Overview
Position Summary
The Director of Security – Port Operations is responsible for the strategic planning, implementation, and management of all security operations across port facilities, terminals, and maritime interfaces. This role ensures compliance with national and international maritime security regulations, protects port assets and personnel, and maintains the safe, secure, and uninterrupted flow of cargo and vessels. The Director serves as the Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) or oversees designated PFSOs, leading risk management, emergency preparedness, and coordination with government agencies and private stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Governance
Develop, implement, and continuously improve the Port Security Program and Security Master Plans
Establish security policies, procedures, and standards aligned with port operations and business objectives
Advise executive leadership on security risks, trends, and mitigation strategies
Regulatory Compliance
Ensure compliance with ISPS Code, MTSA, TSA, Coast Guard, customs, and other applicable maritime security regulations
Serve as or supervise the Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)
Manage audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews by authorities
Operations & Risk Management
Oversee 24/7 security operations across terminals, gates, waterfronts, and restricted areas
Conduct security risk assessments, vulnerability analyses, and threat evaluations
Implement access control, perimeter protection, CCTV, intrusion detection, and cybersecurity coordination
Emergency Management & Incident Response
Lead port security incident response, investigations, and after-action reviews
Coordinate emergency preparedness, drills, and exercises (security, terrorism, natural disasters, and critical incidents)
Act as a key member of the Port Emergency Management Team
Stakeholder & Agency Coordination
Serve as the primary liaison with law enforcement, coast guard, customs, intelligence agencies, and emergency services
Coordinate security activities with terminal operators, shipping lines, tenants, and contractors
Participate in maritime security committees and working groups
Personnel & Budget Management
Lead, train, and evaluate security management and contracted security personnel
Develop and manage the security department budget and capital investments
Oversee contracts for security services, systems, and technology vendors
Technology & Innovation
Oversee implementation and lifecycle management of security technologies
Evaluate emerging threats and technologies to enhance port security resilience
Ensure integration of physical security systems with operational and IT systems
Qualifications Education
Bachelor’s degree in Security Management, Criminal Justice, Maritime Studies, Public Administration, or related field
Master’s degree preferred
Experience
10+ years of progressive experience in security management, maritime security, or critical infrastructure protection
Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership or director-level role
Experience in port, terminal, logistics, transportation, or large industrial environments
Certifications (Preferred)
Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
Physical Security Professional (PSP)
Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) certification
FEMA / emergency management training
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
In-depth knowledge of maritime security regulations and port operations
Strong leadership, decision-making, and crisis management skills
Excellent communication and stakeholder coordination abilities
Proven ability to manage complex security programs and large teams
Strong analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills
Working Conditions
On-call availability for emergencies and critical incidents
Work conducted in office, port, terminal, and industrial environments
Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearances
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The Director of Security – Port Operations is responsible for the strategic planning, implementation, and management of all security operations across port facilities, terminals, and maritime interfaces. This role ensures compliance with national and international maritime security regulations, protects port assets and personnel, and maintains the safe, secure, and uninterrupted flow of cargo and vessels. The Director serves as the Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) or oversees designated PFSOs, leading risk management, emergency preparedness, and coordination with government agencies and private stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Governance
Develop, implement, and continuously improve the Port Security Program and Security Master Plans
Establish security policies, procedures, and standards aligned with port operations and business objectives
Advise executive leadership on security risks, trends, and mitigation strategies
Regulatory Compliance
Ensure compliance with ISPS Code, MTSA, TSA, Coast Guard, customs, and other applicable maritime security regulations
Serve as or supervise the Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)
Manage audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews by authorities
Operations & Risk Management
Oversee 24/7 security operations across terminals, gates, waterfronts, and restricted areas
Conduct security risk assessments, vulnerability analyses, and threat evaluations
Implement access control, perimeter protection, CCTV, intrusion detection, and cybersecurity coordination
Emergency Management & Incident Response
Lead port security incident response, investigations, and after-action reviews
Coordinate emergency preparedness, drills, and exercises (security, terrorism, natural disasters, and critical incidents)
Act as a key member of the Port Emergency Management Team
Stakeholder & Agency Coordination
Serve as the primary liaison with law enforcement, coast guard, customs, intelligence agencies, and emergency services
Coordinate security activities with terminal operators, shipping lines, tenants, and contractors
Participate in maritime security committees and working groups
Personnel & Budget Management
Lead, train, and evaluate security management and contracted security personnel
Develop and manage the security department budget and capital investments
Oversee contracts for security services, systems, and technology vendors
Technology & Innovation
Oversee implementation and lifecycle management of security technologies
Evaluate emerging threats and technologies to enhance port security resilience
Ensure integration of physical security systems with operational and IT systems
Qualifications Education
Bachelor’s degree in Security Management, Criminal Justice, Maritime Studies, Public Administration, or related field
Master’s degree preferred
Experience
10+ years of progressive experience in security management, maritime security, or critical infrastructure protection
Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership or director-level role
Experience in port, terminal, logistics, transportation, or large industrial environments
Certifications (Preferred)
Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
Physical Security Professional (PSP)
Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) certification
FEMA / emergency management training
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
In-depth knowledge of maritime security regulations and port operations
Strong leadership, decision-making, and crisis management skills
Excellent communication and stakeholder coordination abilities
Proven ability to manage complex security programs and large teams
Strong analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills
Working Conditions
On-call availability for emergencies and critical incidents
Work conducted in office, port, terminal, and industrial environments
Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearances
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