Physical Security Architect

Engagement OverviewCandidates must have branch or multi-site in Banking or Retail experience (250+ sites minimum) Full-time remote contract - 40 hours/week, EST hours required6+ month contract with the possibility of extension to 1–2 years PSP (Physical Security Professional) or similar preferredThis is NOT a hands-on keyboard design or deployment role. It is a strategic leadership positionImmediate start required — candidates must be available to begin within 7 days of offerPosition SummaryThe Branch Physical Security Architect is a senior leadership role responsible for the end-to-end architectural direction of physical security technologies across a banking retail branch network. As the principal technical authority for this engagement, you will define standards, lead multi-workstream programs, and serve as the primary point of contact for the client's executive leadership.This role provides strategic oversight, not hands-on implementation, across new branch builds, renovations, technology refreshes, and large-scale security programs. You will guide engineering teams, integrators, and vendors toward consistent, compliant, and resilient security outcomes while ensuring alignment with enterprise security architecture and regulatory requirements.You will work cross-functionally with the client's PMO, IT Network Engineering, Facilities, Risk & Compliance, and external partners, serving as the single authoritative voice on branch physical security architecture.Leadership Attributes & Soft SkillsExecutive presence with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to C-Suite and senior stakeholdersStrategic thinker who connects branch-level decisions to enterprise-wide security postureCollaborative leader who builds consensus across technical teams, PMO, facilities, and external partnersCalm and decisive under pressure; guides teams through critical incidents without losing strategic focusHighly organized; manages multiple concurrent programs and shifting priorities with easeSelf-driven and accountable; operates effectively with minimal oversight in a remote environmentStrong written and verbal communication skills across both technical and executive audiencesKey ResponsibilitiesArchitectural Leadership & StandardsDefine, document, and govern architectural standards for physical security systems across all branch environmentsDevelop and maintain the branch physical security technology roadmap aligned with corporate security strategy and regulatory frameworksEnsure consistent design principles, technology standards, and best practices are applied bank-wideExecutive Engagement & Program LeadershipServe as the primary liaison to the client's C-Suite, providing regular technical briefings and status updates — daily and weekly cadenceLead the Physical Security workstream within large-scale programs (new builds, renovations, technology refreshes) in close partnership with the PMODefine project scope, sequence deployments, manage risks, and ensure security deliverables align within overall program timelinesMulti-Workstream CoordinationLead and provide technical direction to architects and engineers across multiple concurrent workstreamsCoordinate across IT infrastructure, Facilities, Construction, Security Operations, and other workstreams to deliver cohesive solutionsReview and approve design documents, architecture diagrams, and bills of materialsSolution Design & Integration OversightServe as design authority for branch physical security systems: CCTV/video surveillance, intrusion detection and alarms, access control, duress and life-safety systemsOversee integration architecture connecting security systems with IT infrastructure, alarm monitoring, and identity management platformsBalance security requirements, user experience, and cost-effectiveness across the branch networkVendor & Technology GovernanceDrive evaluation, selection, and standardization of security technologies and vendor solutions across the portfolioManage relationships with external integrators and service providers, ensuring adherence to technical requirements and quality standardsEnforce solution consistency across multiple vendor products, platforms, and service contractsRisk Management & GovernanceChair or participate in design review boards to oversee branch security architecture decisionsContribute to risk assessments and mitigation planning for new implementations and change eventsProvide senior-level support during critical incidents, guiding engineering teams toward root-cause resolution and long-term fixesContinuously evaluate emerging physical security trends, regulatory changes, and threat intelligence to evolve branch security strategyQualifications & Technical SkillsPSP (Physical Security Professional) CPP, CISSP, or Certified Security Architect certification 8+ years of progressive experience designing and implementing physical security systems across multi-site, branch, retail, or distributed facilities environments; financial services experience strongly preferredDeep expertise in CCTV/VMS, alarm and intrusion detection, electronic access control, and duress/life-safety systems — architecture, integration, and network dependenciesProven ability to develop and enforce enterprise-scale technical standards and reference architectures across numerous locationsStrong understanding of networking as it applies to security systems: IP connectivity, PoE, VLANs, LAN/WAN, bandwidth considerationsDemonstrated experience leading technical workstreams within large-scale programs, including stakeholder management at the executive levelFamiliarity with alarm monitoring workflows, security operations center models, and escalation/incident response frameworksExperience coordinating across IT, Facilities, Security Operations, PMO, and external vendors in a matrixed environmentProficiency with documentation standards: architecture diagrams, design specs, as-built records, and standards documentationAvailable to work full-time EST hours and start within 7 days of offerPreferred QualificationsBanking or financial services industry experience, particularly with regulatory and compliance requirements (FFIEC guidelines, audit frameworks, UL alarm certification standards)Familiarity with major physical security platforms in banking: Lenel access control, major VMS and camera systems, alarm monitoring and integrated physical security management softwareUnderstanding of how physical security intersects with cybersecurity frameworks and enterprise risk policiesPrior experience in a senior security architecture role with multi-site delivery responsibilityExposure to 24x7 security operations, monitoring centers, or command center-based support modelPowered by JazzHR1Y1mIxd5v0