Physical Security Manager
Vulcan Elements is manufacturing American rare-earth permanent magnets for a secure, resilient future. With a focus on national security and economic resiliency, we serve critical industries such as defense, aerospace, and automotive powering a high-technology future. Vulcan Elements is building a team of ambitious professionals committed to Mission Focus, Technical Excellence and Transparency.
As Physical Security Manager, you will own a comprehensive security operation across multiple sites, with primary focus on our large-scale manufacturing facility in Benson, NC. You will oversee the development and implementation of corporate security policies, day-to-day operational activities, strategic security improvements, and controls & compliance management for Vulcan.
Responsibilities
- Own day-to-day physical security operations, including cloud-managed video (cameras), access control (badge readers/door controllers), and alarm/environmental sensors, plus visitor management across all facilities.
- Develop and maintain physical security policies, procedures, and post orders, aligned with NIST SP 800-171/CMMC physical protection requirements.
- Lead investigation and response to physical security incidents, including unauthorized access attempts document findings, implement corrective actions, and escalate to appropriate parties.
- Manage and oversee contracted or in-house security staff and guard force personnel, including scheduling, training, and performance management.
- Implement and administer badge issuance, access levels, and periodic access reviews, ensuring access to restricted areas is limited to authorized, screened personnel.
- Lead the assessment of Physical and Environmental Protection (PE) controls against the NIST SP 800-53 Low-Impact Baseline, build and maintain the physical security portions of the System Security Plan (SSP), and drive the Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M).
- Own the security platform relationship (cameras, access control, sensors), including device provisioning, firmware/software updates, user permissions, and integrations, plus manage contracts with guard force providers and other security vendors.
- Conduct periodic physical security risk assessments across facilities and recommend improvements (camera/sensor coverage, door hardware, lighting, fencing, restricted-area controls, etc.).
- Partner with IT/OT security, HR, Operations, and Facilities leadership to ensure physical, cyber security, and operational controls work together as a cohesive program.
Responsibilities and tasks outlined are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of the business.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of progressive experience in physical security management, corporate security, or a related field, ideally in manufacturing, industrial, or complex operational environments.
- Working knowledge of NIST SP 800-53 (Physical and Environmental Protection family) and/or NIST SP 800-171/CMMC physical security requirements; experience contributing to an SSP or POA&M is a strong plus.
- Comfortable managing security systems as cloud/IP-based software platforms rather than legacy on-prem CCTV/NVR systems, including user permissions, device health, and basic network/IT coordination for cameras and door controllers.
- Experience managing contracted or in-house security officers, including scheduling, post orders, and performance management.
Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Hands-on experience administering Verkada (or similar) cameras, access control, and/or sensors strongly preferred; experience with another cloud-managed, IP-based physical security platform also considered.
- Prior experience supporting DoW programs, federal contractors, or facilities handling CUI and export-controlled (ITAR/EAR) material.
- Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Physical Security Professional (PSP), or a similar ASIS certification.
