Physical Security Manager

Cognizant; New York (NY); Remote; USD 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognizant seeks a Manager, Physical Security, North America, to lead the security program across the United States and Canada. You will drive risk-based assessments, coordinate with CREWS, and ensure audit-ready documentation while guiding vendor performance and incident response.

You will manage budgets, collaborate with Legal, IT, Facilities, and business units, and report to senior leaders. This remote role requires strong leadership and English communication skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive security experience.
• Experience managing programs across multiple countries and facility types.
• Knowledge of access control, CCTV, intrusion detection, and visitor management.
• Expertise in risk assessments, mitigation planning, and reporting.
• Knowledge of governance, risk, and compliance practices with audit experience.
• Excellent English written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution and continuous improvement of physical security programs across North America.
• Own and deploy regional governance framework with audit-ready documentation.
• Manage guarding operations, vendors, and contractor performance.
• Oversee access control, CCTV, intrusion detection, and visitor management.
• Lead incident response, emergency management, and business continuity projects.
• Develop and manage regional OPEX and CAPEX budgets and forecasts.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Decision making

Discretion & integrity

Risk management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Security certification (CPP/PSP/PCI)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Reporting tools

Dashboards

Security platforms

Incident management systems

Job description

About Cognizant Corporate

Cognizant Corporate is a global community united by a shared purpose: to make a meaningful impact. We are committed to excellence and driven by outcomes that matter. Collaboration is at the heart of how we work, and our forward-thinking mindset fuels continuous learning, innovation, and growth.

At Cognizant, careers transcend titles. We empower our people to think strategically, inspire others, and lead with purpose, always guided by our core values.

About the role

As a Manager, Physical Security, North America, you will lead the physical security program across the United States and Canada. You will be accountable for protecting Cognizant associates, visitors, facilities, assets, operations, and reputation through consistent standards, proactive risk management, reliable vendor performance, audit readiness, compliance oversight, and coordinated incident response.

You will be a key member of the CREWS organization, reporting to the Senior Director of CREWS and collaborating with Corporate Security, Global Workplace Services/CREWS, Legal, Human Resources, Business Units, SOACC, Facilities, Internal Audit, Compliance, Information Security, vendors, landlords, and law enforcement and emergency response agencies. You will have the autonomy to lead, innovate, and continuously improve regional physical security programs while upholding our commitment to quality and continuous learning.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the execution and continuous improvement of physical security programs, policies, standards, strategies, controls, and operations across North America. Support office openings, mergers and acquisitions, closures, relocations, renovations, special events, executive visits, travel and event security needs, and high-risk operations.
• Own and deploy the regional physical security governance framework. Establish measurable security controls, conduct risk-based assessments, maintain audit-ready documentation, and track findings, compliance gaps, exceptions, risk treatments, and corrective actions through closure.
• Manage regional guarding operations and oversee security vendors and integrators, including contracts, staffing models, training, service quality, performance, escalation practices, emergency response support, cost controls, onboarding, pricing reviews, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee access control, CCTV and video surveillance, intrusion detection, visitor management, badging, third-party alarm monitoring, and related physical security technologies in coordination with SOACC, IT, CREWS, and technology partners.
• Lead or support incident response, investigations, emergency management, workplace violence prevention, theft and loss response, threat escalation, crisis coordination, training and awareness, business continuity, resiliency, and other projects requiring physical security risk management.
• Develop and closely manage the regional annual OPEX and CAPEX budget and forecast. Prepare an annual executive-level program report covering budgets, operational improvements, risks and gaps, incidents, audits, vendor performance, and recommendations for the following year.
• Embrace our vibrant culture by striving for excellence, focusing on meaningful outcomes, and collaborating effectively. Prioritize quality, stay curious, commit to continuous learning, take ownership, and build strong relationships to support business strategy and impactful work.

What you must have to be considered

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in corporate security, physical security, law enforcement, military, government, investigations, risk management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience managing physical security programs across multiple countries, cultures, regulatory environments, and facility types.
• Strong knowledge of physical security controls and technologies, including access control, CCTV and video surveillance, intrusion detection, visitor management, guard force operations, badging, and control room or SOACC coordination.
• Expertise in physical security risk assessments, vulnerability analysis, control testing, mitigation planning, documentation, and reporting.
• Working knowledge of governance, risk, and compliance practices, including audit evidence management, control ownership, policy compliance, remediation tracking, and executive reporting.
• Experience supporting internal audits, client audits, regulatory reviews, investigations, and corrective action plans.
• Proven leadership, vendor management, stakeholder management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Strong digital skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office, reporting tools, dashboards, security technology platforms, and incident or case management systems.
• Sound judgment, discretion, integrity, confidentiality, and the ability to make timely decisions in complex or sensitive situations.
• The ability to influence, build consensus, and communicate effectively with senior leaders, site leaders, vendors, clients, and public safety partners.
• A strong sense of ownership, a desire to create meaningful outcomes, and a passion for work that serves customers, communities, or global challenges.
• The embodiment of Cognizant’s Values: Work as One, Dare to Innovate, Raise the Bar, Do the Right Thing, and Own It.

These will help you succeed

• A bachelor’s degree.
• A professional security certification such as CPP, PSP, PCI, or an equivalent credential.
• Experience managing security programs across the United States, Canada, and Latin America.
• Spanish and/or Portuguese language proficiency.
• Experience building relationships with law enforcement, intelligence, emergency response, public safety, landlord security, and industry partners.
• An interest in evaluating and applying new technologies, including AI, to improve operational efficiency.

Work model

We strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a remote position open to qualified applicants in the United States. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you’re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured, we will always be clear about role expectations.

We’re excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways.

Salary and Other Compensation:

Applications will be accepted until October 28,2026.

The annual salary for this position is between $100,000 - $110,000, depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.