What Is a Security Manager?
Security managers help protect businesses, property, and individuals. While security personnel may patrol an area or monitor activity over a closed-circuit television, security managers may determine security strategies, logistics, and schedules. Security managers may also investigate breaches in security and work with local law enforcement to apprehend suspected parties.
Whereas security personnel might spend most of their working day on their feet or watching a security monitor, security managers are more likely to work in a comfortable office environment. However, performing their own investigations or working with local law authorities might require a more active role and a higher potential for injury. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for many types of security personnel is on par with the average for all other occupations.
Career Requirements
In order to become a security manager, you will need to get a high school diploma. You will then need to pursue a security training program and, in some states, get licensed before working in security.
| Degree Level | College or postsecondary training |
| Degree Field(s) | Security management or related field |
| Licensing | State licensing may be required |
| Experience | Previous experience working in security is required |
| Key Skills | Security managers must be perceptive, communicate well with others, and exhibit the ability to lead and manage workers |
| Median Salary (2022)* | $71,370 |
Source: *PayScale.com, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
How to Become Security Manager for a Company
What steps do I need to take to become a security manager?
Step 1: Complete Security Manager Training
Individuals can begin working in security after earning a high school diploma; however, most states require that security personnel complete a formal training program. These programs may last anywhere from 8-16 hours and prepare individuals for employment as security guards. Topics covered in these programs include security policies and procedures, emergency preparedness, and self-defense. In addition to completing a training program, some states may require that security guards obtain licensure.
Step 2: Gain Experience
Security guards can work in all sorts of environments and settings. While some may focus on protecting individuals, others may work in public settings monitoring crowds and property. Specific duties vary depending on the job and location, but generally, security guards control the environment in a location and work to prevent criminal activity.
Success Tip:
Earn a degree to accelerate your success. Those who want to pursue security management can gain the necessary skills by earning a degree in security management. Having a degree can improve an individual's chances of becoming a security manager. Course studies may include the fundamentals of security, studying security systems, and the ethics involved in security.
Step 3: Explore Managerial Career Paths
Security managers can operate in corporate security or within government agencies. They can find employment opportunities with major corporations and private military companies or with any companies that employ private security contractors. Duties may range from planning security programs to designing specialized training for security officers.
Step 4: Become Certified
In order to improve their employment opportunities or advance in the workforce, prospective security managers may consider earning voluntary certifications. The American Society for Industrial Security International offers the Certified Protection Professional credential, which requires either nine years of experience in security with three of those years in a supervisory position or a bachelor's degree and seven years of experience with three of those years in a supervisory position.
Corporate Security Manager Jobs
When working as a corporate security manager, you will need to evaluate the risks associated with a particular company and find ways to manage them. If you are working for a large company, you may be in charge of designing risk mitigation initiatives that can be applied to a number of different facilities. You may also have to work alongside digital security experts to protect a company's digital and financial assets from hacking and other threats. Corporate security managers often hire and train other guards to work in the company.
Security managers help protect businesses, property, and individuals. They have college or postsecondary training and keen perception, communication, and leadership abilities; and they earn a median annual salary of $71,370.