Job Information
FirstEnergy Director Corporate Security - Corporate Security in Akron, Ohio
FirstEnergy at a Glance
We are a forward-thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers’ lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger.
FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to safety, reliability, and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, FirstEnergy includes one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, more than 24,500 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of 3,780 megawatts.
About the Opportunity
This is an open position with FirstEnergy Service Co., a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. [SC00]
Position Summary
The Director of Corporate Security is responsible for leading and governing FirstEnergy’s physical security, physical security technology, and field compliance support programs across a multi‑state electric transmission and distribution footprint. This role ensures the protection of critical infrastructure, personnel, and assets while maintaining compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, industry standards, and corporate policies. The Director will reside within the Cyber & Corporate Security Office at FirstEnergy and reports to the Vice President and Chief Security Officer.
The Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for security programs supporting Generation, Transmission, and Distribution operations, including substations, control facilities, service centers, offices, and other critical sites, and serves as a key partner to Operations, Compliance, Legal, Corporate Safety, IT, and Facilities.
Key Responsibilities:
Corporate Security Strategy & Governance
Develop and execute a comprehensive corporate physical security strategy aligned with FirstEnergy’s enterprise risk management framework and critical infrastructure protection priorities
Establish security governance, policies, standards, and procedures applicable to transmission, distribution, and corporate facilities across five states
Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on physical security risk, threat mitigation, and compliance posture
Ensure security programs support reliability, resiliency, and continuity of electric service
Physical Security – Transmission & Distribution Operations
Provide oversight and strategic direction for physical security programs protecting:
Generation facilities and Transmission substations
Distribution substations and service centers
Control Centers and facilities, offices, and operational sites
Oversee Intelligence, access control, perimeter protection, surveillance, intrusion detection, and guard services as appropriate to site risk
Ensure consistent application of security standards across operating companies while allowing for local operational needs
Support emergency response, incident escalation, and coordination with Corporate Safety, Operations, and external stakeholders
Physical Security Technology
Lead the design, implementation, and lifecycle management of physical security technologies, including:
Access control systems
Video surveillance
Alarm and intrusion detection systems
Centralized monitoring and reporting tools, including Gunshot Detection
Partner with IT and OT cybersecurity stakeholders to ensure physical security systems are resilient, secure, and aligned with digital and data governance requirements
Establish technology standards, approved platforms, and system architecture to support scalability across a multi‑state footprint
Evaluate emerging technologies to enhance substation and facility protection while managing cost and operational impact
Compliance & Field Support
Provide physical security compliance support to field operations, ensuring adherence to:
Corporate security policies and standards
Applicable regulatory and industry requirements (e.g., NERC‑related physical security expectations, state requirements, contractual obligations)
Support operating companies during audits, inspections, self‑assessments, and corrective action plans related to physical security controls
Translate regulatory and corporate requirements into practical, field‑deployable security solutions
Develop guidance, training, and tools for field leaders to sustain compliant and effective security practices
Threat Assessment, Incidents & Investigations
Oversee threat and vulnerability assessments for critical facilities, including substations and control locations
Lead or support investigations into security incidents such as vandalism, theft, trespassing, sabotage, or suspicious activity
Analyze incident trends and develop preventative strategies and continuous improvement initiatives
Coordinate with Legal, HR, Corporate Safety, and Law Enforcement as appropriate
Vendor, Budget & Program Management
Manage security vendors, integrators, and service providers, including performance oversight and compliance with contractual requirements
Develop and manage the corporate security budget, including capital planning for security technology investments
Support procurement and contract negotiations for security services and systems
Qualifications:
Required
Bachelor’s degree in Security Management, Criminal Justice, Business, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
10+ years of progressive experience in corporate or critical infrastructure security, preferably within electric utilities or other regulated industries.
Demonstrated experience supporting transmission and distribution operations in a multi‑site, multi‑state environment
Strong understanding of intelligence, physical security risk management, and compliance expectations applicable to critical infrastructure
Proven ability to partner effectively with field operations and corporate functions
Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire and guide cross-functional teams
Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of conveying complex technical insights to both technical and non-technical audiences including senior executives and external stakeholders
Strong project management skills with a demonstrated ability to meet critical deadlines and manage concurrent initiatives
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining meticulous attention to detail
Preferred
Professional certifications (CPP, PSP, or similar).
Experience with NERC‑related physical security programs or audits
Experience integrating physical security technology with enterprise systems and IT/OT environments
Core Competencies
Critical infrastructure risk management
Regulatory and compliance support
Strategic leadership and influence
Field‑focused operational partnership
Physical security technology expertise
Crisis and incident management
Benefits, Compensation & Workforce Diversity
At FirstEnergy, employees are key to our success. We depend on their talents to meet the challenges of our changing business environment. We are committed to rewarding individual and team efforts through our total rewards philosophy which includes competitive pay plus incentive compensation, a company-sponsored pension plan, 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution, a choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs, as well as skills development training with tuition reimbursement. Please visit our website at www.firstenergycorp.com to learn more about all of our employee rewards programs. FirstEnergy proudly supports workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. No recruiters or agencies without a previously signed contract. Unable to sponsor or transfer H-1B visas at this time.
Safety
Safety is a core value for FirstEnergy and is essential to all of our business activities. We ensure employees have the tools, information, and processes to perform their duties in a manner that assures safety for themselves, their co-workers, our customers and the public. Our goals are to provide a safe work environment, to maintain an accident-free, injury-free workplace, and to promote and maintain public safety. To meet these goals, we dedicate ourselves to achieving world-class safety standards.
Position Classification
Exempt
FirstEnergy Human Resources Team