Protective Security - Senior Operations Specialist in Coventry

We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join our Protective Security Centre of Excellence as a Senior Operations Specialist. In this highly visible role, the role holder will play a critical part in protecting the Group, its people, property and assets by shaping and strengthening our protective security approach across the organisation.

Working at the forefront of security risk management, this role will design, implement and operate integrated protective security systems and countermeasures that are evidence‐based, cost‐effective and proportionate to the threats faced. The role holder will operate across strategic, operational and tactical levels, ensuring that our security arrangements remain robust, adaptable and aligned to a continuously evolving risk landscape.

The role will monitor performance, identify opportunities for improvement and adapt controls where needed, acting as a trusted advisor to stakeholders across the Society. The person in post will have the opportunity to influence meaningful change, driving improvements that enhance security capability and resilience, making a tangible impact in a role with broad reach and responsibility.

This role can operate from our Head Offices in Manchester or Binley, Coventry on a hybrid basis. It will also be expected that you will spend time regularly in our branches and at head office sites.

Our benefits include:

• 28 days holiday a year plus bank holidays and a holiday buy/sell scheme
• Annual discretionary bonus scheme
• Personal pension with enhanced contributions
• Maternity, paternity and shared parental leave
• Extensive wellbeing support
• Life assurance (6 times annual salary)

You’ll have substantial experience in a protective security background at a mid-senior level, with experience in multi-site operations and incident management.

For this role you’ll need to have:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence and motivate others from a protective security background.
• Ability to engage, persuade and influence executives and other senior leaders.
• Excellent decision-making capabilities and experience of managing incidents.
• Ability to be adaptable and resilient, remaining calm under pressure.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in using relevant software applications.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Adaptability and flexibility to navigate changing priorities and evolving business needs.
• The ability to collaborate across organisational levels whilst understanding business objectives.
• Up to date technical and operational knowledge of security systems including standards and codes of practice relating to physical design and architecture, access control systems, intruder alarm systems and CCTV systems.
• Experience of project management and delivery of integrated/networked security systems installations for CCTV, intruder and access control systems and other physical/electronic security architecture.

Experience in these areas would be helpful:

• Working towards CSyP, PSP, CPP, CSMP, CTSP etc.
• Diploma in Security Management is desired.

In 2025, Coventry Building Society purchased The Co-operative Bank. Bringing together our purpose-led building society with the UK’s original ethical bank was the start of an exciting journey. Trusted by over four million people, we’re a mutually owned business free from shareholders, and with our combined experience of almost 300 years, our ethics and dedication will continue to guide us. Together, we have shared values and an ethical approach towards our members, customers and colleagues.

We’re officially recognised as a ‘Great Place to Work’ and our benefits go beyond basic pay, with a discretionary bonus scheme, a culture of reward and recognition and comprehensive support for wellbeing. We’re serious about equality, of race, age, faith, disability, and sexual orientation and we celebrate diversity. By working together, we know you’ll build more than just a career with us.

Flexibility and why it matters

We understand the need for flexibility, so wherever possible, we’ll consider alternative working patterns. Have a chat with us before you apply to see what the possibilities are for this role.

Proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer

We’re proud to offer an interview or assessment to every disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria for our vacancies. As part of the application process, disabled applicants can opt in for the Disability Confident Interview Scheme. If there are ever occasions where it is not practicable to interview all candidates that meet the essential criteria, such as when we receive a high number of applications, we commit to interviewing disabled candidates who best meet the minimum essential and desirable criteria.

We are currently receiving a high number of applications for our roles and, while we review each one carefully against the advertised criteria, unfortunately we're unable to provide individual feedback. We will contact shortlisted candidates directly.