About the Role
As a CBRE Security Lead, you will lead and oversee physical security operations, incident management, compliance programs, and continuous improvement initiatives at a client Data Center facility. This role is part of the Security and Fire job function and is responsible for ensuring adherence to client security standards, maintaining a safe and secure environment within a mission-critical Data Center, and providing leadership during security incidents, investigations, and critical events.
The Security Lead serves as the primary security point of contact on-site, ensuring physical security measures, access control processes, compliance requirements, and operational procedures are consistently executed to protect personnel, customers, assets, and critical infrastructure. This role requires a strong understanding of Data Center security operations, including managing access to critical areas such as Data Halls, Meet-Me Rooms (MMRs), and other restricted spaces.
What You'll Do
- Lead daily physical security operations, access control activities, and incident response functions within the Data Center facility.
- Act as the primary point of contact for escalated security incidents, emergencies, investigations, and critical events.
- Oversee physical security operations within Data Halls, Meet-Me Rooms (MMRs), loading bays, and other restricted or sensitive areas.
- Conduct routine patrols and inspections to identify security risks, safety hazards, operational concerns, and compliance gaps.
- Lead security incident investigations, perform root cause analyses, and ensure corrective actions are implemented and tracked to completion.
- Monitor contractors, vendors, customers, and visitors to ensure compliance with site security policies, procedures, and access requirements.
- Support emergency response, crisis management, evacuation, and business continuity activities as required.
- Perform routine inspections and functionality checks of access control systems, CCTV systems, badge readers, doors, locks, alarms, and other physical security devices.
- Coordinate with security system vendors and service providers to address maintenance activities, repairs, and system issues.
- Ensure compliance with client security requirements, Data Center security standards, visitor management procedures, and access governance controls.
- Partner closely with Data Center Operations, Facilities, EHS, and Global Security teams to maintain a secure and compliant operating environment.
- Prepare and deliver daily, weekly, monthly, and incident-specific security reports.
- Escort customers, auditors, vendors, visitors, and other stakeholders within secure and restricted areas as required.
- Train, mentor, and coach security personnel on policies, procedures, incident response protocols, and industry best practices.
- Support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of security procedures, site playbooks, and operational standards.
- Participate in audits, security assessments, compliance reviews, and customer inspections.
- Support security-related projects and initiatives that enhance the site's overall security posture and operational effectiveness.
What You'll Need
- High School Diploma or equivalent required.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in security operations, law enforcement, military, Data Center environments, mission-critical facilities, or a related field.
- Proven experience leading incident response activities, investigations, and emergency management efforts.
- Strong knowledge of physical security operations, access control systems, CCTV platforms, visitor management processes, and security compliance programs.
- Previous experience working within a Data Center, colocation facility, or other mission-critical environment is required.
- Understanding of Data Center physical security practices, including:
- Data Hall access controls
- Restricted area management
- Customer and vendor escort procedures
- Visitor management programs
- Critical infrastructure protection
- Security operations within uptime-sensitive environments
- Experience conducting security risk assessments, audits, investigations, and corrective action tracking.
- Strong problem-solving, analytical, communication, and report-writing skills.
- Ability to work effectively with customers, vendors, contractors, and cross-functional teams.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to perform routine patrols, inspections, and physical security assessments within the Data Center facility.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a proactive mindset.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure and make sound decisions during emergencies and security incidents.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting security operations within hyperscale, colocation, enterprise, or cloud Data Center environments.
- Familiarity with mission-critical facility operations and critical infrastructure protection practices.
- Experience managing customer-facing security operations within a Data Center environment.
- Experience supporting audits related to physical security, compliance, or customer assurance programs.
- Relevant certifications in security management, physical security, investigations, emergency response, law enforcement, military service, or related disciplines are advantageous.
