Head of Security

Avantor is seeking a seasoned security professional to lead the development and implementation of security programs and policies that support our high-performance silicones business serving the Aerospace & Defense industries.

• Develop and manage all aspects of security, including information security, physical security, personnel security, and cyber security.
• Lead a team of security professionals to ensure consistent application of security policies and procedures.
• Manage the Company System Security Plan (SSP), Facility Clearance (FCL), and Insider Threat Program in compliance with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM).
• Initiate and manage personnel security clearances (PCL) for Key Management Personnel and other employees requiring access to classified information.
• Create, review, and update security policies, procedures, and instructions related to the protection of classified information, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and export controlled information.
• Maintain and grow working relationships with government agencies and prime government contractors to support business needs.
• Serve as Subject Matter Expert for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and provide guidance to leadership, Avantor, and local IT, and Cyber Security.
• Manage and maintain the security incident response plan, including leading investigations and providing recommendations to leadership.
• Develop and maintain security education and training programs.
• Facilitate effective management of access controls, including badge system administration, alarm system administration, visitor policy, and key control.
• Review and approve change orders related to cybersecurity and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (NIST, CMMC, DFARs, etc.).
• Investigate security violations and coordinate security audits, reviewing reports and ensuring required corrective and preventive action(s) are effectively implemented.
• Manage the Material Handling Plan and physical access to controlled areas.
• Provide guidance on the appropriate classification markings for ITAR, EAR, CUI, FCI, and classified data.
• Lead a team of security professionals to ensure consistent application of the leadership characteristics that are expected of all employees within the organization.
• Ensure all Security department performance objectives as well as key milestones and deliverables are met.
• Drive employee engagement across the team and facilitate organization-wide collaboration with the Security organization.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and professional development/mentoring to Security professionals at all levels.

• Bachelor's degree with six years of relevant security experience or four years of relevant security experience with Master's degree.
• Must have a working knowledge of the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), and/or NIST SP, Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).
• Must be a US Citizen.
• Must have and be able to maintain an Active U.S. Government security clearance.
• Must have completed or will complete within 3 months of hire the FSO Program Management for Possessing Facilities Course and the Insider Threat Program Management Course (available online through DCSA).
• Demonstrated understanding and implementation of security programs and processes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication. Strong interpersonal skills as required to effectively collaborate with customers, suppliers, and fellow associates.
• Experience leading or mentoring other personnel in a team environment.
• Candidate must have and be able to maintain an Active U.S. Government security clearance at the Secret level with a background investigation date within the last 6 years.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs.
• Possess comprehensive understanding and proficient knowledge of the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), relevant NIST standards for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (NIST SP/172).
• Understanding and familiarity of DD-254 Implementation Requirements.
• OPSEC program experience.
• Proficient with NISS/NCAISS, DISS, DIBNet.
• Must be able to adapt to a fast-paced and challenging work environment and must demonstrate exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated positive working relationship with internal and external customers.
• Ability to work independently and follow projects through to completion.
• Ability to maintain flexibility to deal with changing priorities and deadlines.
• Strong working knowledge of basic office automation tool suites such as MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to helping you on your career journey through our diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture, which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, we dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world.