Director, Security Operations

Ford • Dearborn, MI

16h • $138,240 - $261,720 • Hybrid

About The Position

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. We also believe in providing you with the freedom to define and realize your dreams. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career potential as you help us define tomorrow’s transportation.
As a global leader in advanced mobility solutions, our outstanding team of legal professionals helps us navigate the continually changing legal and regulatory landscape. In our Office of General Counsel, you’ll be part of an organization that collaborates with outside counsel to operate as a global team and deliver world-class legal, tax and audit services to client groups throughout the company.
In this position...
The Director of Security Operations provides strategic leadership and executive oversight for Ford’s operational and investigative security portfolio across North America and other regions. Reporting to the Executive Director, Global Security and Fire, this role delivers the security strategy and industry best practices across four distinct pillars: Investigations & New Product Security, Dearborn Regional Operations, Michigan Central District Operations, and Non-Manufacturing Operations (FCSDs and commercial properties across the U.S. and Canada). The Director is responsible for the strategic protection of Ford’s people, property, and intellectual property while managing a complex matrix of internal Ford Security personnel and external contract providers. This leader ensures operational excellence, fiscal responsibility, and the mitigation of enterprise-level risks.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Security Management, Business Administration, or a related field
• 15+ years of combined experience in law enforcement, military, or corporate security, with at least 7 years in a significant leadership or directorial capacity
• Proven experience managing complex, global teams, high-stakes investigations, and large-scale security operations
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing multimillion-dollar budgets and complex vendor contracts
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and advise at the executive level
• Demonstrated expertise in enterprise crisis management and risk mitigation
• Possession of or ability to obtain a Concealed Pistol License (CPL); ability to demonstrate firearm proficiency is a condition of hire
• Possess a valid Driver’s license with an impeccable driving record
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally on short notice
• Availability to work 24/7, 365 days a year to respond to emergencies

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in a relevant field
• Thorough understanding of CTPAT security criteria and supply chain security best practices
• Professional certification such as Certified Protection Professional (CPP) or Physical Security Professional (PSP)
• Expertise in protecting intellectual property and prototype security in a manufacturing or tech environment
• Familiarity with life-safety and fire systems planning and analysis
• Experience in corporate security management and global operations
• Proficiency in data-driven security strategy and utilizing advanced security technology platforms
• Proven results according to the Ford OS Behaviors

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Lead and develop a high-performing team of Security Managers, establishing the long-term vision, policy framework, and operational priorities for global investigations and North American regional operations
• Investigations & IP Protection: Direct the strategy for the Investigations and New Product Security pillar, overseeing high-stakes inquiries into criminal acts, fraud, and policy violations while safeguarding prototypes and trade secrets globally
• Operational Governance: Direct Security Operations for the Dearborn campus and the Michigan Central District, balancing rigorous security protocols with a "hospitality-first" mindset in high-profile, public-facing urban environments
• Regional Oversight: Oversee Non-Manufacturing Security Operations for all FCSD sites (distribution centers and warehouses) and commercial properties throughout the U.S. and Canada, ensuring all relevant facilities maintain compliance with CTPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) standards and other regulatory supply chain security requirements
• Physical Security & Fire Systems: Provide subject matter expertise on the design of security and life-safety systems; prepare risk assessments, cost-benefit analyses, and oversee project management for large-scale security installations and maintenance
• Contract & Fiscal Stewardship: Manage large-scale contract security service provider relationships, driving fiscal responsibility and ensuring vendor performance meets Ford’s standards across the portfolio
• Crisis Management: Serve as a senior leader during emergencies, collaborating on protective intelligence and providing executive-level command during escalated events, behavioral threat assessments, and crisis response
• Executive Liaison and Trend Monitoring: Build strong relationships with federal, state, and local agencies; represent Ford at high-level industry forums and monitor the internal and external environment to identify emerging security trends that may affect Ford’s security posture
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with senior leadership in HR, Legal, Safety, Ford Land, and Labor Relations to mitigate corporate risk and resolve complex workplace issues
• Strategic Reporting: Develop and present comprehensive security metrics, risk assessments, and strategic roadmaps to the Executive Leadership Team
• Operational Support: Maintain readiness to provide specialized security support, including armed response or assistance with executive protection details, as operational needs or emergencies dictate

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director