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Security Managers work in corporate or retail settings and maintain the safety of shoppers and employees while also protecting the store or company from theft, vandalism or other crimes. Security Managers create and implement safety and security policies, train staff, review incident reports and evaluate safety and security risks.
Security Managers might be company employees or contractors who work through security firms. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides job outlook information about security guards and predicts a 5 percent employment growth rate for this profession. The continued concern over terrorism and the protection of employees and property are major factors impacting this prediction.
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Security Manager Duties and Responsibilities
To fulfill their obligations to ensure the safety and security of corporations and retail stores, Security Managers must complete several tasks. We have reviewed several job listings and other resources and found the following among the core Security Manager duties and responsibilities.
Develop Safety and Security Policies
It is up to the Security Manager to create and implement safety and security policies and programs within a company. The Security Manager will create safety manuals and training materials to ensure that employees are knowledgeable about the policies. He or she will also ensure that all security personnel are trained in these policies.
Coordinate Safety Activities
Security Managers are responsible for ensuring that all employees are trained in how to respond in emergency and crisis situations. To that end, Security Managers will conduct training sessions and run drills so that employees know what to do in case of fire, tornadoes or other emergencies. Security Managers might create and oversee the activities of a safety committee.
Assess Physical Security and Safety Risks
As part of their job responsibilities, Security Managers attempt to minimize or eliminate safety and security mishaps by assessing risks and developing programs and plans to address these issues. They will review work habits and environments and make sure that methods and materials are complying with federal, state and local safety standards.
Security Manager Skills
Core skills: Based on job listings and other sources we studied, employers want Security Managers with these core skills. If you want to work as a Security Manager, focus on the following.
- Integrating safety and security policies with business operations
- Evaluating safety and security plans for effectiveness
- Building and managing emergency response teams
- Conducting risk audits and assessments
- Overseeing security investigations
Advanced skills: While most employers did not require the following skills, multiple job listings included them as preferred. Add these to your Security Manager toolbox and broaden your career options.
- Possess bilingual skills
- Knowledge of OSHA safety regulations
Security Manager Resources
It is beneficial to conduct additional research if you are considering a career as a Security Manager. Below, we have provided links to online and print resources about this career.
On the Web
Security Magazine Blog
Security Managers can find insightful articles about professional practices, strategies and trends. This blog can address such topics as incident reporting, organizational leadership and surveillance.
Security Management
An online publication of ASIS International, providing articles about current trends and issues in physical and cyber security.
Industry Groups
International Security Management Association (ISMA)
An international organization providing support to Security Managers with leadership programs, workshops and conferences.
ASIS International
Founded in 1955, ASIS offers certification and professional development opportunities for Security Managers and others in the security profession. The organization provides security professionals with conferences, speaker programs, publications and educational workshops.
Books
Effective Security Management, Sixth Edition
A book examining security management tools and practices and outlining a Security Manager's responsibilities.
Principles of Security Management
A thorough look at what is needed to be a Security Manager, covering theories and case studies.
Security Operations Management, Third Edition
Written by an experienced security management professional, this book explores many aspects of corporate security management, such as technological advances, risk management and communications techniques.
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