About this role
Summary
As a Lead Guard , you will be responsible for providing on-site leadership and security support while protecting people, property, and assets within a retail, commercial, corporate, government, or similar environment . The Lead Guard serves as a senior member of the assigned security team and assists with maintaining officer accountability, post-order compliance, professional standards, and effective communication between security personnel and Strategic Security Corp. (SSC) management.
The Lead Guard is expected to lead by example , maintain situational awareness, support officers during incidents and emergencies, and help ensure assigned personnel are performing their duties in accordance with site Post Orders, SSC policies, licensing requirements, and applicable laws.
This position is not a management or supervisory position unless specifically designated otherwise by SSC . Lead Guards may provide day-to-day direction and guidance to officers at the assigned site but may not independently discipline, suspend, terminate, remove, reassign, or modify the schedules of employees without authorization from SSC management or Human Resources.
In addition to security and leadership responsibilities, the Lead Guard supports SSCs G.E.T. Principles — Greet, Engage, and Thank , promoting professional and positive interactions with customers, visitors, associates, and client representatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform all duties of an armed or unarmed Security Guard, as applicable to the assigned post.
- Serve as the on-site point of contact for security officers during the assigned shift.
- Provide day-to-day guidance to assigned security personnel and reinforce site Post Orders and SSC policies.
- Ensure assigned posts are properly staffed and immediately report call-outs, late arrivals, no-shows, or coverage concerns through established SSC channels.
- Verify officers properly report for duty, remain at their assigned posts, and complete required check-in/check-out procedures.
- Monitor officer appearance, uniform compliance, professional conduct, and readiness for duty.
- Ensure officers maintain required licenses, identification, radios, firearms, duty equipment, and other assigned equipment as applicable.
- Conduct or assist with security patrols, including foot and vehicle patrols, as assigned.
- Monitor CCTV, alarms, access control systems, and other security systems when required by the assigned post.
- Identify and address safety hazards, suspicious activity, policy violations, or irregular conditions.
- Immediately escalate significant incidents, client concerns, staffing problems, or security issues to SSC's Security Operations Center (SOC) and/or designated management.
- Review or assist officers with incident reports and other required security documentation for completeness and accuracy.
- Ensure required reports, photographs, and supporting documentation are submitted through SSC's designated reporting system.
- Respond to emergencies including medical incidents, fires, thefts, disturbances, threats, and other security-related events in accordance with Post Orders and SSC procedures.
- Coordinate with law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other emergency responders when required by Post Orders or SSC management.
- Preserve evidence and maintain scene integrity when necessary.
- Assist with the orientation of newly assigned officers and ensure they understand applicable Post Orders, site expectations, and SSC policies before assuming independent post responsibilities.
- Provide coaching and operational guidance to officers when minor performance or procedural issues are identified.
- Promptly report performance or conduct concerns to SSC management. Lead Guards may document and report concerns but may not independently issue formal discipline, suspend, terminate, or remove employees from an assignment unless specifically authorized by SSC management or Human Resources.
- Maintain accountability for SSC-issued equipment, radios, keys, uniforms, vehicles, or other site assets assigned to the security team.
- Complete required equipment and vehicle inspections when applicable.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and professional security post.
- Complete shift summaries, activity reports, inspection documentation, or other reports required by SSC management.
The attached position similarly requires incident escalation, equipment accountability, officer coaching, reporting, and compliance with licensing requirements; those responsibilities have been adapted here so the Lead Guard supports management rather than replacing the Client Manager or exercising independent disciplinary authority.
Customer Service & Engagement (G.E.T. Principles)
- Greet customers, guests, associates, vendors, and client representatives in a professional and respectful manner.
- Engage proactively while maintaining situational awareness and officer safety.
- Thank individuals for their cooperation and patronage when appropriate.
- Provide directions and general site information without compromising security or confidential information.
- Maintain a professional security presence while providing courteous customer service.
- Use verbal de-escalation techniques whenever appropriate and consistent with officer safety.
- Address concerns or complaints professionally and escalate matters through SSC channels when necessary.
- Encourage assigned officers to consistently follow SSC's G.E.T. Principles and professional service expectations.
Qualifications
Education & Licensing Requirements
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Must possess all security licenses, registrations, permits, and certifications required by the state and jurisdiction of assignment.
- For armed assignments, must possess a valid State Armed Security Guard License/Card and applicable firearm permit.
- Must successfully complete all SSC and client-required training.
- Armed Lead Guards must successfully complete required firearms training and qualify with the assigned firearm in accordance with SSC requirements and applicable law.
- Must meet applicable requirements to operate a company-owned or client-provided vehicle when driving is part of the assignment.
Experience
- Verifiable work history required.
- Two (2) years of security, military, law enforcement, loss prevention, or related experience preferred.
- Prior experience serving as a Lead Guard, Shift Lead, Senior Security Officer, or similar leadership position preferred.
- Experience working in a high-traffic retail, commercial, government, or public-facing security environment preferred.
Skills & Abilities
- Demonstrated leadership and ability to provide direction to other security personnel.
- Strong judgment and decision-making skills.
- Ability to remain calm, professional, and organized during emergencies or high-stress situations.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to follow and reinforce Post Orders, SSC policies, emergency procedures, and applicable legal requirements.
- Strong observation, threat-assessment, and situational-awareness skills.
- Ability to professionally coach and provide operational guidance to other officers.
- Ability to recognize when an issue must be escalated to SSC management, Human Resources, or the Security Operations Center.
- Proficient basic computer and mobile-device skills for reporting, documentation, email, and security applications.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate documentation.
- High level of integrity, professionalism, dependability, and accountability.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while functioning effectively as part of a larger security team.
Additional Requirements
- Must meet the minimum age required by applicable state law for the assigned security position.
- Armed Lead Guards must be at least 21 years of age or meet any higher applicable state requirement.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Must be able to operate radios, telephones, computers, mobile applications, surveillance equipment, and other assigned security equipment.
- Must demonstrate professionalism, restraint, sound judgment, and ethical conduct at all times.
- Must be able to verbally de-escalate situations when appropriate.
- Must be willing and able to respond to emergencies and provide leadership to assigned officers during critical incidents.
- Must maintain all required licenses, certifications, training, and qualifications throughout employment.
- Subject to background check, drug screening, licensing verification, and ongoing compliance requirements.
- Veterans may be required to provide a DD214 upon conditional offer of employment.
Physical Requirements & Work Environment
- Indoor and outdoor work environments with exposure to varying temperatures and weather conditions.
- Prolonged periods of standing, walking, observing, communicating, and patrolling.
- Ability to walk throughout large facilities, parking areas, and surrounding property as required by the assignment.
- Ability to respond quickly and safely to emergency situations.
- Ability to operate assigned security equipment and duty gear.
- Armed Lead Guards must be able to safely carry and operate an assigned firearm and associated duty equipment.
- May be required to operate a security patrol vehicle depending on assignment.
Benefits & Perks
Full-Time Employees May Be Eligible For:
- Major medical benefits
- Paid vacation
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Ongoing security and professional development training
- Leadership and advancement opportunities
Additional Perks:
- Weekly pay
- Flexible scheduling based on operational needs
- Employee discounts through corporate affiliate programs
- Opportunities for advancement into supervisory, field operations, and management positions
About Strategic Security Corp. (SSC)
Strategic Security Corp. provides armed and unarmed security services to the United States Government and private-sector clients including Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, medical facilities, warehouses, distribution centers, residential communities, retail environments, and critical infrastructure sites nationwide.
SSC offers long-term career growth opportunities ranging from entry-level security positions to Lead Guard, supervisory, management, and corporate leadership roles across the United States.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Strategic Security Corp. is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
For questions regarding Equal Employment Opportunity or application accommodations, please contact Corporate Human Resources at (888) SSC-RISK .
Strategic Security Corp. — Protecting What Matters Most.