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Questions about Security Manager positions?
What are the required skills for becoming a Security Manager?
Who is the right person for me to talk to about hiring me?
Where is a great place to meet and speak with the manager or associate about the job?
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3 answers
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Hello Reyna,
With years of experience in various supervisory roles and heading departments in the field of physical security, I'm confident that I can provide some useful insights for you and others.
To begin with, it's common to spend some time in a non-supervisory role before moving up the ladder. This period allows you to fully grasp the responsibilities and standards of the job before you're tasked with overseeing others. Plus, it gives your employer a chance to assess your work ethic, punctuality, dedication to the company, and interests.
Two crucial aspects of managing teams for any employer are a thorough understanding of company policies and a solid grasp of site operations. This knowledge equips leaders to effectively explain the rationale behind policy violations, spot potential losses, and avoid disciplinary actions for themselves and their team.
Another key skill is the ability to resolve tangible issues and conflicts without needing to rely on others. For instance, if a PTZ/CCTV camera malfunctions or needs repositioning, can you handle the rewiring yourself? If your badge system, which controls employee access to restricted areas, is powered but not functioning, can you troubleshoot it? Or if an executive reports that your frontline officer overlooked a weapon during a bag check, leading to a bystander's injury, can you take steps to mitigate the risk of a major lawsuit? These are all realistic scenarios that you may encounter.
I hold degrees in homeland security, public safety and security, and human security. While many job postings ask for varying degrees of higher education, and it can be beneficial, it's important to remember that not all programs are created equal. Consequently, I always advise potential college students to thoroughly review the program curriculum before enrolling, rather than focusing solely on the degree title. This is because some degrees in criminal justice or criminology may focus their coursework on policing techniques or correctional institutions, which are different from physical security strategies like crime prevention through environmental design, creating emergency management plans for natural disasters, or identifying internal workplace threats.
Lastly, a valuable additional qualification is being a certified instructor in the trainings your staff needs. Most of the security positions I've held required CPR/AED certifications. Some even merged their security teams with emergency responders, necessitating EMT certifications. If you're able to provide these updates to your team every two years, it can be more cost-effective than outsourcing. Other useful instructor certifications could include state licensing, firearms certification for armed positions, and de-escalation and defense training.
Obtain state certification to practice security in your state.
With years of experience in various supervisory roles and heading departments in the field of physical security, I'm confident that I can provide some useful insights for you and others.
To begin with, it's common to spend some time in a non-supervisory role before moving up the ladder. This period allows you to fully grasp the responsibilities and standards of the job before you're tasked with overseeing others. Plus, it gives your employer a chance to assess your work ethic, punctuality, dedication to the company, and interests.
Two crucial aspects of managing teams for any employer are a thorough understanding of company policies and a solid grasp of site operations. This knowledge equips leaders to effectively explain the rationale behind policy violations, spot potential losses, and avoid disciplinary actions for themselves and their team.
Another key skill is the ability to resolve tangible issues and conflicts without needing to rely on others. For instance, if a PTZ/CCTV camera malfunctions or needs repositioning, can you handle the rewiring yourself? If your badge system, which controls employee access to restricted areas, is powered but not functioning, can you troubleshoot it? Or if an executive reports that your frontline officer overlooked a weapon during a bag check, leading to a bystander's injury, can you take steps to mitigate the risk of a major lawsuit? These are all realistic scenarios that you may encounter.
I hold degrees in homeland security, public safety and security, and human security. While many job postings ask for varying degrees of higher education, and it can be beneficial, it's important to remember that not all programs are created equal. Consequently, I always advise potential college students to thoroughly review the program curriculum before enrolling, rather than focusing solely on the degree title. This is because some degrees in criminal justice or criminology may focus their coursework on policing techniques or correctional institutions, which are different from physical security strategies like crime prevention through environmental design, creating emergency management plans for natural disasters, or identifying internal workplace threats.
Lastly, a valuable additional qualification is being a certified instructor in the trainings your staff needs. Most of the security positions I've held required CPR/AED certifications. Some even merged their security teams with emergency responders, necessitating EMT certifications. If you're able to provide these updates to your team every two years, it can be more cost-effective than outsourcing. Other useful instructor certifications could include state licensing, firearms certification for armed positions, and de-escalation and defense training.
Kelly recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Becky’s Answer
A fantastic starting point for exploring some of your inquiries is https://onetonline.org. Here, you can look up any job and discover a variety of skills, knowledge, education, and more. There's even a handy search feature within the job profiles that lets you find job openings in your area.
This could be an excellent first step in gathering general information and identifying a list of organizations that hire for these positions. Reach out to their Human Resources departments to set up an interview that can address more of your questions. If you're in college, don't forget to ask for assistance from your school's counseling and job placement departments. For high school students, your counselor or a career technology teacher can be a great resource. These individuals often have valuable connections and tools to help you find the answers you're looking for.
Best of luck with your research!
This could be an excellent first step in gathering general information and identifying a list of organizations that hire for these positions. Reach out to their Human Resources departments to set up an interview that can address more of your questions. If you're in college, don't forget to ask for assistance from your school's counseling and job placement departments. For high school students, your counselor or a career technology teacher can be a great resource. These individuals often have valuable connections and tools to help you find the answers you're looking for.
Best of luck with your research!
Thank you!
Reyna
Updated
Mrinalini’s Answer
Hello Reyna,
Here are the essential skills you'll need to succeed:
- Obtain a Bachelor's degree in security, criminal justice, or a similar field.
- Gain a minimum of 5 years of valuable experience in security management.
- Become well-versed in security systems, technology, and processes.
- Develop outstanding communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving abilities.
To find exciting job opportunities, visit this website: https://www.ziprecruiter.in/?utm_source=zr-go-redirect
Wishing you all the best on your journey!
Here are the essential skills you'll need to succeed:
- Obtain a Bachelor's degree in security, criminal justice, or a similar field.
- Gain a minimum of 5 years of valuable experience in security management.
- Become well-versed in security systems, technology, and processes.
- Develop outstanding communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving abilities.
To find exciting job opportunities, visit this website: https://www.ziprecruiter.in/?utm_source=zr-go-redirect
Wishing you all the best on your journey!
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Reyna