Sr. Director, Global Physical Security Technology

Digital Realty; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Digital Realty seeks a Senior Director, Security Technology Operations with expertise in security systems and technology management. This hybrid role involves leading global security strategies, technical compliance, and budget management.

The ideal candidate will drive excellence in security project execution, manage a diverse team, and embrace innovative solutions in security technology.

Strong leadership, technical experience, and excellent communication skills are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Deep technical expertise in various security technologies.
• Proven ability to manage large budgets and lead teams.
• Hands-on expertise with physical security software.

Responsibilities

• Direct planning, execution, and delivery of global security projects.
• Oversee security technology operations and integration.
• Manage relationships and performance of contractors.

Skills

Deep technical expertise in access control systems

Advanced proficiency in IAM, PSIAM, and PSIM platforms

Exceptional leadership and people management

Strong foundation in project and program management

Excellent stakeholder management

Education

Relevant certifications (e.g., CPP, PSP, CISSP)

Tools

AMAG

Physical access control and video management systems

Job description

Position

Senior Director, Security Technology Operations

Location - Hybrid: Boston, Dallas, or Ashburn

Your role

The Senior Director, Global Security Technology acts as a strategic advisor to the VP of Global Security, providing expert guidance on all security technology matters. This role leads and shapes the organization’s physical security technology strategy, systems, and operations, driving transformation and excellence in project execution. The Senior Director ensures solutions align with business objectives, comply with internal policies, and embrace innovation.

Overall responsibilities

What you’ll do

• Direct the planning, execution, and delivery of global technical security projects, ensuring consistency and full compliance with company standards.
• Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for all technical security systems, including access control, video management, perimeter controls, intrusion detection, and related technologies.
• Oversee all aspects of security technology operations including programming, system health, upgrades, and integrations.
• Administer multiple security databases, servers, and applications, maintaining accountability for enterprise-wide system upgrades and integrations.
• Establish and execute global strategies for diverse access control and video management systems.
• Manage relationships, budgets, work output, and performance of consultants and security integrators.
• Build strategic partnerships across Operations, IT, Global Facilities, Cyber Security, and Risk Management to deliver holistic security solutions.
• Spearhead initiatives to adopt AI and emerging technologies for physical security, including strategy development for AI integration.
• Ensure compliance with all internal policies and external regulatory requirements.
• Travel extensively to support and ensure consistent quality of global security technology delivery.
• Architect, design, implement, and support security applications and associated infrastructure.
• Oversee, advise, and guide teams on security technology design and implementation of new facilities, expansions, and upgrades.

Team Management

• Lead and mentor a global team of security technologists, including managers, individual contributors, and third-party contractors and consultants responsible for 24/7 coverage.
• Oversee staffing, scheduling, and coverage to ensure rapid response and continuous operations.
• Set clear performance expectations, providing regular feedback and coaching to drive team success.
• Coordinate the activities of third-party contractors, consultants, and integrators to maintain quality standards and compliance.
• Foster collaboration across internal teams and external partners for seamless project execution.

Budget Management

• Develop, manage, and optimize large budgets for security technology operations and projects.
• Allocate resources efficiently and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Oversee contracts, payments, and financial agreements with third-party consultants.
• Ensure strict compliance with organizational financial controls and reporting requirements.
• Monitor and mitigate financial risks to support operational continuity.

Continuous Improvement

• Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes to drive proactive adoption of best-in-class solutions.
• Champion ongoing improvements in operational processes, technical solutions, service delivery, and incident response.
• Seek out efficiencies and future-proofing opportunities for the security technology function.

What You’ll Need

• Deep technical expertise in access control systems, video management platforms, perimeter security controls, intrusion detection, and related security technologies.
• Advanced proficiency in IAM, PSIAM, and PSIM platforms, including implementation and systems integration.
• Extensive experience in security technology architecture, programming, software lifecycle management, and project delivery.
• Proven ability to manage large budgets and lead teams of 30+ third-party contractors and consultants.
• Knowledgeable in AI-driven physical security solutions and technical design/engineering standards.
• Thorough understanding of compliance, regulatory frameworks, and global operational standards.
• Hands-on expertise with physical security software such as AMAG, or comparable platforms.
• Relevant certifications strongly preferred (e.g., CPP, PSP, CISSP).
• Strong foundation in project and program management.
• Experience in application engineering.
• Field experience in installing and maintaining physical access control and video management systems.
• Exceptional leadership, people management, and mentoring capabilities.
• Ability to operate effectively in a matrix organization, collaborating across functions and influencing stakeholders without direct authority.
• Strategic thinker with advanced problem-solving skills.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication.
• Excellent stakeholder management and collaboration across cross-functional teams.
• Outstanding customer service orientation.
• Adaptable to evolving technologies and changing business requirements.
• High level of professional integrity and accountability.