Senior Manager Physical Security Operations

nLighten is a European platform of distributed edge data centers, designed to meet the growing demand for AI, 5G, and hybrid cloud deployments. As a rapidly expanding provider, we offer scalable colocation hubs and best-in-class energy solutions across Europe. Our innovative and sustainable approach to digital infrastructure ensures reliability, efficiency, and future-ready solutions for our clients. nLighten’s current footprint is 34 data centers in 7 European countries, with the ambition to grow to 100 sites during the next 3-4 years.

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Manager Physical Security Operations to join our growing Physical Security Operations team at the nLighten Milton Keynes Data Centre. In this role, you will manage the Security Control Centre and support the Director Physical Security Operations in the daily security operations across nLighten’s data centre portfolio throughout Europe. You will work as part of a collaborative team, ensuring nLighten’s physical security strategy is embedded by managing all the physical security aspects at all of nLighten sites.

Key Responsibilities

Governance

• Execute comprehensive European physical security strategy set by the Director of Physical Security Operations aligned with global standards and enterprise objectives.
• Act as a senior subject matter expert (SME) for all physical security matters including systems architecture, operations, compliance, and incident response.
• Establish and implement standardized security policies, procedures, and minimum control requirements aligned with international standards practices (e.g., ISO
  27001, ISO 22301, SOC 2, PCI-DSS) across all countries.

Physical Security Systems Ownership

• Lead the end-to-end management of all physical security systems across European sites, including access control platforms (badge-based, biometric, multi-factor), video surveillance systems (IP-based CCTV, analytics-enabled cameras), intrusion detection and alarm systems, and Security Control Centre technologies (e.g., PSIM, event management, remote access monitoring).
• Partner with IT, Operations, Construction and Facilities teams to efficiently utilize physical security at all nLighten sites.
• Oversee system commissioning, lifecycle maintenance, version control, and decommissioning processes.
• Ensure effective access control, monitoring, incident response, and escalation processes.
• Support incident management for security breaches, suspicious activity, and critical events.

Security Operations Management

• Manage day-to-day physical security operations across all European data centres.
• Manage the 24/7 Security Control Centre (SCC).
• Support incident response, event reporting, and alarm escalation protocols across Europe.
• Oversee third-party service providers for system installation, maintenance, and guard services.
• Support vendor selection, contract negotiation, and SLA performance monitoring.
• Conduct regular reviews, audits, and performance assessments of outsourced services.
• Work in close cooperation with Compliance to conduct and oversee site-level risk assessments and threat and vulnerability assessments (TVRAs).
• Ensure ongoing compliance with legal, regulatory, and customer-specific physical security requirements.
• Support internal and external audits, customer assessments, and certifications.

Crisis & Resilience Planning

• Maintain and test emergency response, evacuation, and business continuity procedures related to physical security.
• Provide senior leadership during incidents or crises impacting physical security.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Communication

• Collaborate with Compliance, Real Estate, Construction, Legal, HR, IT, and Operations to embed physical security into all business functions.
• Support the preparation of executive reports and dashboards on key metrics, risk trends, system health, and project status.

What We’re Looking For

Experience and Technical Skills

• 15+ years in physical security roles, with at least 5 years in a manager-level position overseeing multi-site operations and security systems.
• Proven experience in the design, implementation, and operations of enterprise-class security systems.
• Strong background in managing access…