Director, Global Physical Security & Safety

Okta is seeking a dynamic Director, Global Physical Security & Safety to lead our global security and safety initiatives. This critical role will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive security strategies and programs to protect our employees and facilities, while ensuring regulatory compliance and fostering a culture of safety and well-being. This individual will manage a team of security & safety professionals and contract employees, collaborate with senior executives and key stakeholders, and proactively mitigate risks through advanced threat management and strategic planning. The ideal candidate is a proactive, global problem-solver with exceptional leadership abilities, a strong understanding of security and safety principles, and a proven track record of success building security programs from the ground up.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive global physical security and EHS strategy aligned with the company's business objectives, with direct input and alignment from senior executives


• Lead the development of safety and security governance frameworks, policies, and procedures


• Conduct regular, in-depth risk assessments, including emerging threat analysis, and develop sophisticated mitigation plans to address potential vulnerabilities


• Provide strategic guidance and recommendations, including security briefings and presentations, to senior management (including the C-suite) on complex security and safety matters


• Drive a security-focused culture across the organization, ensuring that security is a key consideration in all business decisions


• Ensure compliance with all relevant security and EHS regulations and standards, including international standards and best practices


• Lead strategic security investment discussions with leadership and finance


• Create and manage budgets for physical security operations, ensuring cost-effective and efficient use of resources


• Track, analyze and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics for continuous improvement


• Oversee the physical security of all company facilities, including the implementation and management of advanced access control, surveillance systems, and intrusion detection/alarm monitoring


• Manage and optimize security vendor relationships and contracts, ensuring service level agreements (SLAs) meet the company's evolving security needs


• Develop and implement robust security policies, procedures, standards and training globally for incident response, including simulations and regular drills


• Lead investigations involving physical security incidents and other physical security concerns, working closely with the People team (Employee Relations and Compliance)


• Develop a comprehensive incident case management system and generate after-action reports for continuous learning


• Ensure compliance with all applicable global EHS regulations and standards


• Develop and implement EHS policies, procedures, and training programs


• Conduct regular safety audits and inspections to identify and address potential hazards


• Lead a Global Security Operations Center


• Monitor and analyze global security threats and trends, including geopolitical risks and natural disasters, to proactively implement security measures to mitigate risks


• Provide timely and accurate intelligence reports, with actionable recommendations, to senior management


• Manage all Workplace Violence investigations and develop mitigation measures to reduce risk to Okta workplaces, employees and executives


• Develop and implement comprehensive travel security protocols, including risk assessments, travel advisories, and emergency response plans, to ensure the safety of employees traveling on company business


• Develop and manage executive protection support for senior leadership, including executive risk assessments, residential site assessments, cyber assessments, protective details, and security advances


• Partner with internal teams (e.g., Legal, Facilities, People, Communications) and external stakeholders (e.g., law enforcement, venues, vendors) to ensure secure corporate event execution


• Develop customized event security plans, including access control, credentialing, threat assessments, and incident response


• Oversee security operations for VIPs, special guests, and company executives during public-facing or private events


• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of security professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement


• Manage contract security personnel effectively, ensuring they are integrated into the overall security + workplace program


• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment

Required Experience

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, security management, or a related field


• 15+ years of progressive experience in physical security and EHS management, with experience in a global technology company


• 7+ years of supervisory experience


• Experience with multi-national corporate security


• Proven experience in developing and implementing comprehensive security strategies, with a focus on proactive threat mitigation


• Extensive experience in risk assessment, threat analysis, crisis management, and business continuity planning


• Knowledge of EHS regulations and standards.


• Experience with budget management and RFPs


• Experience with international travel security and executive protection, including high-risk environments

Preferred Experience

• Strong knowledge of advanced security technologies, access control systems, surveillance systems, and threat intelligence platforms


• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to influence and engage with C-suite executives


• Ability to manage multiple complex projects and priorities effectively


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on strategic thinking


• Experience managing and leading both internal teams and contract employees


• A strong network of security contacts and resources, including law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and industry peers


• Prior experience in federal or state law enforcement


• Professional certifications (e.g., CPP, PSP)

PID - P100981