Head of Global Security Operations (APJ)

Cadence; Singapore; On-site; SGD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm is seeking a Regional Head of Physical Security to oversee security operations across the APAC region. This senior role involves leading security initiatives in a high-tech environment, managing teams, and ensuring compliance with global security standards. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in security, crisis management, and collaborative program development. The position offers a unique opportunity to shape security practices that protect vital technology innovations.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead security across multiple sites or regions.
• Strong skills in crisis leadership and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to build and run security programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor regional security managers.
• Oversee operational performance of security teams.
• Develop scalable, risk-aligned physical security programs.

Skills

Incident management

Crisis leadership

Stakeholder influencing

Security systems integration

Education

12+ years of security experience

Professional certifications (CPP, PSP, CFE, CTM)

Tools

Access control

CCTV

Job description

About the Role

Cadence is seeking an accomplished and forward-leaning Regional Head of Physical Security to lead all physical security operations across APAC region. This leader will serve as the primary regional point of contact for all matters related to physical security, risk management, incident response, and protective programs, ensuring Cadence’s people, facilities, and IP remain secure and resilient.

In addition to owning the region, the selected candidate will assume global program leadership for one strategic security domain—such as Risk Assessments, Executive Protection, Event Security, Insider Threat (physical layer), or Global Travel Risk—depending on expertise. This ensures the role delivers both high-impact local execution and meaningful influence on the global security strategy.

This is a critical, senior position for a company operating at the forefront of semiconductor design, AI acceleration, and global R&D expansion.

Working location: Singapore/Shanghai/Yokohama Japan

Key Responsibilities

Regional Leadership & Ownership

• Serve as the senior-most Global Security authority for APAC, functioning as the direct POC for all regional leaders, site heads, HR, Legal, Workplace, IT and engineering leadership and others.
• Lead the development and execution of a scalable, risk-aligned physical security program across offices, labs, and high-security R&D environments.
• Conduct ongoing threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments based on local geopolitical conditions, crime trends, regional regulations, and Cadence’s footprint.
• Drive consistent implementation of global security standards while adapting appropriately to local laws, norms, and cultural considerations.

Operational Excellence & Incident Response

• Oversee daily operational performance of regional security teams, guarding providers, access control processes, CCTV, visitor programs, travel support, and life-safety functions.
• Serve as regional incident commander for security-related events—workplace violence, threats, protests, facility breaches, safety disruptions, and executive/security escalations.
• Coordinate closely with the Global Security Operations Center (GSOC) to ensure real-time monitoring, rapid response, and high-quality escalation management.

Global Program Leadership

(One major program will be assigned based on candidate strengths.)

Examples include—but are not limited to:

• Global Risk Assessment Program design & governance
• Physical Security playbook for SOPs and standards
• Event Security lead for Cadence worldwide
• Insider Threat – Physical Layer program owner
• Travel Risk & Duty of Care program modernization

Responsibilities for the selected global program include:

• Define global frameworks, standards, SOPs, metrics, and reporting.
• Lead cross-functional working groups and collaborate with regional leaders worldwide.
• Deliver executive-level program briefings and roadmap updates.
• Drive innovation, automation, and modernization initiatives within the program scope.
• Use and “A.I first” mindset in all program development

Cross-Functional & Executive Engagement

• Partner with IT, Legal, HR, Corporate Communications, Facilities, and Business Continuity teams on security matters and strategic planning.
• Advise senior executives and regional leadership on emerging risks, incident outcomes, and strategic mitigation plans.
• Provide guidance during new build-outs, upgrades, and sensitive R&D expansions.

People Leadership & Vendor Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of regional security managers and contracted security personnel.
• Own regional security budgets, vendor performance, contract compliance, and long-term resource planning.
• Foster a culture of accountability, integrity, collaboration, and operational excellence.

Qualifications

Required

• 12+ years of progressively responsible security experience in corporate security, law enforcement, military, or intelligence roles.
• Proven ability to lead security across multiple sites or regions in a high-tech, semiconductor, or IP-sensitive environment.
• Strong incident management, crisis leadership, and stakeholder-influencing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and run security programs, not just operations.
• Expertise with modern access control, CCTV, visitor management, SOC operations, and security systems integration.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the maturity to engage executives and global stakeholders.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Preferred

• Experience supporting R&D labs, engineering centers, high-security environments, or multinational expansions.
• Professional certifications (CPP, PSP, CFE, CTM, or similar).
• Prior experience contributing to or owning a global program in a multinational company.
• Familiarity with Asia-specific risk landscapes, regulatory frameworks, and labor conventions.

Why This Role Matters

This position sits at the intersection of local execution and global influence, providing the unique opportunity to:

• Lead security for one of Cadence’s most important regions.
• Shape a global program that elevates security standards worldwide.
• Play a major part in protecting critical semiconductor innovation that powers the world’s most sophisticated technology.