Director, Security

Phlow; Petersburg (VA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, life & disability insurance

Education-related benefits

Retirement savings plans

Job summary

Phlow University is seeking a Director of Security to lead the physical security program at its Petersburg, VA pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. This on-site role oversees security operations, badging, access control, life safety, and incident response, partnering with EHS, Facilities, IT, HR, and regulatory bodies.

The position requires strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration. The role includes managing security systems, audits, and vendor relationships, with a salary range of

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Security Management, Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, Business, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of progressive security experience in manufacturing, pharma, government, military, or related environments.
• Experience managing outsourced security guard services and contracts.
• Experience with access control, badge systems, surveillance, alarms, and physical security tech.
• Ability to develop security procedures and emergency response plans.
• Strong leadership, communication, vendor-management, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead Phlow’s physical security program for pharmaceutical manufacturing operations.
• Oversee outsourced security personnel, badging, access control, and security systems.
• Drive governance for security policies, post orders, and vendor contracts.
• Coordinate security incident response, investigations, and reporting to leadership.
• Maintain comprehensive physical security program and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with EHS, Facilities, IT, HR, Quality, Legal, and Site Leadership.

Skills

Security leadership

Vendor management

Access control

Emergency response planning

Communication

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Security Management or related field

Tools

Access control systems

Surveillance systems

Alarm systems

Security technology

Job description

Description

The Director of Security is responsible for leading Phlow’s physical security program at its pharmaceutical manufacturing operations. This role protects employees, facilities, equipment, materials, and company assets while supporting a safe, compliant, and productive manufacturing environment.

The Director will oversee outsourced security personnel and vendors, manage badging and access control, oversee security and life safety systems, and serve as a key leader during security incidents and emergencies. The role works closely with Site Leadership, EHS, Facilities, IT, Operations, Human Resources, and external emergency response agencies.

This position is based at Phlow’s pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Petersburg, Virginia and requires full-time on-site presence. The position may require response to security incidents, emergencies, or critical system issues outside normal business hours.

Key Responsibilities

Security Operations

• Manage Phlow’s outsourced security guard program, including staffing, post orders, training, performance, and contract management.
• Evaluate guard coverage, patrols, access points, and security practices to ensure site needs are met.
• Establish and maintain security policies, procedures, and post orders.
• Manage security vendors and contractors, including service levels, performance, and costs.
• Conduct regular security assessments and implement improvements.

Badging & Access Control

• Own Phlow’s employee, contractor, visitor, and vendor badging program.
• Establish and maintain access levels based on job responsibilities and operational needs.
• Manage badge issuance, replacement, suspension, and termination.
• Ensure access is promptly removed when employees or contractors leave Phlow or no longer require access.
• Regularly audit access permissions and visitor procedures.
• Oversee access control systems, doors, gates, cameras, intercoms, and related security infrastructure.

Fire, Life Safety & Alarm Systems

• Provide leadership and oversight for fire, life safety, security, and alarm systems.
• Manage relationships with alarm monitoring and service providers.
• Coordinate system testing, maintenance, troubleshooting, and upgrades with Facilities and EHS.
• Establish appropriate response procedures for fire, security, duress, and other critical alarms.
• Review alarm activity and identify trends or opportunities for improvement.

Emergency Response & Incident Management

• Serve as a key member of the site emergency response and Incident Command team.
• Develop and maintain procedures for unauthorized access, workplace violence, threats, suspicious activity, fires, severe weather, and other emergencies.
• Coordinate with law enforcement, fire departments, EMS, and other emergency response agencies.
• Participate in emergency drills and exercises.
• Lead or support investigations of security incidents and provide appropriate reporting to leadership.

Physical Security & Compliance

• Maintain a comprehensive physical security program appropriate for a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility.
• Assess risks and recommend improvements to fencing, gates, lighting, cameras, access points, alarms, locks, and other security controls.
• Support security requirements for construction, facility modifications, and capital projects.
• Maintain security records, incident reports, procedures, and other documentation.
• Support internal, customer, government, insurance, and regulatory audits.
• Ensure security practices support applicable contractual, regulatory, and government requirements.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner with EHS, Facilities, Operations, IT, Human Resources, Quality, Legal, and Site Leadership on security matters.
• Work with HR on employee access, investigations, workplace violence prevention, and terminations.
• Work with IT on physical security technology and the intersection of physical and cybersecurity.
• Promote security awareness and accountability throughout the organization.

The salary range for this position is $160,000 to $190,000, with the final offer determined based on factors such as the candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, and education. In addition to a competitive base salary, this position is eligible to participate in Phlow's bonus and stock option programs. Phlow also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, life, and disability insurance; retirement savings plans; paid time off and company holidays; and education-related benefits. Many of these programs are fully funded or significantly subsidized by the company, reflecting our commitment to supporting the health, well-being, and professional development of our employees.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Security Management, Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, Business, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of progressive security experience in a manufacturing, pharmaceutical, government, military, industrial, or similar environment.
• Experience managing outsourced security guard services.
• Experience with access control, badging, surveillance, alarm systems, and physical security technology.
• Experience developing security procedures and emergency response plans.
• Strong leadership, communication, vendor-management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to respond to urgent security situations outside normal business hours when necessary.

Preferred

• Experience in pharmaceutical, chemical, biotech, or other highly regulated manufacturing.
• Experience supporting government contracts or regulated facilities.
• Experience with fire alarm/life safety systems and Incident Command.
• Security certification such as CPP, PSP, or equivalent.