Director of Safety and Security

Gradian is an engineering-led, full-line thermal solutions partner serving data center and other mission-critical, commercial, and industrial markets. Headquartered in Maple Grove, MN, with additional facilities across North America, we design and manufacture liquid cooling systems, air handling equipment, heat rejection units, and modular, factory-assembled thermal management solutions.Gradian was founded through the unification of four complementary, established brands: MAS HVAC, Daedex, DeepCoolAI, and EcoChillers. Together, we act as a single-source provider, deploying cooling technologies as scalable systems optimized for efficiency, spatial constraints, and overall performance. With a vertically integrated engineering and manufacturing model, we pair rapid design turnaround with precision fabrication, so customers can move faster on complex projects where reliability, timeline, and quality all matter.Why work hereAt Gradian, you'll work alongside others who get genuinely fired up by complex problems, see your work go from first sketch to job site in weeks, not years, and know that while we're developing the technologies critical for AI infrastructure to scale, our culture remains people-first by design.It is core to our identity that we operate as one team — driving to win together, energizing others, and building lasting relationships that make the work fun and rewarding.Position Summary:We are seeking a Director of Safety and Security to lead the design, implementation, and ongoing management of physical security and employee safety programs across our U.S. and Mexico locations. This person will build and standardize protocols that protect our people, facilities, and assets, while partnering closely with EHS, HR, IT, and Operations leadership to proactively identify and mitigate risk. This is a hands-on, build-it role — ideal for someone who can set strategy and also get into the details of vendor selection, system implementation, and site-level protocol design.Essential Responsibilities:Physical Security InfrastructureDesign and oversee installation of camera/CCTV systems across U.S. and Mexico facilities, including vendor sourcing, evaluation, and contract negotiationEstablish footage retention, storage, and system maintenance standards; ensure compliance with local data/privacy laws in each countryDevelop and manage badge access and entry protocols, including visitor management and credentialing standardsDesign differentiated security approaches for high-volume sites and extended/non-standard operating hoursPolicy & Protocol DevelopmentCreate, document, and maintain security policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) covering access control, incident response, emergency evacuation, and site-specific risk factorsDefine hours-of-operation security requirements per site based on risk assessment (location, crime data, hours, headcount, asset value)Ensure protocols are locally adapted and legally compliant for both U.S. and Mexico operationsCross-Functional Risk ManagementPartner with EHS to align safety and security protocols and ensure integrated incident responseWork with HR on workplace violence prevention, threat assessment processes, and employee safety communication/trainingCollaborate with IT on access control system integration, network/camera system security, and data protection for security systemsServe as an escalation point and cross-functional liaison during security incidentsProgram LeadershipConduct site security assessments and audits; prioritize investments based on riskManage relationships with security vendors, guard services, and technology providers across both countriesTrack incidents, near-misses, and trends to proactively adjust protocolsDevelop budget for security infrastructure, staffing, and vendor contractsProvide regular reporting to leadership on security posture, incidents, and program maturityQualifications8+ years of experience in corporate security, physical security, or safety/security management, including multi-site responsibilityExperience operating in both the U.S. and Mexico strongly preferred (bilingual English/Spanish a plus)Demonstrated experience selecting and managing security vendors (camera systems, access control, guard services)Working knowledge of access control and CCTV/VMS platformsExperience building policy from the ground up, not just maintaining existing programsStrong cross-functional collaboration skills, particularly with HR, EHS, and ITAbility to travel between U.S. and Mexico sites as neededBenefits:Medical, vision, and dental plansShort-term and long-term disability insuranceGroup term life insurance coverageHSA, FSA, and Dependent Care plans available8 paid holidays, 4 floating holidays, and generous PTO policy401k matchingCompany-paid eventsAnnual safety shoe allowanceEducation assistance programEEO Statement:Gradian Thermal Solutions is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other legally protected status.Employment decisions at Gradian are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind and actively promote a culture of fairness, equity, and opportunity.We also provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observances, in accordance with applicable laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr