Head of Corporate Security

Security Executive Council; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 158,000 - 236,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hartford is seeking an AVP Risk Management to lead enterprise security operations, strategy, and protection programs across domestic and international locations. You will direct Physical Security, Executive Protection, Protective Intelligence, and Travel Risk Management while partnering with legal, risk, HR, and regional leadership to safeguard colleagues and assets.

Reporting to senior leadership, you will oversee security technology platforms, incident response, and vulnerability

Qualifications

• 15+ years progressive corporate security leadership experience in a large complex organization.
• Expertise in workplace violence prevention/threat management, executive protection, investigations, and crisis response.
• Proven vendor management experience (guarding services, technology integrators, intelligence/travel risk providers).
• Strong command of security technology and modern security operations (access control, CCTV/VMS, monitoring).
• Experience building global security programs (international offices, varied risk profiles, cultural/legal environments).
• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Security Management; advanced degrees preferred.
• Certifications (CPP/PCI/PSP, CFE, Crisis Management/BCP, EP credentials) preferred.
• Experience standing up or modernizing SOC/GSOC and protective intelligence functions.
• Demonstrated leadership managing global security programs and advising C-suite on risk.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Design and govern the enterprise security strategy aligned with risk priorities, policies, standards, and regulations.
• Lead global security operations centers (GSOC) and manage vendor and guard force performance and SLAs.
• Own strategy for security technology platforms (access control, video management, analytics, mass notification).
• Implement enterprise-wide physical security standards and technologies including access control and CCTV.
• Design and manage executive protection strategy and travel safety programs for board meetings and high-visibility events.
• Lead Crisis Management Team activities, playbooks, exercises, and post-incident reviews.

Skills

Security leadership

Workplace violence prevention

Executive protection

Crisis management/response

Vendor management

Security technology

Global security programs

SOC/GSOC experience

Travel risk awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice/Security Management

Advanced degree in security management or related field

Job description

About the job

AVP Risk Management - KE05AE

We’re determined to make a difference and are proud to be an insurance company that goes well beyond coverages and policies. Working here means having every opportunity to achieve your goals – and to help others accomplish theirs, too. Join our team as we help shape the future.

The Chief Security Officer (CSO) will be responsible for the strategy, governance, and execution of enterprise security operations for The Hartford, protecting more than 19,000 colleagues across domestic and international locations. This role ensures the safety of colleagues, clients, facilities, and assets while enabling business operations in complex and evolving threat environments.

Reporting to senior executive leadership, the CSO will oversee Physical Security, Executive Protection, Protective Intelligence, Travel Risk Management, Guard Force Management, and Global Security Operations. The position will partner closely with business leadership, cybersecurity, legal, risk, human resources, employee relations, business resiliency management, and regional leadership teams. This position will also act as primary liaison with local/state/federal law enforcement and international equivalents as needed.

Security Strategy & Leadership

• Design and govern the enterprise security strategy aligned with The Hartford’s risk priorities, policies, standards, and applicable regulations.
• Serve as the senior advisor to executive leadership on security risk and geopolitical developments; represent security at the executive leadership level, providing strategic risk assessments and briefings.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing team (corporate security managers, analysts, investigators, and/or vendor resources).
• Create a culture of preparedness and accountability through communications, education and training for employees and leaders (workplace violence awareness, active threat, suspicious activity reporting, travel safety).
• Produce regular reporting on security KPIs, incident trends, risk assessments, and program maturity.
• Drive continuous improvement through audits, tabletop exercises, lessons learned, technology enhancements and external perspectives on best practices and emerging trends.

Enterprise Security Operations & Technology

• Oversee security program protecting offices, employees, and operations.
• Lead global security operations centers (GSOC) and direct vendor and guard force management; ensure performance metrics, SLAs, and compliance.
• Own strategy for security technology platforms (access control, video management, analytics, mass notification, duress systems).
• Implement enterprise‑wide physical security standards and technologies including access control, video surveillance, and security systems.
• Partner with Real Estate/Facilities on safe workplace design, site risk assessments, and security requirements for new sites and renovations.

Executive Protection & Travel Safety Program

• Design and manage executive protection strategy and program (threat assessments, protective intelligence, logistics, secure transportation, and event security).
• Provide risk support oversight for board meetings, investor events, conferences, and high‑visibility gatherings.
• Conduct executive threat assessments and mitigation strategies.
• Oversee and work with legal on IRS 132 code compliance reviews.
• Implement travel risk management standards and processes (pre‑travel advisories, high‑risk travel approval, traveler tracking, emergency support).
• Coordinate with external providers as needed (medical/security assistance, intelligence capabilities).

Incident Management, Crisis Response & Coordination

• Lead security response for workplace violence, threats, suspicious packages, protests, break‑ins, travel incidents, and other critical events; serve as a core member of the Crisis Management Team, ensuring clear playbooks, exercises, and post‑incident reviews.
• Partner with HR, Employee Relations (ER), Employment Law, and Compliance to ensure investigations are thorough, timely, and appropriately documented (workplace violence, harassment‑related security concerns, theft, fraud involving physical channels, vendor misconduct, policy violations).
• In partnership with other corporate functions, manage the Workplace Violence Prevention / Threat Management program, including intake, assessment, case management, and interventions.

Qualifications

• 15+ years progressive corporate security leadership experience within a large complex organization
• Demonstrated expertise in workplace violence prevention/threat management, executive protection, investigations, and crisis response.
• Proven vendor management experience (guarding services, technology integrators, intelligence/travel risk providers).
• Strong command of security technology and modern security operations (access control, CCTV/VMS, monitoring, mass notification).
• Experience building global security programs (international offices, varied risk profiles, cultural/legal environments).
• Bachelor’s degree required (Criminal Justice, Security Management, Risk Management). Advanced degree in security management, international relations, public administration, or related field preferred.
• Certifications (one or more strongly preferred): CPP, PCI, PSP (ASIS); CFE; Crisis Management/BCP; EP credentials; IC S/NIMS training.
• Experience standing up or modernizing a Security Operations Center (SOC/GSOC) model and protective intelligence function.
• Demonstrated leadership managing global security programs and teams.
• Experience protecting senior executives and advising C‑suite leadership on security strategies, programs, and resources to mitigate risks to the organization.
• Background in protective intelligence, crisis management, and geopolitical risk analysis.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Core Competencies

• Strategic leadership; operational excellence; risk‑based decision‑making
• Executive presence; calm under pressure; crisis leadership
• High integrity, sound judgment, discretion, and ability to manage highly sensitive matters
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and influence
• Data‑driven program management and continuous improvement mindset
• Must be able to respond after‑hours to critical incidents, on a rotational/on‑call basis.

Compensation

The listed annualized base pay range is primarily based on analysis of similar positions in the external market. Actual base pay could vary and may be above or below the listed range based on factors including but not limited to performance, proficiency and demonstration of competencies required for the role. The base pay is just one component of The Hartford’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include short‑term or annual bonuses, long‑term incentives, and on‑the‑spot recognition. The annualized base pay range for this role is:

$157,600 - $236,400

We know how to fine‑tune corporate security because we've led effective and efficient Fortune 500‑level security programs. The SEC helps businesses find the best balance of risk mitigation, cost and innovation.