Chief Security Officer

Confidential Jobs; United States; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading security management firm is seeking a Chief Security Officer (CSO) to oversee physical security and risk management across various operations in the United States. The CSO will develop a company-wide strategy, managing a diverse team and ensuring the safety of residents, guests, and assets. Ideal candidates will have over 10 years of senior leadership experience in hospitality security, proven risk management skills, and the ability to travel frequently. This executive role is full-time and offers a challenging environment in the hospitality sector.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of senior leadership experience in security or risk management.
• Proven ability to manage multi-state security programs with large field teams.
• Strong experience in fraud prevention and physical security systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a comprehensive security strategy.
• Lead a nationwide team of Security Directors and Supervisors.
• Conduct threat and risk assessments to mitigate risks.
• Ensure compliance with company security standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Risk Management

Fraud Prevention

Crisis Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or Security Management

Job description

The Chief Security Officer (CSO) will oversee and direct all aspects of physical security, risk management, fraud prevention, and crisis response across a diverse portfolio of multi-family communities, hotels, and food & beverage operations in multiple states.

This executive-level position is responsible for developing and enforcing a comprehensive security strategy that protects residents, guests, employees, and company assets—while maintaining a culture of safety, accountability, and professionalism. The CSO will lead a nationwide team that includes Security Directors, Regional Supervisors, and Courtesy Patrol Officers, ensuring consistent execution of company standards across all properties.

The ideal candidate will have deep experience in hospitality and property security operations, a strong network within law enforcement, and proven expertise in managing large, geographically dispersed security teams. This role requires extensive travel to properties across multiple states to conduct audits, lead investigations, and maintain high visibility in the field.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Risk Management

• Develop, implement, and manage a company-wide physical security and risk management strategy.
• Lead a multi-level team of Security Directors, Regional Supervisors, and Courtesy Patrol operations across all states to meet company objectives.
• Establish and enforce rigorous vetting, training, and qualification standards for all security personnel, ensuring professionalism and alignment with company values.
• Oversee fraud prevention and internal investigation programs, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Conduct regular threat, vulnerability, and risk assessments to proactively identify and mitigate potential risks.
• Create and maintain standardized security, safety, and emergency response protocols across all business units.

Law Enforcement & Agency Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with law enforcement and public safety agencies in every city where the company operates.
• Serve as the company’s primary liaison with local, state, and federal authorities during investigations, emergencies, or crisis events.
• Represent the company at security industry associations, law enforcement meetings, and public safety forums.

Property & Asset Protection

• Oversee all physical security systems, including surveillance, access control, alarms, and perimeter protection.
• Direct, audit, and enhance patrol programs to ensure consistent coverage and documentation across all locations.
• Collaborate with property, hotel, and F&B management teams to ensure strict adherence to company security policies.
• Advise on security design and technology integration during new construction, acquisitions, and remodels.

Incident Response & Crisis Management

• Lead company-wide incident response and crisis management protocols, ensuring rapid and coordinated communication.
• Oversee and review all investigations involving theft, vandalism, trespassing, fraud, embezzlement, or related employee misconduct.
• Ensure detailed documentation, reporting, and corrective action follow-ups are implemented across all divisions.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive business continuity and emergency preparedness plans.
• Supervise and evaluate all direct reports and ensure consistent evaluations of all security personnel.
• Develop and implement training programs focused on situational awareness, de-escalation, emergency response, and guest interaction.
• Review and approve all third-party vendor contracts, ensuring compliance with company standards, insurance, and licensing requirements.
• Work closely with Operations, HR, and Legal to align security initiatives with company goals.
• Partner with property management, hotel, and restaurant leadership on investigations and safety procedures.
• Collaborate with construction and development teams to integrate proactive security design and surveillance planning into new and existing sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Security Management, or related field preferred.
• 10+ years of senior leadership experience in security or risk management, ideally within hospitality, real estate, or multi-unit operations.
• Proven ability to manage multi-state security programs with large field teams.
• Strong experience in risk management, fraud prevention, and physical security systems.
• Established relationships with law enforcement and public safety agencies at local and national levels.
• Skilled in developing and implementing security SOPs, training systems, and crisis response frameworks.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and decision-making abilities.
• Extensive travel required (estimated 50–70% of the time) to audit locations, support investigations, and ensure on-site accountability.

Seniority level

• Executive

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Other

Industries

• Hotels and Motels
• Hospitality
• Food and Beverage Retail