The Fire & Security Lead is responsible for safeguarding the company’s assets and ensuring a secure and safe working environment at the Belvidere Assembly Plant. This role encompasses the management of site security operations, oversight of crisis management protocols, and execution of comprehensive risk assessments aimed at mitigating financial loss, theft, and fraud. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, meticulous attention to detail, and exceptional communication skills, while maintaining a customer-focused approach. This position requires the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within cross-functional teams.

 

What you’ll do

Oversee all fire protection and security operations within assigned areas of responsibility. Manage the inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire protection systems and security infrastructure in compliance with company standards and applicable national regulations. Implement and enforce corporate security programs, policies, and strategic initiatives. Supervise and provide direction to contracted security personnel, ensuring performance aligns with expectations. Ensure all security and fire protection activities comply with legal, regulatory, and corporate standards. Allocate personnel and resources effectively to meet operational goals and project deadlines. Manage relationships with approved local fire protection and security service providers. Lead crisis response efforts, conduct incident investigations, maintain documentation, and coordinate with local authorities as necessary. Review, validate, and approve vendor invoices and service charges. Develop and manage annual general and administrative expense budgets. Establish, communicate, and monitor minimum staffing requirements for security operations. Achieve or exceed established cost efficiency and performance benchmarks. Develop and maintain local security operating procedures, one-point lessons, and visual standard operating procedures (VSOPs). Create and regularly update emergency response plans tailored to site-specific needs. Administer and execute the corporate security training program at the local level. Collaborate with Corporate Security Technical Services to implement enterprise-wide programs and initiatives. Participate in long-term planning for security infrastructure improvements. Coordinate with Systems Service and Integration and Fire Engineering teams to ensure compliance with fire protection and security standards during new construction and renovation projects. Conduct periodic assessments of vendor performance and facility conditions using standardized evaluation tools. Identify and advocate for continuous improvement opportunities within the department. Address and resolve operational issues and complaints in a timely and effective manner. Operate as a self-motivated, results-oriented individual contributor with minimal supervision. Provide support for corporate-level security initiatives and programs as required. Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for security and fire protection programs. Prepare reports for senior leadership or regulatory bodies. Design and deliver training programs for employees and security personnel. Conduct drills (e.g., fire, active shooter, evacuation) and post-drill evaluations.

What you’ll learn

Expertise in security and fire protection within an automotive manufacturing environment. Experience managing fire protection systems for specialized high-hazard manufacturing processes. The proven ability to assess, prioritize, and mitigate security and fire protection risks. Experience operating within a collective bargaining environment and directing unionized personnel. Proficiency with electronic access control systems, closed-circuit television (CCTV), and fire alarm technologies. Strong financial acumen with the ability to develop and manage budgets and staffing forecasts. Familiarity with hybrid security environments that integrate both physical and digital security measures.

What this role will prepare you for

Collaborate cross-functionally with North American operations to support and achieve company-wide objectives. Demonstrate a commitment to continuous development of management and leadership capabilities. Lead and manage a team effectively, including delegation of responsibilities to ensure operational efficiency and high-quality outcomes. Proactively assess risks and implement appropriate countermeasures in a responsible and strategic manner.

 

Basic Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED required. 3+ years of experience in corporate security, including but not limited to physical security, security systems, security officer force administration, crisis management, and security operations console management; or equivalent experience in law enforcement or military service. Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with demonstrated experience in preparing after-action reports, threat management assessments, and site quality reviews. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively engage and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders at all organizational levels. Solid technical aptitude with proficiency in utilizing security technologies and tools. Proven ability to identify current and emerging security risks, develop and implement effective mitigation strategies, and allocate resources and budgets accordingly. Experience leading crisis management teams, including hands-on involvement in emergency response situations and conducting training exercises using crisis management tools. Availability to respond to crisis situations and urgent events on a 24/7 basis. Experience in budget development and financial forecasting. Proficiency in written and spoken English. Experience with mobile security apps or digital incident reporting tools. Up to 10% travel required to the Metro Detroit area in Michigan.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Criminal Justice, Security Management, Fire Protection Engineering, or a related discipline. Professional certification as a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) or Physical Security Professional (PSP). Prior corporate security or fire protection experience within a manufacturing environment. Experience working in a unionized or collective bargaining setting. Familiarity with specialized fire detection and suppression systems designed for high-hazard manufacturing processes. Demonstrated project management experience, including planning, execution, and cross-functional coordination. Experience with OSHA, NFPA, UL, and other relevant safety/security standards. Experience working in diverse environments and promoting inclusive safety practices.