Security Operations Management
Regardless of which industry you work in, security is of the utmost importance. All sorts of threats can affect companies, from hackers and network breaches to break-ins and thieves. If you are ready to be responsible for the security of a company and its assets, you may be interested in becoming a security operations manager and protecting your company from a variety of threats. We can help you find criminal justice programs that can help you prepare for careers in the field, like this one.
Depending on the type of company they work for, security operations managers may be responsible for physical security or information security. For example, in a warehouse or retail setting, security managers may have to watch for theft of goods and products. In a setting where customer information is stored or sensitive information is kept, data security may be more important. As the needs of your employer change, you may have to use your education and skills to adapt your security procedures accordingly.
Operations Management Job Description
Much of your time in a security operations management position may be spent overseeing the work of other security staff. As the manager of your company’s security branch, you are responsible for everything your staff does and how well they protect the company. This may require you to look for signs of theft or any discrepancies among your staff and other parts of the company. You may also participate in day-to-day security activities, from monitoring Internet systems to watching physical locations for signs of crime or theft. On any given day, you may assess the risks presented by different security threats and make sure that your team is ready to respond to these risks.
In addition to basic security tasks, you may be responsible for higher-level jobs that contribute to the company’s security division. For example, you may need to know the layout of the company and its needs extremely well to create a security plan that meets very specific standards. Security management is a field that may appeal to those who have held other positions in the criminal justice field. It’s also a good career for eventually transitioning to a career in politics. For example, in May of 2018 a private security manager who had formerly been a police chief announced his candidacy for city council.
Before you can take on a job as a security operations manager, you may have to meet a litany of educational requirements and work experience requirements. Getting the right education can help you become a more efficient and skilled security manager. Keep reading if you’re interested in this career path to find out how you can take the first step!
How to Become a Security Operations Manager
In most companies, the position of security operations manager comes with a lot of responsibility and prestige. As a result, you may have to spend quite a bit of time completing your education and getting the job experience needed to become a security manager. However, if you can work your way through this process, you may be rewarded with a job that you really enjoy. You may start out as a security operations staff member at a company if you wish to start your career in this field. Some who aspire to earn a management position use this time to complete their degree and gain extensive training in security management. In addition, many companies hire management personnel from within, so getting a job in security may put you in line to be considered for one of these positions.
You may wish to consider earning an Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice if you plan on taking on a security management job. The variety of topics covered in this degree can help you prepare for the many tasks for which security operations managers are responsible. Your curriculum may include courses like Criminal Law & the Judicial System, Theories of Crime, Geographic Information Systems, and Police Policy & Practice. Some schools allow you to choose an area of concentration. By concentrating on security, you can take specific courses that may prepare you for your future career.
As a security operations manager, you may need to be ready to manage staff in various positions. When you are accepted into a management position, your company may expect you to complete training or coursework in managerial skills. Furthermore, you may have to attend training seminars each year to stay up-to-date on the newest security techniques and standards in your industry.
Security Operations Manager Salary and Career Outlook
Job openings for security managers are expected to remain fairly stable for years to come, which may be beneficial once you begin your job search! O*Net anticipates a 5% to 8% increase in security management job openings through 2032, which works out to almost 10,300 new jobs.
Some states may see even greater job growth for security operations managers. Through 2032, Florida anticipates a 19% increase in job openings. In this same time period, Illinois may see a 9% increase in job openings (O*Net, 2022).
The average salary for a security manager in the United States is $99,030 per year (2022). Of course, salaries vary quite a bit from state to state, so you may want to learn more about salary ranges in your area. In Florida, the median income for a security manager in 2022 was $87,880 (O*Net, 2022). Those who work in California claim an average salary of $102,160 (O*Net, 2022). In New York, the median salary reported is $117,470 per year (O*Net, 2022).
2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures contained here reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2023.
Ready to use your natural leadership and your dedication to security in a new career? Use our school listings to find the perfect criminal justice school to help you get started in this career!