Middle East Security Operations & Joint Venture Manager

Company Overview

Air Products is a global leader in industrial gases, known for fostering innovation, operational excellence, and a strong commitment to safety and environmental responsibility. The company advances progress by leveraging the expertise and motivation of its people to create impactful solutions across various industries.

Position Summary

The role of Security Operations & Joint Venture Manager acts as the principal operational security liaison for Air Products' Joint Venture partners in Saudi Arabia. This role ensures that security arrangements comply fully with national regulations, contract terms, and industry standards, while actively participating in daily security operations rather than providing only oversight.

This position requires direct interaction with leadership, site personnel, and external security service providers to detect and resolve security gaps, promote compliance collaboratively, and develop a robust and sustainable security framework.

Additional responsibilities include managing the Monitoring & Response Centre (MaRC), overseeing third-party security forces, leading incident responses, and supporting senior management during critical events.

Nature and Scope

Operating with considerable independence, this position is charged with managing security operations for Air Products' assets and Joint Ventures in Saudi Arabia, contributing directly to the safety and protection of employees, assets, and corporate reputation. It involves engagement with various internal and external stakeholders including Joint Venture partners, government agencies, and contractors within a challenging multi-business environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the main contact for security operations with Joint Venture partners, ensuring ongoing enhancement and compliant implementation of security protocols.
• Lead the creation and upkeep of security and incident response procedures aligned with regional and global security organizations.
• Ensure meticulous documentation, reporting, and escalation of security incidents via the Monitoring & Response Centre.
• Drive initiatives to improve operational resilience, security efficiency, and cost effectiveness, including optimizing security technologies.
• Oversee access control and badge management systems to maintain strict compliance and auditing standards.
• Coordinate security services across multiple internal departments to deliver integrated security measures.
• Engage with government authorities to manage inspections and ensure timely resolution of compliance issues.
• Support security aspects of capital projects, including deputy responsibilities on special projects such as the NEOM Green Hydrogen Project.
• Ensure equitable enforcement of security policies by personnel and contractors.
• Monitor and evaluate third-party security provider performance through KPIs, attendance, and contract management.

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements

• At least 10 years of advancing experience in security operations, management, risk, or crisis response within relevant industries such as energy, infrastructure, or public sector.
• Fluent in English, with strong skills in report preparation and communication during incidents and operational activities.
• Bachelor's degree in Security Management, Risk Management, Business Continuity, Project Management, or similar field; or equivalent professional experience.
• Proven operational security leadership experience including incident command and team or vendor supervision.
• Demonstrated confidentiality handling with integrity and sound judgement.
• Ability to thrive in a multicultural and matrix organizational structure with cross-functional collaboration.
• Competent with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel for reporting and monitoring.
• Solid understanding of physical security including guard management, incident response, and site security measures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with Joint Venture partners, government entities, and complex stakeholder environments.
• Participation in security processes improvement, assurance, or standardization activities beyond routine supervision.
• Familiarity with regulatory inspections and compliance enforcement.
• Exposure to security management during construction phases of major capital projects.

Additional Information

Founded in 1940, Air Products continues to lead in industrial gases with a global footprint and a focus on innovation, safety, and sustainability. The company invites passionate professionals to join in creating a cleaner future through collaborative efforts and diverse perspectives.