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 safety and security.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in security, excellent communication skills, and experience in high-pressure environments.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ 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.
Security Operations Manager employer: ABM UK
ABM is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the prestigious Chelsea Football Club estate. 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 lead a high-performing security team in a role that not only ensures safety but also fosters continuous improvement and operational excellence in a globally recognised setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Security Operations Manager
✨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
Show off 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 operations and come prepared with ideas on how you can improve their current processes. This shows you're not just looking for a job, but you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for working with ABM and being part of a team that values safety and performance.
We think you need these skills to ace Security Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in security operations, especially in high-profile environments. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Security Operations Manager at Chelsea!
Showcase Leadership Skills:As a key leadership role, it’s essential to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire teams. Share examples of how you've successfully managed large teams and improved service delivery in your previous roles.
Highlight Stakeholder Management Experience:This role involves building strong relationships with clients and stakeholders. Be sure to include any relevant experiences where you’ve effectively communicated and collaborated with various parties to achieve common goals.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly 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 Operations
Familiarise yourself with the specific security operations at Stamford Bridge and Cobham Training Ground. Understand the unique challenges of both non-matchday and matchday environments, and be ready to discuss how you would lead a core team while scaling up for events.
✨Showcase Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've built and maintained strong relationships with clients and stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve effectively reported on performance and risks in past experiences.
✨Demonstrate Operational Excellence
Be ready to discuss your experience in managing large teams and ensuring high-quality service delivery. Share specific instances where you’ve driven operational efficiency while meeting contractual KPIs and service level agreements.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Talk about your approach to fostering a culture of continuous improvement within a security team. Provide examples of how you've identified opportunities to enhance service delivery and reduce risk, especially in fast-paced environments.
