Chief Security Officer (CSO) – Administration

About KONE

KONE is a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry, dedicated to enhancing urban mobility. With over 60,000 employees across more than 60 countries, KONE delivers elevators, escalators, automatic doors, and comprehensive maintenance and modernization solutions that improve building lifecycle value while ensuring safe, convenient, and reliable People Flow® in modern structures.

Position Overview

The Chief Security Officer (CSO) – Administration, based in Chennai, India, will lead the organization's enterprise security strategy. This role involves safeguarding employees, contractors, visitors, physical locations, assets, critical infrastructure, and business processes through a proactive, risk-focused, and technologically advanced security system. Candidates should have at least 10 years of experience in armed forces and 6 to 10 years in an industrial setting managing teams of over 500 personnel.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and enforce security strategies, policies, standards, SOPs, and governance frameworks across all company sites.
• Perform security risk assessments, threat and vulnerability analysis, maintain a risk register, and establish mitigation tactics.
• Ensure security controls over perimeters, gates, access systems, visitor handling, CCTV monitoring, restricted zones, and critical asset protection.
• Manage security personnel and contractors including background verification, ID/access rights administration, and exit protocols.
• Fortify controls related to raw materials, finished products, scrap, vehicle movements, gate passes, and asset transfers.
• Oversee security operations including deployment and training of guard forces and managing outsourced security agencies.
• Guide the implementation and management of physical security systems for facilities, personnel, and assets, collaborating with vendors and internal teams.
• Advance security technology roadmaps including CCTV/video analytics, access controls, Video Management Systems (VMS), booms, RFID, alarms, and Security Operations Center (SOC)/IBMS control rooms.
• Lead investigations on theft, pilferage, unauthorized accesses, sabotage, fraud, and other security breaches.
• Develop and maintain robust response plans for security incidents and coordinate crisis management with relevant authorities.
• Handle security during industrial unrest, crises, and major incidents in collaboration with EHS and Operations.
• Secure critical infrastructure and equipment physically.
• Drive digitalization and modernization initiatives in security operations.
• Conduct security audits, compliance checks, corrective actions, budget management, CAPEX planning, and continuous process improvement.
• Maintain liaison with police, fire services, local administration, and authorized external bodies.
• Authorize investigative and audit actions followed by implementation of corrective measures.
• Enforce access restrictions where security risks are legitimate, adhering to policies and laws.
• Manage compliance of security vendors with service level agreements, recommending adjustments in manpower, deployment, and capital expenditure.
• Report significant security risks to senior management and implement established security response procedures.
• Coordinate national event security including Independence and Republic Day celebrations.
• Manage administrative tasks related to company vehicle trips, personnel counts, and tracking of man, machine, and material data.
• Oversee and regulate gate pass issuance, work permits, and patrolling activities.

Major Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Trends and incidents regarding security breaches, losses, and pilferage.
• Timely response and resolution of incidents and investigations.
• Availability and uptime of security systems including access controls.
• Effective deployment of guard forces and adherence to vendor SLAs.
• Mitigation of high-risk findings within targeted timelines.
• Closure and compliance with audit observations.
• Effectiveness of security training programs and emergency drills.
• Management of security budget and delivery of approved projects.
• Regular monthly performance evaluations with security vendors.
• Handling of operational and capex budgets.
• Support for mock drills and emergency preparedness exercises.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Ex-servicemen from any armed forces with mandatory service experience.
• Commissioned officers at rank of Major, Colonel, or equivalent with any bachelor's degree.
• NCC 'B' or 'C' certificates, or postgraduate diplomas in crisis or risk management, and certifications like CPP (Certified Protection Professional) or PSP (Physical Security Professional) from ASIS are advantageous.
• Minimum of 10 years of armed forces experience and 6 to 10 years in industrial security leadership overseeing 500+ personnel.

Core Competencies

• Strategic enterprise security and risk management.
• Physical, industrial, and asset security expertise.
• Handling crisis and incident management effectively.
• Conducting investigations and security audits.
• Knowledge of security technology and operational technology interfaces.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, and vendor management skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure while maintaining integrity and discretion.

What KONE Offers

• Career advancement and growth opportunities within a global corporation.
• Competitive total rewards programs designed to engage and motivate employees.
• Comprehensive learning and professional development initiatives.
• A dynamic and supportive workplace culture with open-minded leadership and collaborative teams.

Eligibility to Apply

Candidates holding any diploma or any graduate degree are eligible to apply for this position.