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.