Senior Security Management
The role of the senior security manager has evolved into a complex and challenging position of leadership, as Konrad Buczynski writes.
‘Senior’ security management was once a relatively simple task compared to today. Acknowledging the stereotype, managers developed rosters, led security guards in the protection of physical assets, while quite often performing the role of facility manager at the same time. Personnel, ICT and information security, much less audit, business continuity and formal risk management, were far removed from the typical job statement.
While many still occupy what might be regarded as relatively straightforward, but nonetheless important, roles these days, the bar for strategic security management has lifted markedly. Such practitioners busy themselves today in the engagement of senior leadership, the design and deployment of strategic programs that affect personnel across the entire organisation, and management of a portfolio of assets, activities and competencies that, in a number of circumstances, rival their executive peers. The complex requirements of security today have brought about the arrival of a new breed of intelligent and articulate leader.
Current security managers from leading Australian and international companies would no doubt attest to the multifaceted and often demanding nature of their appointments. In years past, such roles were typically decentralised and successful security design and performance was contingent upon the initiative of individuals within organisations. This often led to disparity in the quality of security controls from one site to the next. These days, the significant majority of large companies have recognised the need and appointed Chief or Group Security Officers/Managers, who are charged with the development of corporate governance and its implementation across the organisation. Never before has security held such an important role in commercial and other enterprises.
Succeeding as a senior security manager these days requires more than years of ‘waiting it out’ for the opportunity for elevation to a job that has limited appeal to others. Prospective leaders have a developed understanding of business objectives, the acumen to know how to best support their accomplishment, and the ability to ensure that security remains sufficiently resourced to complete the mission. Perhaps more than ever, senior managers have developed leadership skills that ensure the respect of an increasingly diverse group of employees and the tasks that this can generate.
So how have senior security leaders of today managed to achieve success? The answers should be of most interest to the many junior to mid-tier leaders of tomorrow that perhaps have never had the opportunity to put the question directly.
Senior security managers these days are highly intelligent, articulate and aware. They are more technology-savvy than their predecessors and are able to understand the strategic imperatives of the organisation, its Board and the Executive.
Today’s security leaders involve themselves in industry organisations that provide back to the profession. Arguably, and if business continuity and risk management is included as part of the security portfolio, those most recognised in Australia today would include ASIS International, ASIAL, the Business Continuity Institute (BCI) and the Risk Management Institute of Australasia (RMIA), among others.
Senior security managers are increasingly better educated, which serves to strengthen their position when dealing with their peers. Various educational institutions have recognised this need/trend and have for a number of years continued to multiply options available for those aiming for prominent roles. That such courses continue to remain profitable for universities and others is demonstrative that patronage is sustainable and growing, but more importantly, regarded as a sensible proposition.
An excellent resource, involving the Attorney-General and a range of senior security and business leaders, was released recently. Titled ‘Security is your Business’, the DVD is the result of a joint investment of industry and the Attorney-General’s Department in educating both security employees and general employees. In addition to practical advice provided on ‘live’ security scenarios, this excellent new resource demonstrates just how those leaders approach the task of senior security management. Perhaps most importantly, it provides a rare insight into the individual perspectives of each, producing a must-view resource for those looking to take the step up some day.