance.
- Balances security priorities with a professional, service-minded approach toward internal and external stakeholders.
- High school diploma or GED required
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, security management, or related field preferred
- Minimum of 10 [MM1.1][1.2]years of physical security systems experience in data center or mission critical environments
- At least 5 years of supervisory or team leadership experience in a security-related role
- In-depth knowledge of physical security systems and strategies, principles, standards, policies, and procedures
- Proficiency architecting access control systems, CCTV monitoring, and incident reporting tools
- Demonstrated excellence presenting to an executive-level audience internally and with customers, both written and oral
- Ability to pass background checks, drug screening, and other pre-employment security clearances
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Up to 20-30% International travel may be required
- Bilingual preferred
- Passport required
COMPETENCIES:
- Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.
- Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
- Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
- Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.
- Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.
- Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
- Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
- Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
- Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
- Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
- Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
- Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
- Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
- Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
- Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
- Frequently required to stand
- Continually required to walk
- Frequently required to sit
- Frequently required to talk or hear
- Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl
- Occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions (non-weather)
- Occasional exposure to outside weather conditions
- While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet
Compensation: $65,000-75,000 base salary plus annual bonus
Aligned Data Centers is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our team members. Eligible employees have access to:
- Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with company match
- Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
- Company‑Sponsored Insurance: Short-Term Disability, Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability (with medical election)
- Optional Benefits: Voluntary life, critical illness, legal and disability coverage
- Wellness Programs: Employee assistance program (EAP), Wellhub gym membership and other wellness initiatives
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
At Aligned, we are committed to transparency and fostering a positive employee experience from your very first interaction with us. In compliance with Illinois pay disclosure requirements, when you join Aligned, you’ll have access to the following benefits: medical, dental, vision, short and long disability, life insurance and other voluntary benefits, 401k with employer match, bonus opportunities, paid time off, wellness benefits and professional development opportunities, all designed to support your well-being and career growth. We want you to have a clear understanding of what we offer, so you can make informed decisions about your future with us.
Aligned is equally committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities for all employees. We ensure that all applicants and team members are considered for employment, advancement, and all other employment-related matters without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
If you require a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of your job due to a disability or medical condition, please contact our People & Culture team. Accommodation requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable laws. Aligned will make reasonable accommodations where necessary to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their role.
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Salary : $65,000 - $75,000