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- Tasks: Lead a diverse team to ensure safety and security across all Imperial campuses.
- Company: Imperial College is a prestigious institution committed to excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community safety while fostering an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in security management, strategic planning, and budget control required.
- Other info: Flexibility for emergencies and a collaborative approach are essential.
The predicted salary is between 68005 - 77703 £ per year.
About the role:
We are seeking to recruit an innovative and experienced Head of Community Safety and Security to lead a diverse and expanding team across all Imperial campuses. You will be committed to following the Imperial Values & Behaviours framework of Respect, Collaboration, Excellence, Integrity, and Innovation.
This is a pivotal role responsible for fostering and maintaining a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for 8,000 staff, 22,000 students and visitors, and we are looking for a candidate who is inclusive, committed and knowledgeable. You will be someone who can spearhead the services and instil an approachable and excellent service that is fundamental to the fabric of the Imperial community. In line with both Imperial’s academic and cultural excellence, you will need to be first-in-class on not just the ‘what’, but also the ‘how’; someone who can imbue energy paired with excellence, is credible and resilient.
What you would be doing:
You will be a motivational and inspiring Team Leader who will be able to refresh and focus service that puts community safety first. Supported by an experienced Senior Management Team you will be required to deliver a modern and cost-effective service whilst maintaining a tailored approach to safety and security services that is suited to a Higher Education environment.
You will be required to have a thorough understanding of the security landscape and how Imperial’s positioning within it can be ensured. You will be asked to advise and support events, master-planning and divisional and faculty initiatives, expected to enable activities by communicating and collaborating with your colleagues.
You will be responsible for providing strategic leadership for the Community Safety and Security Department which includes a dedicated team across Security Operations, Security Technical Services, ID Card Office and vehicle access management across all Campuses, with an annual budget of circa £7.2 million. With supplementary staff provided by an external contractor at specific sites, you will also be required to engage in contract management and stakeholder relations with external partners and staff.
You will also provide support to the Director of Residential and Community Services by taking on additional projects, as and when required.
What we are looking for:
- A Security Professional or Facilities Operational Manager who has security and personal safety as part of their remit within a comparable complex organisation
- Proven leader, organiser and effective team player who can inspire, motivate a team and embed the University’s values
- Ability to deal diplomatically with a large number of staff at all levels, (Union experience beneficial) coupled with an understanding and appreciation of the ethos and requirements of a major academic institution
- Previous experience of policy formulation, strategic planning and management of a portfolio of Security Services and Operations at a senior management level across a multi-site estate to deliver continuous innovation and improvement to standards
- Substantial experience of strategic management of setting, forecasting, and controlling budgets
- Risk management experience, including maintenance of risk registers and supporting departments in the management of risks
- Experience of dealing with high profile VIPs, potentially high-risk events and successful liaison with high ranking internal and external agencies
- Experience of invitation to tender and successful contract monitoring against SLA’s and KPI’s
- Adaptable and agile approach and calm in a crisis
Further Information
To arrange a briefing discussion please contact our retained advisors at The Management Recruitment Group:
- Michael Hewlett michael.hewlett@mrgglobal.com
- Sian Gardiner sian.gardiner@mrgglobal.com
Applications should consist of a CV and a Covering Letter and should be sent to
michael.hewlett@mrgglobal.com
The closing date for applications is Sunday 20th April 2025.
First stage interviews will be held on Campus in early May.
The further particulars can be viewed at Head of Community Safety & Security
Head of Community Safety and Security employer: Imperial College London
Contact Detail:
Imperial College London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Community Safety and Security
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with Imperial's Values & Behaviours framework. Understanding how to embody Respect, Collaboration, Excellence, Integrity, and Innovation in your leadership style will be crucial in demonstrating your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in managing security services within a higher education environment. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and implemented innovative security solutions in similar settings.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your strategic management skills, particularly in budget forecasting and risk management. Think of concrete instances where you have effectively controlled budgets and managed risks in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, including high-profile individuals and external agencies. Share experiences that illustrate your diplomatic skills and how you've successfully navigated complex relationships in past positions.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Community Safety and Security
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of Community Safety and Security position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific needs outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your commitment to the Imperial Values & Behaviours framework. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your leadership skills, ability to inspire teams, and your understanding of security in a higher education environment.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasize your previous roles related to security management or facilities operations. Include details about your experience with budget management, strategic planning, and any relevant achievements that showcase your capability to lead a diverse team effectively.
Proofread and Format: Ensure that your CV and cover letter are well-formatted and free of errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a leadership role in community safety and security.
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial College London
✨Understand the Imperial Values & Behaviours
Familiarize yourself with the core values of Respect, Collaboration, Excellence, Integrity, and Innovation. Be prepared to discuss how you embody these values in your leadership style and decision-making processes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire a diverse team. Highlight specific instances where you've successfully motivated your team and implemented innovative security solutions in a complex environment.
✨Discuss Strategic Management Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience with strategic planning, budget management, and risk assessment. Provide concrete examples of how you've managed budgets and improved security services in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your crisis management skills and ability to handle high-pressure situations. Think of past experiences where you dealt with emergencies or high-profile events, and be ready to explain your approach and outcomes.
