Director, Physical Security

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Germany.

📋 Description

• Formulate and take charge of the comprehensive physical security strategy for all sites and entities within the group.

• Design, implement, and manage systems for physical access control, perimeter security, intrusion detection, CCTV, alarm management, and visitor/contractor oversight.

• Establish and uphold the organizational security framework for classified operations, ensuring the protection and handling of Verschlusssachen (VS), Sicherheitsbereiche, and secure storage in accordance with the Geheimschutzhandbuch.

• Serve as the operational liaison to German authorities regarding industrial security through BMWK and collaborate with the Sicherheitsbevollmächtigte(r); fulfill or assist with the SiBe role as necessary.

• Oversee the physical aspects of personnel security, including access linked to clearances, escort protocols, badge management, and security onboarding/offboarding processes.

• Lead crisis management, emergency response, evacuation procedures, and business continuity planning for physical incidents.

• Ensure physical security throughout the supply chain and logistics, encompassing secure transportation, storage, and handling of sensitive hardware and prototypes.

• Safeguard company events, trade shows, and client/site visits.

• Manage external security vendors, budgets, and service-level agreements (SLAs).

• Develop policies, conduct audits, drills, and training sessions, and promote security awareness within a remote-first workforce.

• Take ownership of the physical/organizational aspect of the insider-threat program in collaboration with IT Security and People & Culture.

• Ensure adherence to SÜG, Geheimschutzhandbuch, NATO/EU classified standards, KRITIS/BSI as applicable, and ITAR/EAR physical controls.

⛳️ Requirements

• Several years of experience in leading physical/corporate security, preferably within defense, aerospace, critical infrastructure, or similarly regulated and security-sensitive sectors.

• Solid understanding of German Geheimschutz, including the Geheimschutzhandbuch, VS-handling, Sicherheitsbereiche, and the SÜG framework.

• Proven track record in establishing a physical security program from the ground up.

• Hands-on experience with access control, CCTV, intrusion detection, and alarm systems, along with relevant standards.

• Experience in crisis/emergency management and business continuity planning.

• Comfortable working in a remote-first, multi-site environment with frequent travel between locations.

• Fluent in German and proficient in English.

• Eligible and willing to undergo a German Sicherheitsüberprüfung, typically Ü2/Ü3.

• Approximately 8–12+ years of overall experience in security, including several years in a program-owning or leadership role, with a history in regulated or high-sensitivity environments.

• Startup or scale-up experience is highly advantageous.

🏝️ Benefits

• Join an international team with colleagues from Germany and other locations.

• Experience a startup environment that offers genuine ownership, flat hierarchies, and quick decision-making processes.

• Receive competitive compensation that reflects your experience and responsibilities.

• Access individual learning and growth opportunities beyond your current role.