Head of Security

What you'll do

Join CERN and lead the Security Service of the world’s largest particle physics laboratory. In this key leadership role within the Site and Civil Engineering (SCE) Department, you will shape and implement the Organisation’s security strategy, ensuring the protection of people, assets, and infrastructure across sites in France and Switzerland.

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven, international environment where operational excellence and strategic foresight go hand in hand.

Your responsibilities

Define, maintain, and continuously develop CERN’s overall security strategy, preparing proposals and recommendations for the Directorate.
Lead and organize the Security Service, ensuring effective team management, clear allocation of responsibilities, performance monitoring, and prioritization of activities.
Develop, obtain approval for, and oversee the implementation of CERN’s security policy, including principles governing site access rights.
Plan, validate, and supervise special security arrangements for high-level visits and major events (e.g. official delegations, anniversaries, open days), ensuring appropriate prioritization of resources.
Represent the Security Service internally and externally, working closely with key internal and external stakeholders.
Define the contractual strategy for security services, including the preparation, issuance, and lifecycle management of tenders and contracts, ensuring performance monitoring, service quality, continuous improvement, and compliance with agreed standards.
Define security requirements and provide recommendations for new infrastructures and major renovation projects, including critical installations, while ensuring continuous monitoring of developments in security technologies, methodologies, and equipment, and proposing improvements adapted to CERN’s environment.

Still here? Let's make a quick check about

Your profile

Proven experience in managing security strategy, contracts and operations within an institutional environment (police, state security, military) or within a large industrial site, university campus, international organization, or comparable complex environment.
Solid background in risk assessment, threat analysis, incident management, corrective measures, and business continuity planning is highly desirable.
Good knowledge of Swiss and/or French legal and judicial frameworks, or experience working within comparable national systems, with the ability to interact effectively with public authorities and security services.
Experience in managing security arrangements for high-level visits, official delegations or major events.
Capacity to translate operational expertise into clear security procedures, requirements and protective measures adapted to a complex international environment.
Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Security Management, Criminology, Law Enforcement, Public Security, Risk Management or a related field. Formal training or certification in security management, crisis management, law enforcement command, or protective security is an asset.

Your skills

Team management.
Development of vision and strategy.
Personnel and material resources planning.
Contract management.
Organisation, planning and control.
Identifies, defines and assesses problems, takes action to address them.
Behaves consistently with CERN's values and goals.
Assures alignment to overall strategy when revising unit goals and priorities in the event of changing circumstances.
Coordinates activities and focuses team on goals and objectives; monitors progress of team towards agreed goals and takes corrective action when needed.
Works conscientiously and reliably; delivers on promises.
Spoken and written French, with a commitment to learn English.

Ideal start date: 01/09/2026

Contract duration (in months): 60

Grade range: 6

Benchmark job: 5A0020 - Communications/Public Relations /External Relations Professional

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Team supervision

Employment conditions

Residence in the immediate vicinity of the Organisation's installations.
A valid driving licence.
Interventions in underground installations.
Stand-by duty, and work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organisation.

Global Benefits at CERN

A minimum entry-salary of 9236 Swiss Francs per month (tax free), increasing in line with your years of relevant experience.
30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
A relocation package (installation grant, removal, travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
Possibility to extend your contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

Let's get you ready

Be sure to meet the eligibility criteria

You are a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State. Currently, we cannot consider applications from Pakistani and Lithuanian nationals for positions with a 2026 start date, as the ceiling defined under Article II.5 of the Associate Membership Agreement has been reached.
You have relevant qualifications and professional experience.
If you have previously held a Staff contract at CERN, you will not be eligible for these positions.
Please pay attention to the additional criteria and requirements for this specific position and mentioned above.

You will need these documents to complete your application

Your CV (English or French)
Any document you consider relevant to your application

Your CERNDepartment

SCE department manages and develops CERN's real estate assets and infrastructures in agreement with CERN's scientific strategy, as well as all the services related to the caretaking and campus operation of the CERN site, including Science Gateway.

Overview of CERN

Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive. Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe! TAKE PART!

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Still have a doubt ? Here are the most frequently asked questions

What should I expect during my first week at CERN?

Your onboarding at CERN includes a comprehensive induction programme, which starts with an official welcome session at the beginning of each month. In addition, you will receive important information both before and after your arrival to ensure a smooth transition into your new role. This process is designed to help you get acquainted with CERN’s environment, your team, and the tools and systems you’ll be using.
How big would the team be?

The size of the team you'll be working with at CERN depends on the specific role and department. Some teams are small and highly specialized, while others are larger and more interdisciplinary. During the interview process, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about the team structure for the position you are applying for.
What is the working language at CERN?

The working languages at CERN are English and French. However, it is not always mandatory to speak both languages to work at CERN. We offer language training to help you acquiring the other language.
What support does CERN provide for relocation?

CERN does not offer direct assistance with relocation. However, depending on your role and specific criteria, you may be eligible for certain benefits such as an installation allowance and coverage of travel expenses to join CERN. These benefits are designed to help ease the transition when relocating to the Geneva area. For more information, please consult the “Salary, Benefits and Support“ page.
Do I need a visa to work at CERN?

Whether you need a visa to work at CERN depends on your nationality and the duration of your stay. CERN assists with the necessary visa and work permit processes for its employees and visitors. The specific requirements will be communicated to you during the recruitment process.
What would my salary be?

Salaries at CERN are determined by a structured scale. Salaries are based on your role, qualifications, and experience, and are not subject to negotiation. Specific details will be provided as your application progresses. For more information, please refer to the dedicated page.