Security Managers: The Gatekeepers of Safety In An Organization
Security Managers are the gatekeepers of cybersecurity within an organization.
They typically have a birds-eye view of the operational systems and security procedures and look for opportunities and threats within them.
Security managers are responsible for fostering a safe environment where employees can focus on their responsibilities so an organization can run like a well-oiled machine.
Security managers are becoming increasingly valuable to the marketplace, with projected job growth of 8% through 2031.
Aside from the booming market, security managers also make nearly a six-figure income shortly after entering the workforce.
Security Job Information
| Official Job Title | Security Manager |
| Average Salary | $105,961 |
| Stress Level | Above Average |
| Work/Life | Average |
| Job Satisfaction | Average |
| Career Advancement | High |
Security Manager Job Description
What Is a Security Manager?
A Security Manager is a person who oversees and manages asset protection for an organization.
They are responsible for developing and enforcing security standards and protocols.
Being a manager also includes administrative duties such as hiring and training new security staff.
Being a security manager requires strong communication skills and emotional intelligence.
The ability to control your emotions in hectic situations is an art few master.
Security managers need great attention to detail.
The ability to thrive under pressure and in stressful situations is an asset.
This position holds much responsibility due to what is potentially at risk.
What Does A Security Manager Do Daily?
Security managers work with security staff daily, delegating tasks and monitoring online behavior.
They educate themselves on the latest technological advances and cyber security and look for opportunities to improve their asset protection strategy.
They also train staff in new procedures and protocols to prioritize the safety of assets, employees, and customers.
Responsibilities, Duties & Roles Of A Security Manager
- An overview of the roles and responsibilities of a Security Manager include:
- Hire and train new security staff
- Manage security department spending
- Manage the budget for the security department
- Create processes and procedures for inspections
- Prioritize the safety of company assets, staff, and customers.
- Ensure staff follows security procedures and protocols by facilitating training programs and conducting assessments.
Security Manager Salary
Average Salary
According to Salary.com, the average salary for a Security Manager in the U.S. is $105,961.
Starting Salary
According to Salary.com, the starting salary for a Security Manager in the U.S. is $76,050.
Senior Salary
According to Salary.com, the senior salary for a Security Manager in the U.S. is $141,472.
How To Become A Security Manager
The Entry Level: Certification, Training & Degree
The requirements for a Security Manager can vary significantly from employer to employer.
The minimum is a high school diploma (or equivalent) and relevant security training.
Additional post-secondary education in Business Management helps you stand out amongst other candidates and gives you confidence when taking on this leadership position.
The larger the company, the more extensive the qualifications.
Other Skill Sets, Requirements & Qualifications
Additional skill sets ideal in this line of work are strong communication skills, excellent team-building skills, and emotional intelligence.
In a position like this, you will be monitoring and interacting with others most of your time, so having a good understanding of behavioral psychology is helpful.
Security managers must also work well under pressure.
The stakes are high, and there is little to no room for hesitation or error when it is.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Security Manager?
First, you must graduate from high school.
Afterward, you can receive a technical certification that will give you the tools to succeed or pursue an undergraduate degree in Business Management.
Managerial positions in security usually require at least five years of hands-on experience in the Information Security field.
Altogether, you are looking at 7-10 years.
Is It Hard To Become A Security Manager?
Each job comes with unique challenges.
However, becoming a security manager doesn’t require extensive formal education.
Being a security manager is challenging because you must be good at working with people.
You must understand human nature and behavioral psychology to work well with people.
With this knowledge, you will lead more effectively and build influence across the organization easily and confidently.
Security Manager Career Paths
The Security Manager Roadmap
Security Managers typically start in entry-level positions such as Information Security Analysts, Network Administrators, or Security administrators.
These positions give them a solid informational foundation.
Most employers require candidates to have a High School Diploma or a GED to qualify for these entry-level positions.
Having a certificate indicating the completion of a security training program is also preferable.
Projections For Growth In Security Management Jobs
Jobs in Security Management are on the rise.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), jobs will grow by 7% through 2031.
In Summary: Is Security Management A Good Career?
Security management is a great career choice for those looking to make a difference for a company while working with others.
Security Management can also be validating when you realize the power and responsibility you hold within an organization.
Working Conditions
Can Security Managers Work Remotely From Home?
The significant part of cyber security jobs is that much of the systems and assets you monitor and protect can be accessed online, meaning you can work remotely.
How Many Hours Does A Security Manager Work?
It is common for security managers to work at night and on the weekends.
Security managers sometimes work over 40 hours per week if short-staffed.
There are cons with every job; you need to evaluate if it’s worth it to you.
Can A Security Manager Work Part-Time?
No.
In managerial positions, only one or a few are assigned to an entire organization.
Security managers are the go-to resource for cyber protection, and they most often need to work full-time to meet all their responsibilities.
What Are The Average Vacation Days Of A Security Manager?
According to Indeed, the average number of vacation days among employees in the US is 11 days.
Several companies reward long-term employees with additional vacation days and flexibility.
Alternative Careers & Similar Jobs to a Security Manager
- Technical Program Manager
- IT Risk Manager
- Product Engineer
- Application Developer
- Computer Engineer
- DevOps Engineer
- AI Engineer
- Cloud Architect
- IT Manager
Security Manager Resume Tips
If you are applying for a job as a Security Manager, include a cover letter outlining why you’d be a good fit for the position you want.
It is also vital to have a professional summary as an excellent way to highlight your qualifications straightforwardly.
List your education and certifications.
Highlight relevant experiences in which you were responsible for reducing incidents and losses such as theft or waste.
Security Manager Interview Questions
Q1: What security policies and procedures would you suggest for our organization?
Why It Works: The hiring manager will ask if you’ve researched the company and are judging your ability to think on your feet.
Q2: What experiences from your previous job make you the best candidate for the job?
Why It Works: The hiring manager wants to see if you learn from your mistakes and experiences or merely repeat them without an afterthought.
Remember to reflect on this before this interview.
Q3: What makes you the best candidate?
Why It Works: Here, the hiring manager is testing your confidence.
In a leadership position, you must have strong self-esteem and belief in your capabilities.
Use this as an opportunity to highlight your accomplishments.
Jobs Related To Security Manager
- Network Administrator
- Security Administrator
- Information Security Analyst
- Security Supervisor
- IT Security Officer
- Risk Management Officer
For HR Managers: Tips For Hiring A Security Manager
Key Characteristics To Look For In A Security Manager
- Detail-Oriented:
- In this line of work, there is little room for error.
- Security managers must fine-tune procedures and protocols so an organization can focus on achieving its goals instead of security.
- Strong Communication Skills:
- The ability to express yourself calmly, confidently, and concisely is precious in this position.
- Experience Working With Security Systems:
- Previous experience in the security industry will give you the confidence to approach complex problems strategically.
- Team Building Skills:
- Working well with others continues to be one of the most desirable skills a candidate can have.
- Leadership Skills:
- Fundamental leadership skills come from understanding human nature and behavioral psychology.
- It pays to educate yourself on both subjects.
- With that information, you will build influence amongst your peers and create strong relationships that can benefit you.
Minimum Level of Education & Experience
A Security Manager applicant should have, at the very least, a bachelor’s degree.
Additional security training and experience are also an asset.
Source Bibliography
- Salary: Starting, Average, and Senior Salary
- Average Vacation Days
- Projected Job Growth