Associate Director of Market Security, North America

JOB PURPOSE:
Reporting to the Americas Security Director, the Associate Director of Market Security, NA will lead the security function across North America (USA, Canada, Monterrey, MX). This role ensures the protection of Unilever’s people, assets, and operations through strategic planning, operational oversight, and cross-functional collaboration. The role includes developing and leading the execution of a market security plan, managing risk assessments, leading a geographically distributed team and being a strategic advisor to the business on security matters.

CORPORATE SECURITY INTRODUCTION: Corporate Security is crucial in safeguarding Unilever’s people, assets, operations, and brands worldwide. This role involves implementing strategic measures to protect against risks such as theft, fraud, and disruptions from events like protests and unrest. We provide security advice and guidance to leaders of operational sites and functions, including Sales and Logistics. By collaborating with colleagues internationally, Corporate Security ensures the company maintains its fast pace and delivers products efficiently and securely to customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a Market Security Program to protect employees, assets, and business operations by identifying and mitigating security risks. The program must foster a culture of risk awareness through robust protocols, regular audits, and actionable advice. It also supports crisis management, fraud prevention, and safe business activities. Key areas of focus include:

• Design and champion a forward-looking, enterprise-wide security strategy aligned with Group Security standards and procedures, tailored to the specific needs of the North American region.

• Evaluate and enhance the security of cargo transport by assessing trucking companies, logistics routes, and sites, and provide regular reports.

• Safeguard assets by identifying, investigating, and analyzing fraudulent activities, and develop strategies to prevent future fraud. This includes tracking payment flows, vendor activity, and procurement processes.

• Utilize risk assessments to make informed, risk-based recommendations and ensure compliance with local regulations.

• Foster a high-performance culture through strategic talent development, succession planning, and leadership mentoring to a geographically distributed security plan.

• Constantly drive a loss prevention culture within the security structure.

• Navigate security due diligence for real estate and M&A transactions and support executive protection planning.

• Act as a key influencer in cross-functional leadership forums to embed security into core business processes and business units.

• Participate and guide Security Risk Committees on their functions and focus areas.

• Support CSHEQ with security leadership.

• Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify vulnerabilities and implement corrective actions.

• Establish strategic partnerships with vendors to drive innovation and continuous improvement.

• Promote a proactive security culture, in conjunction with the respective business Leadership Teams, developing and implementing security awareness programs or processes and to protect life, corporate assets and to ensure business continuity,

• Lead scenario planning and strategic foresight initiatives to anticipate future risks and position the organization for long term security success.

• External Liaison with Law enforcement and other government agencies.

• This role demands a blend of business acumen and security risk analysis to deliver effective security solutions. The ideal candidate will be an adept communicator and influencer, capable of collaborating with various partners to ensure comprehensive market security.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.

• 10+ years in corporate security, law enforcement, or military.

• 7+ years in leadership positions.

• Proven experience in leading teams, including remote management, with diverse skillsets, backgrounds, and personality types.

• Demonstrated ability to scale security programs effectively.

• Strong background in risk management, including assessments, business continuity, and emergency response.

• Proven experience in managing large-scale event security.
  Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to align security strategy with executive teams and address diverse audiences.

• High-quality analytical skills, leadership, and relationship management competencies to navigate successfully within and beyond the organization.

• Willingness to travel 30%-40% across the region.
  For internal candidates: Leadership Team recommendation and completion of Group Security Induction and advanced modules within 12 months.

Preferred

• Experience in Loss Prevention, Cyber, IT security, Logistics.

• Professional certifications such as CPP, PSP, PCI, TAPA.

• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks such as CTPAT, GDPR and FISMA.

Pay: The pay range for this position is $141,680 to $212,520. Unilever takes into consideration a wide range of factors that are utilized in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, qualifications and education, and other business and organizational needs.  

Bonus: This position is bonus eligible.  

Long-Term Incentive (LTI): This position is LTI eligible.  

Benefits: Unilever employees are eligible to participate in our benefits plan. Should the employee choose to participate, they can choose from a range of benefits to include, but is not limited to, health insurance (including prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage), retirement savings benefits, life insurance and disability benefits, parental leave, sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, as well as access to numerous voluntary benefits. Any coverages for health insurance and retirement benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.  

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At Unilever, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive/succeed. All applicants will receive fair and respectful consideration, and we actively support the growth and development of every employee.

Unilever is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities.

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Employment is subject to verification of pre-screening tests, which may include drug screening, background check, credit check and DMV check.

If you are an individual with a disability in need of assistance at any time during our recruitment process, please contact us at NA.Accommodations@unilever.com. Please note: This email is reserved for individuals with disabilities in need of assistance and is not a means of inquiry about positions or application statuses. The Protected Veterans or Individuals with Disabilities AAP narratives are available for inspection by any employee or applicant for employment Monday through Friday during normal business hours at establishment.