Top Security Roles Firms Are Prioritising in 2026

As organisations prepare for 2026, security leaders are facing increased geopolitical volatility, complex global supply chains, heightened regulatory scrutiny, and an accelerating demand for business resilience. Security functions are being asked to do more with clearer strategic alignment, deeper intelligence capabilities, and a stronger grasp of enterprise-wide risk.

Across our global mandates at enteles Search, several key roles are emerging as top priorities for the year ahead. These reflect not just replacement hiring, but a shift in how organisations are structuring their security leadership for long-term resilience.

1. Chief Security Officer (CSO)/ Global Head of Security

Why it's a priority: Board-level accountability for security has never been stronger. Organisations want leaders who can elevate security from a siloed function to an enterprise-level risk partner.

What clients are asking for:

• Proven strategic leadership across multiple risk domains
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and secure investment
• Global team management experience
• Clear vision for resilience, duty of care, and crisis prevention

2. Intelligence & Threat Management Leaders

(Examples: Head of Intelligence, Global Threat Manager, Director of Protective Intelligence)

Why it's a priority: Companies want proactive risk visibility - not reactive problem-solving. Intelligence functions are being built or strengthened to provide predictive insight into threats ranging from activism and supply chain disruption to geopolitical issues.

What clients are asking for: 

• Strong analytical frameworks for threat horizon scanning
• Ability to translate intelligence into actionable business advice
• Experience building centralised intelligence programmes
• Cross-functional communication with legal, HR, compliance, and security operations

3. Physical Security & Technical Security Leaders

(Examples: Head of Physical Security, Director of Technical Security, Regional Security Manager)

Why it's a priority: As organisations return to hybrid work and expand geographically, physical and technical infrastructure is evolving.

Hiring drivers:

• New regional office openings
• Convergence of physical and digital systems 
• Increased focus on access controls, GSOCs, and workforce safety
• Greater scrutiny on vendor management and system modernisation 
• Leaders who can integrate estate security, technology upgrades, and people safety programmes

4. Investigations & Compliance Roles

(Examples: Head of Investigations, Corporate Investigator, Director of Ethics & Compliance Investigations)

Why it's a priority: Regulatory pressure, whistleblowing policies, and internal culture expectations are driving investment in corporate integrity and misconduct investigations.

What organisations need:

• Strong experience with complex internal investigations
• Ability to navigate sensitive matters discreetly 
• Understanding of ethics, fraud, misconduct, and regulatory reporting
• Collaborating with HR, Legal and Internal Audit

5. Business Continuity & Organisational Resilience Leaders

(Examples: Head of Resilience, Business Continuity Manager, Director of Crisis Management)

Why it's a priority: Supply chain instability and region specific unrest have underscored the need for holistic resilience strategies.

Top skills in demand:

• Crisis planning & real-time incident response
• Supply chain resilience and critical dependency mapping
• Leadership during complex disruptions
• Cross-business influence and stakeholder alignment

6. Travel Risk & Duty of Care Specialists

(Examples: Global Travel Risk Manager, Head of Duty of Care)

Why it's a priority: Global mobility is increasing, especially in high-risk industries and emerging markets.

Firms need expertise to:

• Build robust travel risk frameworks
• Manage high-risk region movements
• Support executives and dispersed workforces
• Strengthen response to medical, political, and environmental threatsThe focus is shifting from basic tracking tools to comprehensive people protection strategies.

Looking Ahead

2026 will be a defining year for corporate security and investigations functions. The organisations investing early - hiring strategically, building capability, and strengthening leadership, will be the ones best positioned to navigate uncertainty.

If you'd like insights on market trends or support with leadership hiring, our dedicated team is here to help. Get in touch today on +4420 2233 3884 or email hello@enteles-search.com.