Access Control Supervisor / Lead

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

The Access Control Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of access control, credentialing, security monitoring, escort activities, and roving patrol functions within a secure facility. This position provides direct supervision, leadership, training, and operational guidance to Access Control Specialists while ensuring compliance with organizational security policies, access control requirements, and site-specific procedures.

The Access Control Supervisor serves as the primary point of contact for security operations during assigned shifts and is responsible for maintaining the integrity of physical security systems, personnel accountability, incident response activities, and customer service standards. This position ensures all access control activities support the protection of personnel, facilities, information, and organizational assets.

Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesSupervisory and Leadership Responsibilities

• Supervise, direct, and support Access Control Specialists assigned to access control points, monitoring stations, credentialing operations, escort functions, and roving patrols.
• Assign work schedules, post assignments, and daily security coverage to ensure operational requirements are met.
• Provide guidance, coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback to assigned personnel.
• Conduct shift briefings, pass-down meetings, and operational updates.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, security directives, standard operating procedures, and contractual requirements.
• Monitor workforce attendance, accountability, and readiness for duty.
• Assist with employee evaluations, disciplinary actions, training documentation, and corrective action plans as required.
• Train and onboard new personnel and ensure required certifications and qualifications remain current.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for security incidents and operational issues during assigned shifts.
• Maintain effective communication with the Access Control Manager (ACM), security leadership, and client representatives.

Access Control Operations

• Oversee and ensure proper operation of all access control points and facility entry procedures.
• Ensure only authorized personnel, visitors, and contractors enter restricted or controlled areas.
• Verify compliance with badge display, escort requirements, visitor management, and facility access policies.
• Ensure prohibited items are prevented from entering the facility and organizational property is protected from unauthorized removal.
• Monitor compliance with Random Antiterrorism Measures (RAM), property inspections, and other security initiatives.

Security Monitoring and Incident Response

• Oversee security monitoring operations, including CCTV, alarm systems, intrusion detection systems, and access control platforms.
• Review, investigate, and coordinate responses to alarms, security violations, suspicious activity, and emergency situations.
• Coordinate response efforts between access control personnel, roving patrols, facility management, and emergency responders when necessary.
• Ensure incident reports, logs, and documentation are completed accurately and submitted in a timely manner.
• Conduct preliminary incident reviews and recommend corrective actions.

Patrol and Escort Management

• Direct and coordinate interior and exterior patrol activities.
• Ensure roving patrols are conducted in accordance with established schedules and procedures.
• Ensure visitors, contractors, vendors, and cleaning personnel are properly escorted within restricted areas.
• Monitor the effectiveness and compliance of escort procedures and visitor control measures.

Credentialing and Records Management

• Oversee badge issuance, credential activation, renewals, deactivations, and accountability procedures.
• Ensure identity verification processes and documentation requirements are consistently followed.
• Conduct audits of badges, credentials, access records, and security documentation.
• Ensure Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and sensitive information are protected in accordance with organizational requirements.

Reporting and Compliance

• Maintain operational logs, staffing rosters, training records, inspection reports, and security documentation.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews to ensure personnel are following established procedures.
• Identify security vulnerabilities, process deficiencies, and training needs, and recommend corrective actions.
• Assist with inspections, audits, assessments, and accreditation activities.
• Prepare and submit reports to management regarding incidents, staffing, operational performance, and security concerns.

Requirements:

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in physical security, access control, force protection, law enforcement, military security, or related security operations.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of supervisory, team lead, or shift lead experience preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearances, certifications, and site access authorizations.
• Experience operating electronic access control, surveillance, alarm monitoring, or security management systems.
• Valid driver's license may be required depending on facility operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of physical security principles, access control procedures, and facility security operations.
• Knowledge of visitor control, badging and credentialing processes, escort procedures, and incident response protocols.
• Knowledge of security technologies, including CCTV, intrusion detection, access control systems, alarm monitoring platforms, and visitor management systems.
• Understanding of risk management, threat identification, and security assessment principles.
• Ability to interpret and enforce policies, regulations, standard operating procedures, and contractual requirements.
• Strong leadership, team-building, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to supervise employees, assign work, and ensure accountability.
• Ability to make sound decisions and respond effectively during emergencies and security incidents.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong report-writing, documentation, and recordkeeping abilities.
• Ability to analyze incidents, identify trends, and implement corrective actions.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with computers, security software applications, and Microsoft Office products.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, patrol, and remain alert for extended periods.
• Ability to conduct interior and exterior inspections and patrols.
• Ability to work in various environmental conditions and throughout large facilities.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies and security incidents.
• Ability to lift, carry, or move equipment as required.

Working Conditions

• May oversee operations from an access control point, security operations center, command center, credentialing office, or field environment.
• May be required to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as operational needs dictate.
• Must maintain professionalism, integrity, discretion, and vigilance while supervising personnel and protecting sensitive assets.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supervising security personnel in a government, defense, critical infrastructure, industrial, or corporate security environment.
• Security-related certifications such as CPP, PSP, Security+, ASIS certifications, FEMA Incident Command training, or equivalent.
• Experience supporting facilities operating under NISPOM, ICD, DoD, DHS, federal, or other regulated security requirements.
• Experience with physical security assessments, audits, inspections, and corrective action programs.