Head of Physical Security - Data Centres

Head of Physical Security

Department: Compliance & Security 

Reports To: Head of Compliance and Security 

Location: Hybrid, UK (London)

Role Purpose: 

As Head of Physical Security, you will define and lead the enterprise physical security strategy across all data-center campuses, ensuring the protection of people, assets, critical infrastructure and operations. You will own and mature the global physical security program, spanning security technology, threat management, guard-force operations, access control, investigations, contractor assurance and the integration of physical and cyber security. You will partner closely with Operations, InfoSec, Compliance, Development, Design, HR and external agencies to ensure the physical security posture supports operational resilience and customer trust. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Strategy & Governance: 

Define the physical security strategy, roadmap and governance framework for all data-center campuses and Verne facilities. 

Establish global physical security policies, standards and procedures covering access control, CCTV, perimeter security and incident escalation as just some examples. 

Set physical security KPIs (e.g., access exceptions, alarm response times, audit findings) and report to executive and board-level forums. 

Integrate physical security into ERM, business continuity and resilience planning. 

Security Design & Systems: 

Own the physical security standards for all new builds and retrofits, including CCTV layout, perimeter systems, intrusion detection, access control and secure construction requirements. 

Work with Development and Design to ensure physical security is embedded by design. 

Ensure all current campuses operate to standard working with Operations to ensure customer expectations are met and risks are mitigated. 

Ensure alignment with customer, regulatory and insurer requirements for mission-critical facilities. 

Own the physical security technology stack (CCTV, ACS, intrusion, analytics, command-center systems). 

Drive modernisation of physical security infrastructure, including automation, analytics and integration with SOC. 

Ensure asset inventories, maintenance regimes and cybersecurity safeguards for security systems. 

Campus Protection and Operations: 

Oversee guard-force operations, incident response and daily campus security performance. 

Ensure 24/7 security operations, patrols, monitoring and escalation processes are effective and aligned to SLAs. 

Lead security incident management and coordinate with InfoSec, H&S and Operations during joint events. 

Maintain procedures for severe-weather events, protests, criminal activity and insider risks as some examples. 

Access Control & Identity Management 

Own end-to-end access control processes for employees, contractors, vendors and customers. 

Define badge provisioning, visitor management, escorting rules and privileged physical access requirements. 

Ensure strong identity validation, dual-factor entry and enforcement of critical-area segregation. 

Investigations & Threat Management 

Lead investigations into physical breaches, insider threats, theft, fraud or safety-security interactions. 

Maintain an effective threat and intelligence program aligned to risks facing data centers. 

Liaise with law enforcement, government bodies and external partners for intelligence sharing and incident escalation. 

Vendor, Supply Chain & Customer Assurance 

Own vendor security assurance for guard-force partners, security integrators and technology suppliers. 

Ensure physical security is embedded in procurement processes and construction partner requirements. 

Support customer audits, site tours, RFP responses and security posture assessments. 

Regulatory, Compliance & Assurance 

Maintain compliance with critical infrastructure regulations, security licensing rules and local policing standards. 

Conduct physical security audits, penetration tests and readiness assessments for all campuses. 

Maintain strong evidence management, change logs and corrective-action tracking. 

Leadership & Budget 

Build and lead a high-performing physical security team across regions and campuses. 

Manage budgets for guard-force, technology upgrades and maintenance. 

Embed a security-first culture through training, drills and cross-functional engagement. 

Required Qualifications & Experience: 

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject or similar experience and professional certification required. Master’s degree or level 7 equivalent preferred. 

10+ years of progressive experience in physical security. 

5+ years of physical security leadership in data centres, critical infrastructure, telco or high-security environments. 

Experience overseeing multi-site security operations and global guard-force management. 

Strong knowledge of physical security technologies, SOC/GSOC operations and critical-environment protection. 

Familiarity with OT/IT, M&E plant and data-center critical systems. 

Experience with customer audits, regulatory requirements and insurer expectations. 

Strong knowledge and delivery of ISO 27001 compliance and other standards are a plus. 

Relevant Industry certifications and memberships such as those from ASIS International and the UK Security Institute. 

Skills & Competencies: 

Strategic security leadership with strong operational grounding. 

Strong communication and influence with executives, customers and operational teams. 

High integrity, discretion and robust incident-handling capability. 

Evidence-based decision-making, documentation discipline and audit readiness. 

Ability to manage suppliers, service contracts and large operational budgets.