Three Skills Security Project Managers Need to Be Successful

Today’s security project managers (SPMs) come from diverse backgrounds. Some are seasoned industry professionals with years of hands-on experience, while others transition into the role from technical fields like IT or engineering. Others come from different industries entirely, bringing fresh perspectives on project execution and stakeholder management.

But regardless of their background, all successful SPMs must develop a core set of skills to navigate the growing complexity of security projects. Unlike traditional project management, security project management requires a deep understanding of evolving technologies, regulatory requirements and risk mitigation strategies. Therefore, SPMs must not only balance timelines and budgets but also ensure that security solutions are effectively integrated and future-proofed.

The Security Industry Association (SIA) developed and produced the comprehensive Security Project Management (SPM) training course and the accompanying industry credential, Certified Security Project Manager (CSPM). These training and certification programs have become the industry standard, and in this article, Tracy Larson and Chris Wilson, longtime SIA Security Project Management trainers, share their insights on the key skills defining successful SPMs.

1. Time Management

One of the biggest challenges SPMs face is balancing their workload. Larson notes that some project managers may manage hundreds of projects simultaneously, which can lead to burnout and decreased project quality.

“We’ve tried to help organizations understand that there is a limit. If the workload is too high, quality suffers, and so do the people managing the projects,” she explains. Therefore, SPMs should be mindful of both their project’s timeline and their own time.

Time management is directly tied to communication and budget management, forming what Larson refers to as the “quality triangle.”

If one aspect – time, budget or scope – falls out of balance, the entire project can be affected. For example, delays can increase costs, while budget constraints might impact the scope of work. That is why it benefits both SPMs and the deploying organization to ensure that timelines are realistic and manageable.

2. Adaptability

Security project managers should be especially adept at adapting to challenges, as adaptability and risk management are closely linked. That ability to adapt is something that SIA’s SPM trainers focus on in the association’s project management courses.

As Wilson puts it, “Anticipating and mitigating risks, both in terms of project execution and the functionality of the security solution, is a vital skill.”

Whether ensuring that backup suppliers are available or adjusting project timelines to account for possible delays, SPMs must be ready to pivot when necessary.

“Your success can be affected by factors outside your control,” adds Larson. “It could be a hardware installer not completing the locks or doors on time or a project area not being ready when you need it.”

She notes that proactive communication is key to overcoming and addressing these challenges. “Success comes from those monitoring their projects well, taking corrective action and communicating out to their teams in a very proactive way.”

3. Resilience

As it relates to outside factors, Larson advises that SPMs can expect challenges to arise.

“If a project seems like it has no problems, that’s actually a red flag,” she explains. “There’s no such thing as a perfect project, so the key is how well you anticipate, respond and adapt to those challenges.”

Resilience in security project management means maintaining focus and problem-solving effectively, despite the setbacks.

She also reminds SPMs to recognize the difference between what they can and cannot control.

“Our sphere of control is small, but our sphere of influence is larger,” she says.

By understanding this, project managers can focus their efforts on the areas where they can make the most impact – whether that’s ensuring stakeholders stay informed, pushing for timely decision-making, or advocating for necessary resources.

Larson and Wilson agree that the best way to develop these skills and stay ahead in an evolving industry is by enrolling in SIA’s Security Project Management training course. This course goes beyond theoretical project management concepts to focus on the real-world applications and challenges SPMs face.

The course is also a first step for those working toward their Certified Security Project Manager (CSPM) credential. Earning this widely respected certification demonstrates a deep understanding of security project management principles and best practices. Even those not pursuing the CSPM certification right away can benefit from the training led by Larson, Wilson and other expert SPM instructors, as it provides invaluable knowledge that can be immediately applied to real-world projects.

Ready to take your security project management skills to the next level? Explore the SIA Security Project Management Training Course and gain the tools you need to succeed in this rapidly evolving field.

Upcoming Course Dates:

Basics of SPM Course

• June 16-19 (Virtual)
• Aug. 25-28 (Virtual)

CSPM Review Course

• Aug. 6 (Virtual)
• Nov. 18 (In Person, New York City)

SPM Seminar

• Oct. 20-23 (Virtual)

SPM/CSPM Hybrid Seminar

• Sept. 15-17 (In Person, Frisco, Texas)