Manager, Global Security & Emergency Preparedness

vwr; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Avantor is seeking a Global Manager, Security & Emergency Preparedness to lead the strategic development and governance of enterprise-wide security and emergency programs across global locations. You will partner with Operations, Facilities, HR, Supply Chain and executive leadership to identify threats, assess risk, and implement resilience strategies.

This role drives a risk-based, prevention-focused approach to strengthen organizational resilience, enhance readiness, and support business

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Security Management, Emergency Management, Criminal Justice, or related field.
• 8–12 years of progressive physical security, emergency management, risk management, or related experience.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience supporting multi-site, regional, or global operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and govern enterprise-wide security and emergency preparedness programs.
• Lead security risk assessments, vulnerability analyses, and mitigation planning.
• Coordinate crisis response, drills, and continuity initiatives with senior leadership.

Skills

Security leadership

Risk assessment

Emergency management

Crisis management

Vendor management

Training facilitation

Budget management

Project management

Data analysis

Change management

Education

Bachelor's in Security Management

Tools

ICS/NIMS training

Security analytics tools

Job description

The Opportunity:

At Avantor, people are the most important part of our success because they drive our global performance. That's why our Operations, Lab Services, Sales, and many other Avantor teams rely on our talent acquisition initiatives to attract, engage and hire the right talent. Avantor's EHSS&S vertical is a crucial part of this mix, enabling all our internal teams worldwide to grow beyond their limits.

The Global Manager, Security & Emergency Preparedness is responsible for the strategic development, implementation, governance, and continuous improvement of enterprise-wide security and emergency preparedness programs. This role ensures the protection of employees, contractors, visitors, facilities, assets, information, and business operations across global locations through proactive risk management, emergency planning, incident preparedness, and resilience strategies.

As a key member of the Global EHS&S organization, the position partners closely with Operations, Facilities, Human Resources, Supply Chain, Regional EHS&S teams, Legal, Business Continuity, and executive leadership to identify, assess, and mitigate security threats and operational vulnerabilities. The role drives a risk-based, prevention-focused approach that strengthens organizational resilience, enhances emergency readiness, and supports business continuity objectives across all regions.

The incumbent serves as the enterprise subject matter expert for physical security, emergency preparedness, workplace violence prevention, crisis response, and security risk management, ensuring programs align with regulatory expectations, industry best practices, and organizational objectives.

What we're looking for:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Security Management, Emergency Management, Criminal Justice, Occupational Safety, Risk Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Military Science, or a related field.

One or more of the following certifications:

• Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
• Physical Security Professional (PSP)
• Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)
• Associate Emergency Manager (AEM)
• Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP)
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
• Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS) training

Experience:

• 8-12 years of progressive experience in physical security, emergency management, risk management, law enforcement, military operations, industrial safety, or related fields.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience supporting multi-site, regional, or global operations.
• Experience developing and managing enterprise security and/or emergency preparedness programs.
• Experience conducting security risk assessments, vulnerability analyses, and mitigation planning.
• Experience leading emergency response exercises, drills, and preparedness initiatives.
• Experience influencing and collaborating with senior leaders and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Experience supporting manufacturing, laboratory, distribution, logistics, pharmaceutical, life sciences, or industrial operations.

Preferred

• Experience supporting global operations across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
• Experience integrating security, crisis management, business continuity, and emergency preparedness programs.
• Experience managing security service providers and contracted security personnel.
• Experience utilizing security technology platforms, analytics tools, and incident management systems.

Who are you:

Knowledge

• Physical security systems and program management.
• Security risk assessment methodologies and threat analysis.
• Emergency preparedness, emergency response, and crisis management principles.
• Incident Command System (ICS) and emergency management frameworks.
• Workplace violence prevention and threat assessment practices.
• Business continuity and organizational resilience concepts.
• Regulatory requirements and industry standards related to security and emergency preparedness.
• Manufacturing, laboratory, warehouse, logistics, and industrial operating environments.

Skills

• Strategic planning and program development.
• Risk identification, analysis, and mitigation planning.
• Crisis leadership and emergency decision-making.
• Project management and execution.
• Data analysis and performance measurement.
• Budget management and resource allocation.
• Change management and organizational influence.
• Training facilitation and presentation delivery.
• Vendor and contractor management.

Abilities

• Translate complex risks into practical business solutions.
• Build strong partnerships across all levels of the organization.
• Influence without direct authority across global and cross-functional teams.
• Maintain composure and effectiveness during emergencies and high-pressure situations.
• Prioritize competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Analyze incidents and identify root causes and corrective actions.
• Communicate effectively with employees, leadership teams, regulators, and external agencies.
• Drive