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 safety and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 24/7 GP access, mental health support, fitness programmes, and exclusive employee perks.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a fast-paced, exciting sports environment.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a high-profile environment, making a real impact on security and safety.
- Qualifications: Proven senior security leadership experience and strong stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.
LOCATION: Chelsea
SHIFT PATTERN: as required, 45 hours per week
SALARY: Competitive
If you require any additional support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please don't hesitate to contact our Recruitment Department at recruitment@abm.com. We're here to help!
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
We’re proud to offer a great range of benefits including:
- 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:
- Perks: 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
For more information about ABM’s benefits, visit our 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 in London 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 growth, ABM provides comprehensive benefits including mental health support, flexible working arrangements, and access to exclusive perks, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration. Join us in a role that not only values your expertise but also empowers you to make a significant impact in a high-profile setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Security in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the security industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on articulating your experience in security leadership and how it relates to the role at ABM.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Security in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Security role. Highlight your relevant experience in security leadership, especially in high-profile environments like stadiums or large events. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about leading teams and managing operations. Use your application to demonstrate your experience in managing large teams and delivering high-quality service. Share specific examples that show how you've inspired and developed your team in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the important stuff!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company there!
How to prepare for a job interview at ABM UK
✨Know Your Security Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of security operations, especially in high-profile environments like stadiums. Be ready to discuss your experience with event security and how you've managed large teams in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Security, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've led teams, handled crises, and improved security operations. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop your team.
✨Understand Stakeholder Management
Familiarise yourself with the key stakeholders you'll be working with, such as Chelsea FC. Be prepared to discuss how you've built relationships in previous roles and how you plan to maintain trust and communication with clients.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle specific incidents or emergencies. Think through potential scenarios related to matchdays or major events and outline your approach to incident response and risk management.
