VP, Physical Security Officer

Cathay Bank; El Monte (CA); On-site; USD 102,000 - 127,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Job summary

Cathay Bank is seeking a Director of Physical Security to lead the organization's physical security programs, protect employees, assets, and visitors, and translate security strategy into day-to-day operations.

The role partners with HR, Legal, Facilities, Risk Management and Operations to ensure security across locations. Candidates should have 5–7 years' experience, a college degree, and relevant certifications; a discretionary bonus may apply.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in physical security, risk and bank operations.
• College degree; PSP and PSC certifications preferred but not required.
• Strong communication, leadership, and vendor-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily physical security operations at multiple locations (access control, intrusion, surveillance).
• Develop and enforce bank-wide security policies, standards and procedures.
• Lead incident response, investigations and reporting of security events.

Skills

Security ops

Access control

Incident response

Communication

Project management

Education

College degree

PSP & PSC preferred

Tools

LENEL systems

DMP

VERINT

HANWHA

Job description

People Drive Our Success

Are you enthusiastic, highly motivated, and have a strong work ethic? If yes, come join our team! At Cathay Bank – we strive to provide a caring culture that supports your aspirations and success. We believe people are our most valuable asset and we proudly foster growth and development empowering you to achieve your professional goals. We have thrived for 60 years and persevered through many economic cycles due to our team members’ drive and optimism. Together we can make a difference in the financial future of our communities.

What our team members are saying:

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Director of Physical Security is responsible for leading and managing the organization’s physical security programs to ensure the safety of employees, facilities, assets, and visitors. This role translates security strategy into effective day-to-day operations and partners closely with internal stakeholders to mitigate risk, respond to incidents, and promote a culture of safety across the organization.

Preparation and delivery of annual performance reviews for subordinates and assists individuals with establishing goals and creation of plans to achieve goals.

DIRECT REPORTS

The incumbent has direct reports.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Physical Security – Key Responsibilities:

• Manage daily physical security operations across assigned locations, including access control, intrusion detection, surveillance, guard services, and visitor management.
• Ensure consistent implementation of security policies, standards, and procedures.
• Oversee incident response, investigations, and reporting related to security events.
• Manage the development and implementation of bank-wide security policy, standards, guidelines and procedures to ensure ongoing maintenance of security.
• Work with other department leaders to ensure security needs are incorporated into new location planning and openings, including oversight of security devices and reporting systems.
• Exercise oversight of branch processes for selecting, maintaining, and testing intrusion devices, alarms, and cameras, ensuring activity is appropriately recorded and systems meet established security standards.
• Assist in investigations of all suspected internal and external criminal violations, suspicious incidents and policy violations that may become security issues.
• Conduct surveys and work with outside consultants as needed, of all offices and departments to determine the need for additional security services and make appropriate recommendations.
• Annual review of existing procedures and identify, recommend and implement improved procedures that will result in greater productivity and efficiencies while minimizing risk and exposure.
• Provide oversight of clean desk and clear screen practices across identified locations.
• Conduct annual ATM lighting surveys at designated locations, ensuring compliance with all applicable state guidelines, documentation standards and reporting any deficiencies.
• Serve as the primary VMO lead for physical security vendors, ensuring vendor strategy aligns with organizational security, risk, and operational objectives.

Risk Assessment & Prevention

• Conduct site security assessments, risk analyses, and vulnerability reviews.
• Identify gaps and recommend mitigation strategies to leadership.
• Monitor emerging threats and adjust security practices accordingly.

Crisis & Emergency Management

• Support emergency preparedness, crisis response, and business continuity and disaster recovery planning.
• Serve as a leader during security incidents, coordinating response efforts with internal teams and external agencies.
• Participate in threat assessment and workplace violence prevention efforts.
• Serve as member of the Incident Management (IMT)and Crisis Management Team (CMT).
• Provide oversight of live evacuation drills at identified locations, including conducting training, tracking and supporting floor wardens, scheduling drills, and facilitating post drill assessments to evaluate effectiveness and identify improvement opportunities.
• Support emergency preparedness, crisis response, and business continuity and disaster recovery planning.
• Management of the Bank’s mass notification system Alert Media.

Technology & Systems Management

• Oversee physical security systems such as CCTV, alarms, badge access, and monitoring platforms.
• Partner with IT, Facilities, and vendors on system upgrades, integrations, and maintenance.
• Ensure systems are functioning, compliant, and aligned with security best practices.
• Knowledge of LENEL, DMP, VERINT, HANWHA systems

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner closely with HR, Legal, Facilities, Risk Management, and Operations to ensure that the institution's employees, customers, facilities, assets, records and proprietary information are protected
• Provide guidance and support on employee safety, investigations, and policy enforcement.
• Build strong relationships with local law enforcement and emergency responders.
• Provide consultation and written reports, including an annual Physical Security Report to the Board of Directors

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop physical security staff and/or regional security teams.
• Parter with third-party security vendors and law enforcement officers in the Bank’s geographical areas to ensure service-level expectations are met.
• Promote training and security awareness across the organization
• Supervise a guard force at appropriate locations:

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: College degree, Physical Security Professional (PSP) and Physical Security Certification (PSC) certificate preferred, not required

Experience: 5-7 years of experience; knowledge, information security, vendor management and bank operations a must.

Skills/Ability: Proven ability to facilitate and participate in group meetings and discussions, complete assignments in timeframe committed, initiate and manage special projects that will affect other department and functions, as well as the corporate environment; proven oral and written communication skills; knowledge of the security, business contingency planning, and emergency preparedness environments; knowledge of vendor management process; knowledge of personal computer operation and use of basic business computer tools; Analytical, research, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills; proficiency MS Office; ability to work independently and with team-oriented environment; must be on call 24/7 and available to respond to banking emergencies. Above average organizational skills required. Must possess the ability to prioritize customer problems and communicate status effectively. Must use organizational skills to develop and monitor daily workflow and ensure appropriate level of staff scheduling. Ability to work closely with all internal and external partners, departments and stakeholders, such as risk management, information security and audit.

OTHER DETAILS

$101,500 - $126,900 / year
Pay determined based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and location.
This position may be eligible for a discretionary bonus.

Cathay Bank offers itsfull-timeemployees a competitive benefits package which is a significant part of their total compensation. It is our goal to provide employees with a comprehensive benefits package to fit their needs which includes, coverage for medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts (FSAs), health saving account (HSA) with company contributions, voluntary coverages, and 401(k).

Cathay Bank may collect personal information from potential job candidates and applicants. For more information on how we handle personal information and your applicable rights, please review our California Job Applicant Privacy Policy.

Cathay Bank is an Equal Opportunity and Affi... [complete EEO statement remains as in original]

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Cathay Bank endeavors to www.CathayBank.com accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact, Mickey Hsu, FVP, Employee Relations Manager, at [phone] or [e-mail] contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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