Physical Security Lead

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

The Head of Physical Security is a senior security executive responsible for the strategic leadership, design, and execution of Fresenius Medical Care’s global physical security program across corporate offices, manufacturing facilities, research sites, distribution centers, and clinical environments.

This role is capable of serving as Deputy to the Head of Security Center of Excellence (CoE) , providing enterprise-wide security leadership, acting on behalf of the Head of Corporate Security Center of Excellence (CoE) when required, and ensuring alignment with corporate risk management, compliance, and patient safety priorities.

The successful candidate brings deep expertise in healthcare security, physical protective measures, workplace violence prevention, behavioral threat assessment, investigations, training, and crisis response within a highly regulated, global operating environment.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Serve as the global leader for physical security strategy, standards, and operational execution.
• Act as Deputy Head of Corporate Security Center of Excellence (CoE) , assuming leadership responsibilities in their absence and supporting enterprise-wide security governance.
• Develop and maintain security policies, standards, and procedures aligned with healthcare regulations, corporate risk tolerance, and global best practices.
• Advise executive leadership on emerging physical security risks affecting healthcare operations, workforce safety, and patient care.

Healthcare & Clinical Security

• Oversee security programs for dialysis clinics, healthcare offices, and patient-facing facilities, ensuring balance between safety, accessibility, and patient dignity.
• Address healthcare-specific risks including patient and visitor aggression, staff safety, controlled access, and emergency response in clinical settings.
• Partner with Clinical Operations, Compliance, HR, Legal, and Risk Management to integrate security into patient care environments.

Physical Protective Measures

• Design and manage layered physical security controls including access control, CCTV/video surveillance, intrusion detection, alarms, and security staffing models.
• Establish uniform site-security risk assessment methodologies and mitigation strategies.
• Oversee capital security projects, vendor performance, and technology implementations.

Workplace Violence Prevention & Behavioral Threat Assessment

• Lead enterprise-wide Workplace Violence Prevention (WPVP) programs.
• Establish and manage Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) frameworks in coordination with HR, Legal, and leadership.
• Ensure proactive identification, assessment, and mitigation of threats involving employees, patients, visitors, and third parties.

Investigations & Incident Management

• Lead or oversee complex investigations involving threats, violence, theft, misconduct, or security breaches.
• Ensure investigative processes meet legal, regulatory, and evidentiary standards.
• Oversee incident reporting, root-cause analysis, and corrective action processes.

Training & Awareness

• Develop and deploy global security training programs for:
  • Workplace violence prevention
  • Active assailant response
  • De-escalation techniques
  • Emergency preparedness and crisis management
• Ensure training aligns with healthcare requirements and local regulations.

Crisis Management & Executive Protection

• Support enterprise crisis management, business continuity, and emergency response programs.
• Participate in crisis leadership teams and after-action reviews.
• Provide oversight or coordination for executive protection and travel security as required.

Global Operations & Vendor Management

• Manage regional security leaders, third-party guarding services, and technology vendors.
• Ensure consistent standards while adapting to local laws, cultures, and risk profiles.
• Monitor performance metrics, budgets, and continuous improvement initiatives.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 10-15% Domestic and international travel required.

SUPERVISION:

• None

EDUCATION AND REQUIRED CREDENTIALS:

• Bachelor’s degree required (Criminal Justice, Security Management, Healthcare Administration, or related field).
• Master’s degree preferred (MBA, MS, or similar).
• Relevant certifications strongly preferred (e.g., CPP, PCI, PSP, CISM, or equivalent).

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• Minimum of 15 years’ progressive experience in physical security, law enforcement, military, or corporate security leadership.
• Extensive experience in healthcare, life sciences, or regulated environments strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to operate at an executive leadership level, including experience acting as or supporting a Chief Security Officer.
• Proven background in:
  • Physical security systems and protective measures
  • Workplace violence prevention
  • Behavioral threat assessment and management
  • Corporate and healthcare investigations
  • Security training and program development

Core Competencies & Skills

• Healthcare Supply Chain Expertise: Deep understanding of patient‑critical supply chains.
• Global Trade & Customs Knowledge: Ability to navigate international regulatory and security programs.
• Investigative Capability: Strong analytical and investigative skills with sound judgment.
• Risk Management: Proactive identification and mitigation of supply chain vulnerabilities.
• Financial Acumen: Ability to manage budgets and drive cost‑effective security solutions.
• Executive Communication: Clear communicator with senior leadership and external stakeholders.
• Collaboration & Influence: Effective at aligning diverse global teams.

If your location allows for pay/benefit transparency, please click the link below to request further information on this position.   Pay Transparency Request Form

Benefit Overview: This position offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, parental leave and potential for performance-based bonuses depending on company and individual performance.