Data Center Security Manager

Overview

Data Center Security Manager Jobs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at ezditek

Title: Data Center Security Manager

Company: ezditek

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Job Title: Data Center Security Manager

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Company: Ezditek

Role Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and vigilant Data Center Security Manager to lead and oversee all physical security operations across Ezditek's data center facilities. The role is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive security strategies, managing security teams and contractors, ensuring compliance with data center security standards, and protecting critical infrastructure, assets, and personnel. This position plays a critical role in safeguarding mission-critical environments, maintaining 24/7 security operations, ensuring regulatory compliance with Saudi and international standards, and supporting business continuity across Ezditek's hyper-scale data center portfolio.

Key Responsibilities:

Security Strategy & Planning

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve comprehensive physical security strategies, policies, and procedures for all data center facilities.
• Conduct security risk assessments, threat analysis, and vulnerability evaluations to identify and mitigate potential risks to data center operations.
• Design and implement multi-layered security frameworks including perimeter protection, access control zones, and critical infrastructure protection.
• Develop and maintain security master plans aligned with Uptime Institute standards, ISO 27001, SOC 2, and industry best practices.
• Align security strategies with business objectives, client requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Prepare and manage security budgets, forecasts, and capital expenditure plans.

Physical Security Operations

• Oversee 24/7 physical security operations across all data center sites including guard force management, patrol schedules, and shift rotations.
• Manage and monitor access control systems, biometric authentication, CCTV/surveillance systems, intrusion detection systems, and alarm monitoring platforms.
• Implement and enforce multi-tier access control protocols for different security zones including facility perimeter, white space, grey space, meet-me rooms, and critical infrastructure areas.
• Ensure proper visitor management procedures, escort protocols, and contractor access controls are maintained.
• Conduct regular security inspections, audits, and walkthroughs of all data center facilities.
• Manage vehicle access, loading dock security, and delivery/receiving procedures.
• Oversee key management, badge management, and credential issuance programs.

Security Technology & Systems Management

• Oversee the design, installation, maintenance, and optimization of physical security technology systems including CCTV, access control, biometrics, intrusion detection, and perimeter protection systems.
• Manage Security Operations Center (SOC) operations including real-time monitoring, alarm response, and incident coordination.
• Evaluate and recommend new security technologies, systems, and innovations to enhance data center protection.
• Ensure integration of security systems with Building Management Systems (BMS) and Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) platforms.
• Coordinate with IT and cybersecurity teams to ensure alignment between physical and logical security controls.
• Maintain security system uptime and ensure redundancy for all critical security infrastructure.

Team Leadership & Management

• Lead, manage, and develop the data center security team including security supervisors, officers, and control room operators.
• Oversee third-party security contractors, guard force providers, and managed security service providers.
• Set clear performance objectives, conduct regular performance reviews, and provide coaching and professional development.
• Develop and deliver security training programs, drills, and exercises for security personnel and data center staff.
• Ensure adequate security staffing levels across all shifts and facilities.
• Foster a culture of vigilance, professionalism, and excellence within the security team.

Incident Response & Emergency Management

• Develop and maintain incident response plans, emergency procedures, and crisis management protocols for data center security events.
• Lead security incident investigations, produce incident reports, and drive root cause analysis to prevent recurrence.
• Coordinate with local law enforcement, Civil Defense, and emergency services for incident response and mutual aid.
• Manage emergency evacuation procedures, lockdown protocols, and shelter-in-place plans.
• Ensure rapid response to security breaches, unauthorized access attempts, and suspicious activities.
• Conduct regular emergency drills, tabletop exercises, and scenario-based training.
• Serve as a primary escalation point for all security-related incidents and emergencies.

Compliance & Regulatory Adherence

• Ensure compliance with Saudi regulations including National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) physical security requirements, Civil Defense regulations, and local municipality requirements.
• Maintain compliance with international data center security standards including ISO 27001 (Annex A physical security controls), SOC 2 Type II, PCI DSS physical security requirements, and Uptime Institute guidelines.
• Prepare and maintain documentation for security audits, certifications, and regulatory assessments.
• Support client security audits, due diligence visits, and compliance assessments.
• Stay updated on evolving security regulations, threats, and industry standards.
• Ensure compliance with tenant security requirements and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

Tenant & Stakeholder Coordination

• Coordinate with tenants including hyperscalers, government entities, and enterprise clients on security requirements, access procedures, and compliance matters.
• Support tenant onboarding and offboarding processes from a security perspective.
• Manage tenant security requests, access authorizations, and escort coordination.
• Participate in tenant meetings, service reviews, and security briefings.
• Collaborate with operations, facilities management, and project delivery teams to ensure security considerations are integrated into all activities.
• Maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders including regulatory bodies, law enforcement, and security vendors.

Business Continuity & Threat Intelligence

• Support business continuity planning and disaster recovery activities from a physical security perspective.
• Monitor regional and global threat landscapes, security trends, and emerging risks relevant to data center operations.
• Develop and maintain threat intelligence capabilities and information-sharing partnerships.
• Conduct security awareness programs for all data center staff and contractors.
• Assess and mitigate insider threats, social engineering risks, and unauthorized access attempts.

Documentation & Reporting

• Prepare regular security reports, dashboards, and metrics for the Director of Operations and senior management.
• Maintain comprehensive security documentation including policies, procedures, post orders, and operational guidelines.
• Track and report on security KPIs including incident response times, access control compliance, system uptime, and audit results.
• Maintain accurate records of security incidents, investigations, access logs, and visitor management.
• Produce monthly, quarterly, and annual security performance reports.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Security Management, Criminal Justice, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is mandatory.
• Proficiency in Arabic is highly preferred.
• Minimum 8–12 years of progressive experience in security management, with at least 3–5 years in a data center, critical infrastructure, or mission-critical facility environment.
• Professional security certifications are mandatory (one or more of the following): CPP (Certified Protection Professional), PSP (Physical Security Professional), or equivalent.
• Additional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or data center-specific certifications (CDCP, CDCS) are a strong advantage.
• Strong hands-on experience with physical security systems including CCTV, access control, biometrics, intrusion detection, and SOC operations.
• Knowledge of ISO 27001, SOC 2, PCI DSS physical security requirements, and Uptime Institute standards.
• Familiarity with Saudi NCA regulations, Civil Defense requirements, and local security regulations.
• Experience managing security operations in 24/7 mission-critical environments.
• Experience with security vendor management and contract administration.
• Master's degree in Security Management or related field is an advantage.

Key Competencies:

• Strong security leadership and strategic planning expertise.
• Deep knowledge of data center physical security standards and best practices.
• Excellent crisis management and incident response capabilities.
• Strong understanding of security technology systems and integration.
• Regulatory compliance and audit management expertise.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Analytical thinking and risk assessment capabilities.
• Team leadership and people development skills.
• Calm under pressure with strong decision-making abilities.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Adaptability and willingness to respond outside duty hours for emergencies.