Operations Manager

Position: Operations Manager (DOD clearance)

Location: Balad, Iraq

**** This position is located in IRAQ - Travel & Housing will be provided ****

Position Overview:

The Operations Manager is responsible for assisting the Senior Manager and Deputy Manager in the overall strategic direction, operational oversight, and program management of all security operations in Balad, Iraq. This includes supporting the leadership and coordination of Emergency Response Teams (ERT), Mobile Protective Security Operations (PSO) teams, and Static Security operations, ensuring tactical readiness, operational effectiveness, and full compliance with all security protocols and contractual obligations.

Responsibilities: 

• Assist the Senior Manager and Deputy Manager in providing comprehensive program management for all security operations, including ERT, Mobile PSO, and Static Security, ensuring seamless integration and coordination.
• Support the development, implementation, and continual refinement of security policies, procedures, and protocols across all operational areas to mitigate risks and enhance overall security posture.
• Participate in and support the planning, organization, and direction of regular drills, tabletop exercises, and full-scale simulations encompassing all security elements to assess team readiness, individual performance, and comprehensive operational response capability.
• Ensure a constant state of operational readiness for all security personnel and equipment, maintaining high standards of training, physical conditioning, tactical proficiency, and equipment maintenance.
• Support the oversight of staffing, scheduling, mission planning, and deployment strategies for all security teams; ensure detailed briefings and debriefings are conducted for all operations and exercises.
• Assist in establishing and maintaining direct coordination with the Security Operations Center (SOC), fire department, medical response teams, intelligence agencies, and senior base leadership during both drills and real-world incidents.
• Contribute to and review comprehensive after-action reviews (AARs), incident reports, and continuous improvement documentation to support security management, client reporting, and contract compliance.
• Ensure that all security operations strictly comply with local laws, base-specific rules of engagement (ROE), use of force protocols, and host nation regulations.
• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) on aspects of security operations, providing guidance on training, doctrine, resource allocation, and procedural alignment as directed.
• Assist in managing and maintaining all security equipment and assets, including firearms, tactical gear, PPE, communications systems, and response vehicles—ensuring accountability, maintenance, and operational readiness.
• Mentor, train, and evaluate security team leaders and supervisors across all functions, fostering leadership development, discipline, and a robust safety-first operational culture.

Required Qualifications:

All candidates must:

• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Be a U.S. citizen. 
• Be able to speak, read, write, and understand the English language. 
• Be able to pass the medical and physical requirements outlined in the contract. 
• Meet all standards as required by the contract. 
• Have a clean driving record with a valid driver’s license.
• Must possess a military or law enforcement background with extensive formal leadership experience in tactical, emergency response, protective security, or static security operations.
• Must possess a minimum of 7+ years of experience in security operations, with at least 3+ years in a leadership or assistant program management role overseeing multiple security functions in high-threat or conflict zones.
• Proven expertise in supporting complex security programs, including ERT, Mobile PSO, and Static Security, with a strong understanding of their interdependencies.
• Strong familiarity with international best practices in security management, risk assessment, incident command systems, and security operations in austere or conflict environments.
• Demonstrated experience in supporting strategic planning, resource allocation, and budget management for large-scale security operations.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively liaise with diverse stakeholders, including clients, host nation authorities, and internal teams.

All candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical and physical examination, drug screen, and psychological examination. Additionally, all candidates will be required to complete a paid pre-deployment training course. 

Work Environment and Location:

The position is located in an austere environment. Furnished housing will be provided. Travel to and from the Work Location will be provided. Employees may be exposed to extreme cold or hot weather conditions, fumes, or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and loud noise.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands listed below, though not fully inclusive, are that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time. The employee is frequently required to move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. The employee is occasionally required to stand; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Teleworking: No

Travel: Yes

Benefits: Yes

GardaWorld and its family of companies is an EOE // Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. We participate in the E-Verify Employment Verification program