Security Manager

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. Established with the mission to improve the quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops, CIMMYT focuses on applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South. The organization builds strong partnerships to enhance the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. As a core CGIAR Research Center, CIMMYT is part of a global research partnership aimed at reducing poverty, enhancing nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and improving natural resources. For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

Job Overview:
The Security Manager for Mexico and LATAM is responsible for managing physical and operational security across Mexico and assigned LATAM locations. This role ensures that security risks are effectively assessed, mitigated, and escalated as necessary. Under the guidance of Senior Security Management, the Security Manager translates approved CIMMYT security standards into practical frameworks, controls, and procedures tailored to the country and regional context. The position involves providing security management, analysis, and operational decision-making to protect personnel, assets, and operations, ensuring a safe working environment for all staff and stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Security Manager include managing day-to-day physical and operational security across Mexico and assigned LATAM locations. This encompasses security governance, escalations, incident response, and performance reporting. The Security Manager will lead and coordinate risk, threat, vulnerability, and site-security assessments, particularly focusing on security requirements affecting travelers, expatriates, and IRS personnel, in collaboration with Travel Security and relevant stakeholders. Additionally, the role involves leading investigations of security incidents, near misses, property damage, and other relevant security events. The Security Manager will also manage regional security contractors, service providers, and guard-force partners, ensuring adherence to defined scopes of work, service-level expectations, key performance indicators, and corrective action plans. Furthermore, the position requires evaluating, designing, and managing recurring regional security training and awareness programs for managers, employees, and contractor partners, as well as providing day-to-day operational direction to assigned security personnel and service providers to ensure effective delivery of security requirements and priorities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Security Management, Risk Management, Criminology, International Relations, Public Safety, or a related field. A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in physical security, corporate security, or closely related risk management is required. Demonstrated experience in managing complex security operations, conducting risk, threat, and vulnerability assessments, leading incident response and investigations, and managing security contractors or service providers is essential. Additionally, experience in developing and implementing operational security frameworks, procedures, controls, playbooks, and training programs is necessary. The ability to work effectively with cross-functional stakeholders and external security partners in complex or changing operational environments is also crucial. A recognized professional security or risk-management certification is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in Security Management, Risk Management, Criminology, International Relations, Public Safety, or a related field. This foundational education is critical for understanding the complexities of security management and risk assessment in various operational contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in physical security, corporate security, or closely related risk management. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing complex security operations, conducting thorough risk, threat, and vulnerability assessments, leading incident response and investigations, and effectively managing security contractors or service providers. This extensive experience is vital for ensuring the safety and security of personnel and assets in diverse environments.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in Spanish is likely essential given the location in Mexico. Additionally, knowledge of English may be beneficial for communication with international stakeholders and partners, making it a good to have language skill for this position.

Additional Notes:
CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package that includes support for continuous professional development. In addition to the provisions of Mexican Labor Law, the benefits package includes a year-end bonus equivalent to 40 days, a vacation premium of 56%, life and medical insurance, supermarket coupons, a savings fund, and social benefits as per Mexican regulations (IMSS, SAR / Infonavit). It is important to note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted, and foreign national candidates must possess legal documents to work in Mexico. The position will remain open until filled, and CIMMYT is committed to fostering a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.