Global Security Lead: Crisis, Risk & Exec Protection

Cognition; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognition is seeking a Global Security Manager to build and run a worldwide security program protecting our people, facilities and travel. You will set strategy, manage day-to-day operations with a small team and trusted vendors, and act as the decision-maker during incidents.

The role reports to the Chief Security Officer and collaborates with Threat Intel, IT, Legal and Federal teams. Ideal candidates bring 8+ years of leadership in corporate security, experience with crisis management and a

Qualifications

• 8+ years in corporate or global security, including physical security, executive protection and travel risk management.
• Acting as the senior decision-maker during real incidents, staying calm under pressure and communicating clearly to executives and staff.
• Building or scaling security programs across multiple countries with third-party vendors and budgets.
• Familiarity with NISPOM (32 CFR Part 117) and ITAR; experience with cleared programs.
• Strong written communication and the judgment to operate in a confidential, high-trust environment.
• Ability to move quickly in a dynamic environment and replace manual processes with tooling and automation.
• US Citizenship required; TS/SCI clearance is a plus; willingness to travel and be available outside business hours.

Responsibilities

• Monitor geopolitical, environmental, physical and cyber threats globally and assess risks for offices, events and leadership travel.
• Develop and enforce security policies, procedures and emergency plans across markets.
• Lead crisis management, incident response, and post-incident reviews with cross-functional teams.
• Own physical security operations, access control, surveillance and visitor management across offices.
• Oversee security personnel, GSOC and external vendors; manage contracts, budgets and performance.
• Manage global travel risk programs and executive protection for leadership.
• Coordinate counterintelligence activities and brief executives on risks and mitigations.
• Interface with facility security and FedRAMP/ITAR programs to ensure compliant protections.
• Build partnerships with law enforcement and security teams in other labs and companies.
• Leverage Devin and other AI agents to scale monitoring, triage alerts and reporting.

Skills

Program leadership

Crisis judgment

Global operations

Industrial security

Discretion & writing

Builder mindset

US citizenship

Job description

Cognition is seeking a Global Security Manager to build and run a worldwide security program protecting our people, facilities and travel. You will set strategy, manage day-to-day operations with a small team and trusted vendors, and act as the decision-maker during incidents.

The role reports to the Chief Security Officer and collaborates with Threat Intel, IT, Legal and Federal teams. Ideal candidates bring 8+ years of leadership in corporate security, experience with crisis management and a