At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead security operations at Chelsea FC, ensuring safety and excellence on matchdays and events.
- Company: Join ABM, a global leader in integrated facility solutions with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 24/7 GP access, mental health support, fitness programmes, and exclusive employee perks.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and development in a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a high-profile environment, making a real impact on security and safety.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in security, excellent communication skills, and experience in high-pressure environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
LOCATION: Chelsea
SHIFT PATTERN: as required, 45 hours per week
SALARY: Competitive
Overview
ABM delivers security services within high-profile, globally recognised environments where safety, performance, and reputation are intrinsically linked. We are seeking an exceptional Security Account Manager to lead the delivery of security services across the Chelsea Football Club estate, including Stamford Bridge and Cobham Training Ground. This is a critical leadership role responsible for the end-to-end security operation across both non-matchday and matchday environments. The successful candidate will oversee a core security team across both sites, with responsibility for scaling and leading a significantly increased workforce during matchdays and major events. You will be a highly visible leader, responsible for operational excellence, stakeholder confidence, and continuous improvement, ensuring the security function is proactive, intelligence-led, and aligned to both ABM standards and the client’s expectations.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership
- Take full ownership of security operations across Stamford Bridge and Cobham Training Ground
- Lead and manage the core security teams across both sites, ensuring consistent, high-quality service delivery
- Oversee matchday security operations, including the mobilisation and management of an expanded workforce (circa +50 officers)
- Ensure effective planning, coordination, and execution of all matchday and event security activity
- Client & Stakeholder Management
- Act as the senior point of contact for Chelsea FC and associated stakeholders
- Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships across client teams and partner agencies
- Provide clear reporting on performance, risks, and service delivery
- Performance & Commercial Management
- Deliver all contractual KPIs and service level agreements
- Manage labour hours, resource allocation, and budgets in line with contract requirements
- Drive operational efficiency whilst maintaining high service standards
- Security Strategy & Continuous Improvement
- Lead a culture of continuous improvement, identifying opportunities to enhance service delivery and reduce risk
- Embed intelligence-led security practices, ensuring emerging threats and risks are understood and acted upon
- Work closely with ABM’s Corporate Security and Intelligence functions to inform decision-making
- Compliance & Governance
- Ensure full compliance with all relevant legislation, SIA requirements, and company policies
- Maintain robust audit, inspection, and assurance processes across both sites
- Ensure all staff are trained, competent, and operating in line with agreed procedures
- People Leadership
- Lead, develop, and inspire a high‑performing security team
- Promote and embed ABM’s core values and behavioural standards across the operation
- Ensure effective supervision, performance management, and succession planning
- Incident & Risk Management
- Take ownership of incident response, investigation, and escalation processes
- Ensure preparedness for a range of scenarios, including major incidents and emergency response
- Maintain strong situational awareness across both sites at all times
Reporting Line
Reports to: General Manager
Dotted line to: Director of Corporate Security & Contingency Planning
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in a senior security leadership role within a complex, high-profile environment
- Strong operational experience in event security, stadiums, or large public-facing venues
- Demonstrable experience managing large, multi-layered teams
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Strong understanding of intelligence‑led security and threat/risk management
- Experience managing budgets, resources, and contractual performance
- In‑depth knowledge of security legislation, compliance, and best practice
- Ability to operate effectively in fast‑paced, high‑pressure environments
Desirable
- Experience within Premier League / elite sports environments
- Background in police, military, or specialist security roles
- Experience within integrated FM or multi-service contracts
Working Pattern
Full‑time, site‑based role split between Stamford Bridge and Cobham Training Ground. Regular attendance required on all home matchdays and key events. Flexibility required to support evenings, weekends, and peak operational periods.
Benefits
- 24/7 GP: Both you and your immediate family can speak to a UK‑based GP from the comfort of your own home
- Mental Health support and Life Event Counseling
- Get Fit Programme
- Financial and legal support
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access Perks at Work, our innovative employee app where you can find: discounts, gift cards, cashback, and exclusive offers
- Life: Search for resources and tools on topics ranging from family and life to health, money and work
- Support: Online chat or telephone service for urgent support in a crisis
About ABM
ABM (NYSE: ABM) is one of the world’s largest providers of integrated facility, engineering, and infrastructure solutions. Every day, over 100,000 team members deliver essential services that make spaces cleaner, safer, and efficient, enhancing the overall occupant experience. ABM serves a wide range of market sectors including commercial real estate, aviation, mission critical, and manufacturing and distribution. With over $8 billion in annual revenue and a blue‑chip client base, ABM delivers innovative technologies and sustainable solutions that enhance facilities and empower clients to achieve their goals. Committed to creating smarter, more connected spaces, ABM is investing in the future to meet evolving challenges and build a healthier, thriving world. ABM: Driving possibility, together.
ABM are committed to employment practices that promote diversity and inclusion in employment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, sex, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion or belief. We are proud members of the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme.
Head of Security employer: ABM UK
ABM is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the prestigious Chelsea Football Club estate, where you will lead a dedicated security team in ensuring safety and operational excellence. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we provide comprehensive benefits including 24/7 GP access, mental health support, and opportunities for professional growth within a culture that values diversity and inclusion. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking organisation committed to innovation and continuous improvement in a high-profile setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Security
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the security industry, especially those linked to Chelsea FC or similar environments. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in managing large teams and delivering high-quality service. They want to see that you can lead effectively, especially during matchdays.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Research the latest trends in security and intelligence-led practices. Bring up your insights during interviews to demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at ABM and contributing to our mission of creating safer spaces.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Security
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in security leadership, especially in high-profile environments. We want to see how your skills align with the role at Chelsea FC!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Head of Security, you'll be leading teams and managing operations. Use your application to demonstrate your past experiences in leading large teams and ensuring operational excellence. We love seeing examples of your leadership style!
Highlight Stakeholder Management Experience:This role involves building strong relationships with clients and stakeholders. Be sure to include any relevant experiences where you've successfully managed client expectations or collaborated with various teams. We value communication skills highly!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at ABM UK
✨Know Your Security Fundamentals
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of security legislation, compliance, and best practices. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you understand the critical nature of the role and can lead a team effectively.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led large teams or managed complex security operations. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop a high-performing team, as this is crucial for the Head of Security position.
✨Understand Stakeholder Management
Familiarise yourself with the key stakeholders you’ll be working with, especially Chelsea FC. Be ready to discuss how you would build and maintain strong relationships, and provide examples of how you've done this in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think about scenarios where you've had to respond to incidents or manage risks effectively. Be prepared to share these experiences during the interview, as they will demonstrate your capability to handle high-pressure situations and ensure operational excellence.
