Global Director of Construction Site Security

This person will lead security across global data center construction projects, starting with land acquisition/site mobilization and continuing through construction, commissioning, and final handover.

Their job is to protect

Construction personnel High-value IT, electrical, and mechanical equipment Critical infrastructure Client confidential information and intellectual property

They will work closely with Project Executives, Design/MEP teams, Legal, local authorities, and hyperscale/colocation clients to ensure each project meets both physical security needs and client-specific security requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Global Security Strategy & Leadership

Develop the overall security strategy for data center construction projects worldwide. Address risks such as equipment theft, supply-chain security, insider threats, and client confidentiality. Build security standards that evolve as projects move from early civil construction into fit-out and commissioning. Build and lead a regional network of site security managers. Serve as the main security contact for hyperscale/enterprise clients and their security teams.

Site Security & Risk Management

Conduct pre-construction risk assessments covering local crime, geopolitical risks, critical-infrastructure threats, and workforce/labor risks. Create site-specific security plans covering: Perimeter security Access control/badging Worker and subcontractor access levels Chain of custody for valuable equipment Protect equipment such as chillers, CRA units, switchgear, generators, UPS systems, transformers, networking gear, and server hardware. Manage third-party security guards and security technology vendors. Oversee technologies including CCTV, access control/badging, perimeter intrusion detection, drone surveillance, and GPS/asset tracking. Manage secure deliveries, staging, and chain-of-custody procedures for high-value equipment.

Confidentiality & Insider Threat

Manage NDA compliance and insider-threat programs for employees, contractors, vendors, and subcontractors. Work with IT/OT security teams to protect networking equipment and BMS systems during commissioning. Control unauthorized photography, drones, and documentation of sensitive facilities.

Incident & Crisis Management

Lead investigations involving equipment theft, fraud, workplace incidents, and unauthorized site access. Develop emergency response plans for situations such as protests/activism, severe weather, and civil unrest. Act as incident commander during major security events. Maintain relationships with law enforcement and critical-infrastructure protection agencies.

Compliance & Reporting

Track security KPIs such as incidents, equipment losses, access violations, and audit findings. Manage the global security budget, including guard forces, security technology, and secure logistics. Conduct security audits and pre-handover walkthroughs. Support client security assessments and requirements.

Training & Handover

Provide security awareness training to construction personnel. Work with commissioning teams to transition security from an active construction site into an operational critical facility. Participate in client security briefings and due-diligence visits.

Required * 10+ years of progressive security leadership experience, with 5+ years in construction, critical infrastructure, or data center/mission-critical facility security. * Experience managing security programs across multiple countries or regions, ideally including sites with hyperscale or enterprise colocation clients. * Strong understanding of chain-of-custody protocols for high-value technology equipment and materials. * Familiarity with data center compliance frameworks (SOC 2, ISO 27001) as they relate to physical security requirements. * Experience developing emergency response and crisis plans for critical infrastructure or high-security environments. * Excellent stakeholder management skills, including experience interfacing directly with client security/risk teams. * Willingness and ability to travel extensively. Preferred * Background in military, law enforcement, executive protection, or critical infrastructure security. * Certifications: CPP, PSP or equivalent. * Prior experience with hyperscale clients (e.g., major cloud/colocation providers) or their third-party security requirements. * Experience with insider threat programs and confidentiality/NDA-driven work environments. * Familiarity with security technology stacks common to data centers (biometric access, mantraps, PIDS) as a preview of what construction security must anticipate and protect ahead of handover.