Manager, Physical Security Implementation, NA

Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world's well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.

Physical Security Department

The North America Physical Security Department is focused on delivering a best-in-class security program aligned with Vantage's vision of becoming the leading industry physical security data center provider. Our mission is to safeguard our data center environments through comprehensive, scalable, and standardized physical security processes that deter threats, promote rapid incident response, ensure regulatory compliance, and support Vantage's rapid growth.

The department leads all physical security efforts across North America, ensuring that every Vantage data center operates within a consistent, scalable, and standardized security framework. Our teams design and implement physical security programs, systems, and processes that deter threats, strengthen site resiliency, and enable rapid response to incidents. We partner closely with Operations, Engineering, Construction, IT, and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure that physical security is embedded into every phase of the asset lifecycle and supports Vantage's rapid expansion.

Role Overview

This role can be based in the following US locations: Shackelford County, TX

TheManager, Emerging Solutions - Physical Securityis responsible for identifying, evaluating, and advancing innovative physical security technologies that strengthen Vantage Data Centers' North America physical security program. Reporting to theDirector of Physical Security Design, this role serves as the primary owner of physical security technology innovation, proof-of-concept development, and strategic pilots across the North America portfolio.

This position blends deep technical expertise with strong business and program management acumen. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable testing advanced security technologies in real-world environments as they are producing executive-level documentation, structured project plans, and data-driven recommendations for leadership.

This role partners closely with Physical Security Operations, Security Technology, Design Engineering, Construction, IT, and external vendors to proactively identify areas of opportunity and translate emerging technologies into scalable, enterprise-ready solutions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Emerging Technology Strategy & Market Intelligence

• Continuously monitor and assess emerging physical security technologies, trends, and vendors relevant to North America data center and critical infrastructure environments.

• Proactively identify technology gaps, operational inefficiencies, and innovation opportunities in collaboration with Physical Security leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

• Serve as a subject-matter expert for physical security innovation, maintaining awareness of industry developments, competitive benchmarks, and future-state capabilities.

Proof of Concept, Pilot, and Beta Programs

• Design, execute, and manage structured proofs of concept, pilots, and beta deployments for emerging physical security solutions across North America sites.

• Develop clear testing objectives, use cases, success criteria, scoring models, and evaluation frameworks aligned to security, operational, and business priorities.

• Oversee hands-on testing, system configuration, data collection, performance validation, and risk assessment for candidate technologies.

• Ensure pilots are repeatable, measurable, and scalable, with clear go-forward or sunset recommendations.

Program & Project Management

• Build and manage end-to-end project plans for emerging solutions initiatives, including scope, timelines, milestones, dependencies, risks, and stakeholder engagement.

• Coordinate cross-functional participation from Physical Security, Technology, Design, Construction, IT, Legal, Procurement, and external partners.

• Maintain disciplined documentation throughout each initiative, ensuring traceability, governance, and alignment with North America design standards and security requirements.

Business Acumen & Executive Communication

• Translate technical evaluations into clear, executive-ready deliverables, including:

  • Monthly emerging solutions readouts

  • Executive summaries and leadership briefings

  • Business cases and value assessments

  • Risk, cost, and operational impact analyses

• Articulate findings, trade-offs, and recommendations in a manner that supports informed decision-making by North America leadership.

• Clearly document evaluation criteria, testing outcomes, and rationale for technology selection or rejection.

Vendor Engagement & Collaboration

• Lead technical and strategic engagement with technology vendors, startups, and solution providers supporting the North America portfolio.

• Define expectations, testing parameters, and success criteria with vendors prior to pilot execution.

• Ensure vendor solutions align with North America physical security architecture, design standards, and operational requirements.

• Support Procurement and leadership with objective, data-driven input during sourcing and selection activities.

Qualifications & Experience

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Security Management, Engineering, Information Technology, Business, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

• 7+ years of experience in physical security technology, security systems engineering, or enterprise security programs.

• Demonstrated experience evaluating and testing physical security technologies through pilots or proof-of-concept initiatives.

• Strong understanding of modern physical security systems, including access control, video management, analytics, sensors, and integrated platforms.

• Proven ability to develop structured project plans, evaluation frameworks, and success metrics.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing executive-level documentation and presentations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating within large, distributed North America enterprise environments.

• Background in data centers, critical infrastructure, or highly regulated environments.

• Familiarity with physical security design standards, system architectures, and lifecycle management.

• Experience bridging technical teams and executive stakeholders.

Key Attributes for Success

• Hybrid thinker who balances technical depth with strategic and business-oriented decision-making.

• Highly organized and process-driven, with strong attention to documentation and governance.

• Curious, proactive, and forward-looking, with a passion for physical security innovation.

• Collaborative partner who can influence without authority across multiple teams.

• Comfortable operating independently while managing multiple concurrent initiatives.

Why This Role Matters

This role ensures that Vantage's North America Physical Security program remains forward-looking, scalable, and operationally sound. By systematically identifying and validating emerging technologies, the Manager, Emerging Solutions reduces implementation risk, enables informed investment decisions, and accelerates responsible innovation across the security organization.

Wait, there's more! At Vantage Data Centers, we offer our Colleagues:

* Collaborative work environments with dynamic growth opportunities

* Our commitment to your ongoing career development and education

* Comprehensive and competitive benefits package

* Opportunity to work on some of the world's most iconic and innovative projects and to shine as an industry leader

Additional Details

• This position is eligible for company benefits including but not limited to medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and AD&D, short and long-term disability coverage, paid time off, employee assistance, participation in a 401k program that includes company match, and many other additional voluntary benefits.

• Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including your qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience and may fall outside of the range shown.

Physical Demands and Special Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop or kneel; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

#LI-CD1 #LI-Onsite

We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other's strengths and respecting each other's weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations.

Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.

Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.

Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.