Associate Director, Physical Security

Grant Thornton is seeking an Associate Director, Physical Security to join the team. Approved office locations can be found below. Role Summary The Associate Director, Physical Security leads the firm's dedicated physical security function owning physical security standards and programs across the firm's offices — access control, badging, surveillance, workplace safety, crisis management and emergency preparedness, travel risk support, and incident response for physical locations. The Associate Director sets global standards, provides security design input for new and changing offices, leads a small hands-on physical security team, and partners with Workplace Operations and Regional Managers for local execution. Key Responsibilities Define global physical-security standards, policies, and programs across all offices Establish a risk-based approach to site security, prioritizing by location profile and threat level Establish crisis management and emergency/business continuity preparedness expectations, including emergency protocols, crisis coordination, and physical incident response procedures for evacuation, shelter-in-place, and active-threat scenarios Partner with Information Security to ensure clear lanes and coordinated response where physical and cyber risks intersect Define physical security design standards and provide input for new offices, builds, renovations, and security technology deployments Continuously evaluate and propose automation and AI adoption opportunities within physical-security operations, partnering with Global Transformation & Integration on centralized prioritization and delivery Security Operations Own access control, badging, visitor management, and surveillance (CCTV) standards and systems Lead physical-security incident response, investigations, and escalation management for firm locations Monitor workplace violence risk, lead threat assessments, and coordinate appropriate prevention, escalation, and response actions with firm stakeholders Coordinate workplace safety, travel risk assessments, and executive support for the Executive Committee (EC) where appropriate Data, Analytics & Performance Establish metrics and targets for efficiency, cost, and customer satisfaction across physical-security operations Build, monitor, and act on reports and dashboards that track performance and progress against targets, elevating the function's data, analytics, and business-intelligence maturity Example metrics: security incident volume and severity, incident response and resolution times, access-control compliance rates, site risk assessments completed, and guarding/technology provider performance Use data-driven insights to inform decisions, prioritize improvements, and demonstrate value to firm leadership Provider & Regional Delivery Manage guarding and security-technology providers, including performance and service delivery Deliver execution regionally in partnership with Workplace Operations and Regional Managers Lead a small physical security team with a hands-on operating style, staying actively involved in day-to-day priorities, escalations, and execution Leadership & Stakeholder Management Build awareness and training programs to strengthen a security-conscious culture Advise firm leadership on physical-security risk and mitigation Represent the function with strong executive presence, delivering clear, concise, and executive-ready communications and deliverables Co-design the function's detailed target model with the Global Administrative Services Leader Qualifications Bachelor's degree in security management, criminal justice, or a related field (or equivalent experience) 10+ years of corporate physical-security experience, including program leadership Experience with access-control, surveillance, incident-response, emergency preparedness, threat-assessment, and travel-risk processes Relevant certification (e.g., CPP) a plus Strong provider-management, stakeholder-management, and communication skills Ability to operate across a multi-site, multi-country footprint Success Measures Consistent physical-security standards implemented across offices Effective incident prevention, response, and resolution Crisis management, emergency preparedness, workplace violence monitoring, and threat-assessment processes established and regularly exercised Strong provider performance and service quality Improved security awareness and reduced site risk over time Metrics, targets, and dashboards established for efficiency, cost, and customer satisfaction, with demonstrable progress tracked over time Automation and AI opportunities identified, proposed, and adopted within the function, in coordination with Global Transformation & Integration The base salary range for this position is between $152,000 and $228,000. Placement within the pay range is at Grant Thornton’s discretion, and it is based on multiple factors, including but not limited to, job -related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, progression within the role, geographic location, and internal equity. At Grant Thornton, compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate. About Us At Grant Thornton, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result – for our clients and you. Here, we go beyond your expectations of a career in professional services by offering a career path with more: more opportunity, more flexibility, and more support. It’s what makes us different, and we think being different makes us better. In the U.S., Grant Thornton delivers professional services through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services ― and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services. In 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier Trans-Atlantic advisory and tax practice, as well as independent American and Irish audit practices. With $2.7 billion in revenues and more than 50 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of 12,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture. Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets. About the Team Whether it's your work location, weekly schedule, or flex time off, we empower you with the options to work the way that it best serves your clients and your life. Consistent with the firm's hybrid work model, this position will require in-person attendance at least three days per week, either at a GT office or client site. Here, you are supported to prioritize your overall well-being through work-life integration options that work best for you and those in your household. We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different — and we think that’s a good thing. That’s why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. See how at When it comes to inclusion, we are committed to doing more than checking boxes. Explore all the ways we’re taking action for diversity, equity & inclusion at Here’s what you can expect next: If you apply and are selected to interview, a Grant Thornton team member will reach out to you to schedule a time to connect. We encourage you to also check out other roles that may be a good fit for you or get to know us a little bit better at Benefits: We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different, and we think that’s a good thing. That’s why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. For an overview of our benefit offerings, please visit: Benefits for internship positions: Grant Thornton interns are eligible to participate in the firm’s medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm’s employee assistance program. Interns also receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave and are paid for firm holidays that fall within their internship period. Benefits for seasonal employee positions: Grant Thornton seasonal employees are eligible to participate in the firm’s medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm’s employee assistance program. Seasonal employees may also be eligible to participate in the firm’s 401(k) savings plan and employee retirement plan in accordance with applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements. Seasonal employees receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave. Grant Thornton employees may be eligible for a discretionary, annual bonus based on individual and firm performance, subject to the terms, conditions and eligibility criteria of the applicable bonus plan or program. Interns and seasonal employees are not eligible for bonus compensation. Additional Details: It is the policy of Grant Thornton to promote equal employment opportunities. All personnel decisions (including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, working conditions, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, evaluations, and termination) are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital or civil union status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic predisposition or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws, it is the policy of Grant Thornton to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. To make an accommodation request, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. For Los Angeles Applicants only: We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. For Massachusetts Applicants only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Grant Thornton does not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employment or continued employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr Grant Thornton