Security Manager Job Description: Template, Skills, and More
Check out this security manager job description template for easy hiring. These are the key duties, skills, and certifications, plus insights on salary expectations.
Did you know that a security manager can reduce workplace incidents by developing effective risk assessments and emergency response plans? Beyond managing a team, a security manager’s expertise is crucial for protecting your firm’s assets, people, and reputation.
Read on for:
- Security manager job description template
- Key responsibilities
- Essential skills
- Most valuable certifications
- Average salary ranges and factors that influence them
Let’s jump right to the description example.
Security manager job description template
To help you understand what the role entails, here's a detailed security manager job description example. Ours outlines the key responsibilities and skills required for the position, giving you a clear picture of what to look for when hiring.
Note: Feel free to steal this, and it’s built to be easily customizable for your company.
Here’s what a job description template to swipe:
Title: Security Manager
Reports to: Chief Security Officer (CSO) or Facility Manager
Job Overview: We are looking for a Security Manager to oversee our organization's security operations, ensuring the safety of our assets, personnel, and property. In this role, you'll develop and implement security policies, conduct risk assessments, and manage a team of security personnel. You'll monitor security systems, coordinate with law enforcement during incidents, and maintain detailed security reports. Additionally, you'll develop emergency response plans and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
We seek a candidate with strong leadership and management skills, excellent communication abilities, and technical proficiency in security systems. You'll need a keen analytical mind for evaluating complex situations, identifying potential threats, and a commitment to ethical judgment and conflict resolution. Being proactive, detail-oriented, and fostering a culture of safety and preparedness is crucial for this role.
Key responsibilities often found in a security manager job description
- Direct all aspects of security operations to ensure a safe environment.
- Create and enforce comprehensive security policies covering various scenarios, including break-ins and proper equipment usage.
- Recruit, train, and schedule security personnel, ensuring clarity of duties and responsibilities.
- Conduct proactive risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential security threats.
- Continuously monitor and maintain security systems to ensure optimal functionality and timely updates.
- Prepare and maintain detailed reports on incidents, maintenance activities, and training sessions.
- Develop and implement emergency response plans for various scenarios, including natural disasters and active shooter situations.
- Ensure adherence to local, state, and federal laws and regulations, maintaining compliance with all security practices.
Pro tip: Keep in mind that there are both responsibilities and limitations in both managerial and guard positions. Californians should be sure to read up on the scope of a security guard’s responsibilities.
Essential skills
- Effectively lead and inspire a security team, ensuring each member is motivated, well-trained, and performing at their best.
- Demonstrate strong decision-making abilities and the capacity to manage multiple security operations simultaneously.
- Exhibit excellent verbal and written communication skills to clearly convey security protocols, incident and daily activity reports, and emergency procedures.
- Maintain open lines of communication with team members, management, and law enforcement agencies.
- Possess a thorough understanding of security systems, surveillance technology, and security management software.
- Stay updated with the latest advancements in security technology and be capable of troubleshooting and maintaining these systems efficiently.
- Effectively interact with staff, visitors, and law enforcement, fostering positive relationships and clear communication channels.
- Evaluate complex situations, identify potential threats, and develop effective, actionable solutions swiftly and efficiently.
- Maintain constant awareness to monitor and identify potential security breaches or issues, ensuring proactive responses.
- Perform physical tasks such as patrolling and responding to emergencies with agility and endurance.
- Possess thorough knowledge of emergency procedures and the ability to respond swiftly and effectively in crises.
- Uphold a strong sense of ethics and integrity in handling confidential information and making critical decisions.
- Skillfully diffuse tense situations and handle disputes calmly and effectively, ensuring safety and order.
Preferred skills and qualifications
- Previous experience in security or a related field
- High school diploma or equivalent; additional security training or certifications are a plus
- Valid security guard license as required by local regulations
- Keen attention to detail and strong observational abilities
- Ability to stand for long periods, patrol large areas, and respond quickly to incidents
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Knowledge of first aid and CPR
- Familiarity with security systems and surveillance equipment
- Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
- High level of integrity and adherence to confidentiality protocols
Remember: Skills and qualifications are key, but actual results will determine if both your managers and guards are effective or not. We recommend you check out our piece on KPIs for security guards and learn more about the subject.
Key certifications for security managers
Certifications validate a security manager’s skills and knowledge. Here are a couple of key ones:
- Certified Protection Professional (CPP): This certification by ASIS International is a widely recognized credential in security management. It validates knowledge of security concepts, including risk management, crisis management, and security program management.
- Physical Security Professional (PSP): Also from ASIS International, PSP focuses on physical security assessments, design, and integration of security systems, which is essential for managing physical security measures effectively.
Certifications for things such as first aid and emergency response can go a long way in helping you stand out in the competitive field of security management.
Taking relevant courses for conflict resolution or local issues, such as drug overdose response training, can also come in handy. If the job requires you to carry a weapon, you can show you’re conscientious and responsible by taking regular firearm safety classes.
Extra tip: Those who are more interested in learning about certifications for Personal Protection Officers (PPOs) instead of managers can also check out our article on how to get a Level 4 security license.
Average security manager salary
The average salary for a security manager in the United States is around $54,000 per year or $26 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter. This can vary based on location, experience, the specific industry, and risk level.
For instance, security guards and managers in metropolitan areas or high-risk industries may earn higher salaries.
Optimize your security operations with Belfry
Hiring a security manager can greatly enhance a company's safety and operational efficiency. The best way to make sure your operations are running smoothly is by using a security management platform like Belfry.
Belfry's all-in-one platform offers a suite of features to assist security guard companies in optimizing their operations, ensuring compliance, and improving overall security management.
Here's how Belfry provides a long-term solution to security management while saving you money:
- Extensive reporting and analytics: Access to detailed reports and analytics allows for data-driven decision-making. You’ll reduce unnecessary costs by identifying inefficiencies and optimizing resource allocation.
- Automated scheduling and time management: Automating scheduling and time tracking minimizes administrative overhead and reduces errors in payroll, saving both time and money. Scheduling also guarantees optimal coverage without overstaffing.
- Integrated incident management: Streamlined incident reporting and management lead to quicker resolution and less downtime. The risk of costly liabilities is reduced while overall security effectiveness is enhanced.
- Real-time monitoring and alerts: Real-time GPS monitoring, geofencing, and instant alerts help prevent incidents before they escalate, avoiding potential financial losses and providing a swift response to security breaches.