7+ years in managerial roles within law enforcement or contract security management, preferably in high-rise environments.
Degree in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement Management, or related field preferred.
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC).
Professional certifications in Security Management (CPP or similar) preferred.
Proficient in Excel for budget management and reporting; experience with workforce management tools is a plus.
Strong verbal and written communication skills; bilingual abilities are advantageous.
Physical capability to perform duties including foot patrols and lifting up to 50 lbs.
Responsibilities
Serve as the primary expert for security operations, liaising with property ownership and corporate leadership.
Build and maintain high-trust relationships with clients and on-site staff.
Coordinate support services to meet financial and operational goals while delivering exceptional customer service.
Develop and compile reports on personnel activities and security metrics.
Directly manage and support a team of security officers and supervisors, including hiring and performance evaluations.
Conduct annual performance reviews and manage staff development initiatives.
Ensure high-quality security services across all areas of the property, including emergency response.
Benefits
High-quality Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and AD&D insurance options.
Accrued paid vacation, personal days, and paid holiday coverage.
401(k) retirement savings plan.
Continuous training programs for skill enhancement and leadership advancement.
Full Job Description
We are seeking an experienced, proactive Security Director to lead life safety and physical security operations for a prominent Class-A commercial high-rise situated along the Chicago River. In this leadership role, you will oversee an on-site team of 12-15 security professionals, manage day-to-day access control and emergency preparedness, partner closely with property management and enterprise tenants, and maintain an exceptional standard of safety and hospitality. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Client Partnership
Serve as the primary on-site subject matter expert for security operations, interacting directly with property ownership and corporate leadership.
Build, improve, and maintain effective, high-trust relationships with both the client and on-site staff.
Coordinate necessary support services to effectively manage the site, meet or exceed financial and operational goals, and deliver exceptional customer service.
Develop, prepare, and compile reports, memos, and documentation pertaining to personnel activities, security metrics, and account trends.
Team Management & Operational Oversight
Directly manage, lead, and support a team of 8 security officers, site leads, and shift supervisors-including hiring, scheduling, payroll tracking, and performance evaluations.
Conduct annual performance reviews and manage performance tracking, disciplinary actions, and staff development initiatives.
Partner with HR and operations management on onboarding, training, personnel file integrity, and workforce management systems.
Track and manage company equipment in the field (technology, vehicles, etc.) to ensure proper usage in accordance with company policies.
High-Rise Safety & Crisis Management
Ensure high-quality physical security services across all 38 floors, tenant amenity spaces, retail corridors, and connected parking facilities.
Appropriately handle and lead initial responses to all escalated security issues or emergency situations.
Maintain comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local guidelines relative to contracted services.
Drive a culture of safety, accountability, and customer service that reflects company and client values.
Qualifications
Experience: Minimum of 7 years of managerial and policy-making experience in law enforcement or contract security management. High-rise Class A commercial office tower experience and extensive contacts within the local law enforcement community strongly preferred.
Education: Degree in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement Management, or related field (or equivalent experience/education) preferred.
Licensing & Certifications: Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC). Professional certifications in Security Management (CPP or similar) preferred.
Financial & Technical Skills: Proficient in Excel with the ability to create and manage budgets and budget variance reports. Experience with workforce management and scheduling platforms preferred.
Communication & Soft Skills: Excellent English verbal and written communication skills (bilingual is a plus) with the ability to address policy and operational questions concisely to ownership. Strong qualitative, quantitative, and time-management abilities.
Physical Demands & Clearances: Ability to stand for extended periods, perform indoor/outdoor foot patrols in all weather conditions, and lift/push/pull up to 50 lbs. Must pass pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check. Must maintain a reliable contact phone number.
Compensation & Total Rewards
Competitive Salary: Base Salary: $87K - 92K, plus discretionary year-end bonus potential.
