DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE SECURITY (HYBRID-CHARLOTTE, NC)

 

A family of companies and experiences

As the leading foodservice and support services company, Compass Group USA is known for our great people, great service and our great results. If you’ve been hungry and away from home, chances are you’ve tasted Compass Group’s delicious food and experienced our outstanding service. We have over 284,000 US associates who work in award-winning restaurants, corporate cafes, hospitals, schools, arenas, museums, and more in all 50 states. Our reach is constantly expanding to shape the industry and create new opportunities for innovation. Join the Compass family today!

great people. great services. great results.

Each and every individual plays a key role in the growth and legacy of our company. We know the next big idea can come from anyone. We encourage developing and attracting expertise that differentiates us as a company as we continue to raise the bar.

Job Summary:

As the Director of Corporate Security, you will oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of security strategies that protect our associates, facilities, and assets. This includes managing workplace violence prevention initiatives, leading internal investigations, overseeing advanced technological protection systems, and managing contract guard services. You will also develop comprehensive business continuity and disaster preparedness plans, conduct training, and audit security measures to uphold the highest safety standards.
This role will directly oversee the security operations at our Charlotte headquarters and serve as the enterprise-wide Subject Matter Expert (SME) and consultant for over 300 locations operated by Compass Group USA. The Director will work collaboratively with senior leadership and external stakeholders to ensure a proactive, resilient, and cost-effective security posture across the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Senior Leadership, Risk Management, HR, Real Estate, and other stakeholders to develop and sustain a proactive and safe workplace environment.
• Act as a trusted advisor to executive teams, providing strategic recommendations on emerging security risks, trends, and technologies.
• Design and refine security protocols, workplace violence prevention policies, and other initiatives that align with company objectives and culture.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as industry best practices.
• Lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of security programs, policies, and procedures to protect employees, contractors, customers, visitors, and assets.
• Establish and monitor KPIs for security performance, identifying and addressing gaps promptly.
• Serve as the primary contact for threat management and incident response at HQ & Field Operations, ensuring efficient intake, triage, investigation, resolution, and documentation.
• Provide SME guidance to regional and site leadership on enterprise-level security incidents.
• Develop and maintain a security technology roadmap, ensuring the integration and optimization of systems such as Access Control, Emergency Communication, Surveillance, and Incident Tracking.
• Evaluate and implement innovative security technologies to enhance organizational resilience.
• Conduct comprehensive security audits, vulnerability assessments, and drills to identify and mitigate risks.
• Design and deliver engaging training programs to ensure associates are prepared and confident in security protocols and emergency response actions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with emergency responders, third-party security vendors, and technology providers to support ongoing security operations and preparedness.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminology, Security Management, Risk Management, Emergency Management, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 15+ years of combined corporate security and law enforcement experience, including 5+ years in a senior management role.
• Proven expertise in workplace violence prevention, emergency response, and business continuity planning.
• Relevant certifications such as Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), or Certified Emergency Manager (CEM).
• Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills to build trust and credibility across a diverse workforce.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to deliver concise updates and recommendations to executive leadership.
• Proficiency in developing, implementing, and managing security technologies and systems.
• Analytical and problem-solving mindset with a proactive approach to risk mitigation.
• Ability to travel up to 30% as nee