Head of Global Security Operations (EMEA)
Location: Bracknell, United Kingdom
Reports to: VP, Global Security
Job Overview: Cadence is seeking an accomplished and forward‑leaning regional leader of physical security operations to lead all physical security operations across the EMEA region. This leader will serve as the primary regional point of contact for all matters related to physical security, risk management, incident response, and protective programs, ensuring Cadence’s people, facilities, and IP remain secure and resilient.
In addition to owning the region, the selected candidate will assume global program leadership for one strategic security domain—such as Risk Assessments, Executive Protection, Event Security, Insider Threat (physical layer), or Global Travel Risk—depending on expertise. This ensures the role delivers both high‑impact local execution and meaningful influence on the global security strategy.
This is a critical, senior position for a company operating at the forefront of semiconductor design, AI acceleration, and global R&D expansion.
Why This Role Matters
This position sits at the intersection of local execution and global influence, providing the unique opportunity to:
* Lead security for one of Cadence’s most important regions.
* Shape a global program that elevates security standards worldwide.
* Play a major part in protecting critical semiconductor innovation that powers the world’s most sophisticated technology.
Job Responsibilities
Regional Leadership & Ownership
* Serve as the senior‑most Global Security authority for EMEA, functioning as the direct point of contact for all regional leaders, site heads, HR, Legal, Workplace, IT and engineering leadership and others.
* Lead the development and execution of a scalable, risk‑aligned physical security program across offices, labs, and high‑security R&D environments.
* Conduct ongoing threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments based on local geopolitical conditions, crime trends, regional regulations, and Cadence’s footprint.
* Drive consistent implementation of global security standards while adapting appropriately to local laws, norms, and cultural considerations.
Operational Excellence & Incident Response
* Oversee daily operational performance of regional security teams, guarding providers, access control processes, CCTV, visitor programs, travel support, and life‑safety functions.
* Serve as regional incident commander for security‑related events—workplace violence, threats, protests, facility breaches, safety disruptions, and executive/security escalations.
* Coordinate closely with the Global Security Operations Center (GSOC) to ensure real‑time monitoring, rapid response, and high‑quality escalation management.
Global Program Leadership
* Own global program leadership for a strategic security domain such as Risk Assessment, Physical Security playbook, Event Security, Insider Threat – Physical Layer, or Travel Risk & Duty of Care program modernization.
* Define global frameworks, standards, SOPs, metrics, and reporting.
* Lead cross‑functional working groups and collaborate with regional leaders worldwide.
* Deliver executive‑level program briefings and roadmap updates.
* Drive innovation, automation, and modernization initiatives within the program scope.
* Apply an “A.I. first” mindset in all program development.
Cross‑Functional & Executive Engagement
* Partner with IT, Legal, HR, Corporate Communications, Facilities, and Business Continuity teams on security matters and strategic planning.
* Advise senior executives and regional leadership on emerging risks, incident outcomes, and strategic mitigation plans.
* Provide guidance during new build‑outs, upgrades, and sensitive R&D expansions.
People Leadership & Vendor Management
* Lead, mentor, and develop a team of regional security managers and contracted security personnel.
* Own regional security budgets, vendor performance, contract compliance, and long‑term resource planning.
* Foster a culture of accountability, integrity, collaboration, and operational excellence.
Job Qualifications
* 12+ years of progressively responsible security experience in corporate security, law enforcement, military, or intelligence roles.
* Proven ability to lead security across multiple sites or regions in a high‑tech, semiconductor, or IP‑sensitive environment.
* Strong incident management, crisis leadership, and stakeholder‑influencing skills.
* Demonstrated ability to build and run security programs, not just operations.
* Expertise with modern access control, CCTV, visitor management, SOC operations, and security systems integration.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the maturity to engage executives and global stakeholders.
* Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
Preferred
* Experience supporting R&D labs, engineering centers, high‑security environments, or multinational expansions.
* Professional certifications (CPP, PSP, CFE, CTM, or similar).
* Prior experience contributing to or owning a global program in a multinational company.
* Familiarity with India‑specific risk landscapes, regulatory frameworks, and labor conventions.
Benefits
* Competitive salary
* 25 days holiday per year
* Private Medical and Dental plans, Income Protection and Life Insurance
* Group Personal Pension Plan
* Cycle to work scheme and gym subsidy
* 5 days paid time to volunteer to give back to our communities
* Employee Stock Purchase Plan
* The opportunity to work for a Great Place to Work© & Fortune 100 organization
Cadence is committed to equal employment opportunity and employment equity throughout all levels of the organization. We strive to attract a qualified and diverse candidate pool and encourage diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
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