Security Operations Manager in London

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

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 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.