Security Director

Mall of America

$90K — $130K *
Retail & Consumer Goods
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-10 years in security management, preferably in retail or large venues.
  • Experience leading security teams and managing contractors.
  • Knowledge of emergency management and risk assessment.
  • Excellent communication and decision-making abilities.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and improve the security strategy for the shopping center.
  • Lead and mentor security staff, ensuring effective operations.
  • Conduct risk assessments and recommend mitigation measures.
  • Manage emergency response for various incidents and ensure documentation.
  • Develop emergency plans and conduct training drills for staff.
  • Foster relationships with tenants to address security concerns and enhance guest experience.
  • Oversee security technology systems and recommend improvements.

Benefits

  • Opportunity for professional growth and leadership development.
  • Engagement in strategic planning and operational improvements.
  • Collaboration with law enforcement and emergency services.
  • Dynamic and diverse working environment in a large public venue.
Full Job Description
Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy
  • Develop, implement, and continuously improve the shopping center's comprehensive security and safety strategy.
  • Lead, mentor, and evaluate security management staff, officers, and contracted security teams.
  • Establish security policies, procedures, and post orders aligned with industry best practices.

Operations & Risk Management
  • Oversee daily security operations, including patrols, access control, CCTV monitoring, and crowd management.
  • Conduct regular risk assessments and vulnerability analyses; recommend mitigation strategies.
  • Manage incident response for emergencies including medical situations, theft, active threats, severe weather, and evacuations.
  • Ensure proper documentation, reporting, and follow-up for all incidents.

Emergency Preparedness
  • Develop and maintain emergency response plans, business continuity plans, and evacuation procedures.
  • Coordinate and lead emergency drills and training exercises for staff and tenants.
  • Serve as the primary security liaison during critical incidents.

Tenant & Guest Relations
  • Partner with tenants to address security concerns and support loss prevention efforts.
  • Ensure security operations enhance the guest experience while maintaining a visible and professional presence.
  • Respond to escalated tenant, guest, and employee safety concerns.

Law Enforcement & External Partnerships
  • Maintain strong working relationships with local police, fire departments, EMS, and homeland security agencies.
  • Coordinate joint operations, special events security, and investigations as needed.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for external security agencies.


Budget & Administration
  • Develop and manage the security department budget, including staffing, technology, and training.
  • Oversee contracts for third-party security vendors and technology providers.
  • Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as company policies.

Technology & Systems
  • Oversee security technology systems including CCTV, access control, alarms, radios, and incident management platforms.
  • Evaluate and recommend new technologies to enhance safety and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications
  • Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive security management experience, preferably in retail, shopping centers, hospitality, airports, stadiums, or large public venues.
  • Proven experience leading large teams and/or contracted security providers.
  • Strong knowledge of emergency management, risk assessment, and incident command principles.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced degree or professional certifications (CPP, PSP, CEM, or similar).
  • Experience working closely with law enforcement or public safety agencies.
  • Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Security Management, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • Background in crowd management, special events security, or large-scale venue operations.
  • Familiarity with retail loss prevention and customer-focused security environments.

Key Competencies
  • Strategic thinker with strong operational execution
  • Calm, decisive leadership under pressure
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
  • High level of integrity and professionalism
  • Ability to balance safety, security, and guest experience

Key Physical job requirements
  • Sitting-Frequently
  • Stand and walk-Frequently
  • Perform repetitive motion (using keyboard)-Frequently
  • Kneel and bend-Occasionally
  • Reach at or above shoulder level-Infrequently
  • Reach at or below shoulder level-Infrequently
  • Lift/Carry up to 50 lbs.- Infrequently

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