Physical Security Manager

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

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.