Director, Global Security & Corporate Services

Overview

Ready to join a team committed to developing and commercializing gene therapies for patients and families devastated by rare neurological genetic diseases? AveXis is advancing cutting-edge science, starting with our proprietary gene therapy for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). We are in the midst of an incredible journey and are looking for passionate individuals to join us on this important mission.

AveXis, a Novartis company, is dedicated to developing and commercializing novel treatments for patients suffering from rare and life-threatening neurological genetic diseases. Our initial product is a proprietary gene therapy approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of pediatric patients with SMA. In addition to developing a treatment for SMA, AveXis also plans to develop other novel treatments for rare neurological diseases, including Rett syndrome and a genetic form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis caused by mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene.

AveXis is seeking a Director, Global Security & Corporate Services (GSCS) responsible for the company's security operations and overall Business Continuity Management (BCM) and resiliency initiatives. Assists in the development, execution and management of the strategic and tactical approaches relative to crisis management (CM) and business continuity (BC) to ensure protection and enhancement of Company's value, reputation, brand and image.

Provides leadership and executes defined strategy for security operations, special event support, executive protection, security awareness programs, security systems programs and background investigations program. Provides direction for operational security of the department's programs, which are designed to provide a safe environment and protect personnel, assets, reputation and intellectual property. Manages promotion of security awareness to reduce risk and exposure by all Company parties, including both employees and non-employees. Plans and manages the development of security systems to assure goals and objectives are accomplished within prescribed timeframes and funding parameters. Primary liaison with parent company for security related areas of collaboration. Projects, defines and clarifies emerging needs of business partners and aligns team activities to meet these needs. Outlines the direction, facilitates effective interactions and motivates the team to excel.

Responsibilities

• Develops the strategy, vision and standards for the Security Operations team and oversees the implementation to ensure a responsible level of functionality for AveXis.
• Directs operational aspect of security policies and procedures including the contract global security services provider program, visitor control processes, special event support, security awareness programs and oversees documentation of incidents within the GSCS case management system.
• Direct and oversee Security Operations staff in performing operations.
• Develops enterprise security systems program strategy, vision and standards and provides oversight of implementation of standards.
• Develops short and long term global strategic security technology plan through guidance, tools and templates in coordination with appropriate internal parties and parent company. Maintains liaison with IT to ensure coordination and synergies within business segments and in support of short and long-term plans.
• Conducts security systems assessments. Helps identify, evaluate, document and report security findings/issues as necessary. Recommends risk mitigation measures that incorporate best practices and ensures standardization across the organization.
• Interacts with all levels within the organization and acts as the subject matter expert on security and technology integration.
• Defines technical direction, standards, guidelines, and best practices for the architectural building blocks for security systems across the organization.
• Acts as the AveXis Deputy NEM director through coordination of activities of the team to lead the recovery of the business capability. Manages the immediate actions following an incident to ensure the safety of employees and the security of the business processes and equipment.
• Works closely with business units in implementing security and safety programs for office and field-based personnel. Implements strategy for security awareness programs/training.
• Provides operational assistance for the threat management process and associated training programs.
• Establishes and maintains liaison with local law enforcement and emergency agencies. Manages and develops event security plans which address protection of personnel, assets and information.
• Manages budget allocation for security equipment maintenance, contract security provider program, security awareness programs and special event support.
• Provides recommendations on annual budgets for labor, materials, services, and other expenditures necessary for the security system mission including operating budgets and capital, as well as major maintenance funding for major repairs, replacements or upgrades. Prepares and presents budget presentations for approval and assist in management of budget.
• Maintains the highest levels of integrity, discretion and respect for all personnel and issues discussed and addressed.
• Assists in the development of BCM annual strategy, vision, standards and delivery plan(s) and associated content.
• Drafts and implements CM/BC policies and procedures for cross-functional teams, ensuring they align with Novartis NEM process. Supports the business to draft documentation related to CM/BC programs and reviews all submittals for completeness and seeks approval.
• Fosters support for BCM programs by driving understanding and acceptance of the concepts, regulatory requirements, business imperatives and return on investment from successful BCM programs. Monitors the BCM program for audit and regulatory compliance.
• Participates in briefings to executive leadership and security management regarding methodologies, requirements and strategies for contingency planning, as required.
• Oversees the training, awareness, preparedness, exercise, testing and maintenance of the enterprise contingency program.
• Supports development of GSCS emergency response programs.
• Conducts assessments and audits of BCM activities, develops and maintains Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and presents on progress and findings regarding initiatives and compliance with BCM. Initiates changes in strategy and participates in continuous improvement as appropriate to ensure effectiveness.
• Assists in the design and operation of the AveXis command center and related processes and protocols.
• Stages and executes tabletop drills and exercises.
• Conducts After Action Reviews around any significant BCM activations and shares lessons with stakeholders.
• Provides effective and appropriate communication to key stakeholders and fosters extensive communication and interaction with internal customers at all levels of the organization.
• Prepares periodic BCM program reports, ad hoc analysis and presentations, as required.
• Evaluates and implements alternative communication channels to be used during a disaster.
• Attends internal/external meetings, seminars, conventions, etc., to expand professional expertise and maintains professional contacts that support assigned functions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field or relevant experience and 10+ years of experience in corporate security, facilities, engineering, real estate or related field.
• Awareness and passion for workplace strategies and execution discipline required to deliver.
• Strong leadership skills, interpersonal skills, and communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey project status and program needs across different levels of the organization and different operating environments.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced environment and operate independently.
• Strong problem-solving skills, ownership of solutions, and a constant drive to improve results.
• Professional associations and/or certifications in security/facilities functions.

The level of this position will be based on the final candidate's qualifications.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

AveXis is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability, age, sexual orientation or veteran status.

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