Security Operations Manager in London

Dakin Security Services Ltd. (DSS) is seeking a Security Operations Manager. The Security Operations Manager is responsible for translating the strategic directive into operational output to ensure the ‘best in class’ delivery of security operations across a multi-site corporate client portfolio within the United Kingdom, including a flagship corporate facility in Central London. This is a client-facing leadership role requiring strong operational management capability, commercial awareness, and the ability to interpret strategic directive and demonstrate effective delivery of operations at the tactical and operational levels. The postholder will lead security teams operating on a 24/7 basis, ensuring the protection of people, assets, information, and reputation while maintaining service excellence and regulatory compliance. The role demands a proactive risk management approach, strong stakeholder engagement skills, and the ability to operate within complex corporate environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Leadership

• Lead and manage the delivery of all contracted security services across assigned sites
• Provide leadership and direction to junior managers and officers
• Ensure effective workforce planning, rostering, and resource deployment
• Maintain operational readiness for incidents, emergencies, and crisis situations
• Conduct regular site visits, audits, and performance reviews
• Manage staff vocational and professional development to ensure the highest quality of security officer capability is maintained.

• Understand and apply the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) endorsed Operational Requirements (OR) process and conduct protective security threat, vulnerability and risk assessments, and develop mitigation strategies that are aligned to the client risk appetite
• Ensure compliance with security governance frameworks and industry best practice
• Manage incident response, investigations, and post-incident reviews
• Support business continuity and crisis management planning.

• Act as the primary operational point of contact for the client
• Build strong relationships with corporate stakeholders, landlords, facilities teams, and external partners
• Deliver service review meetings, performance reports, and improvement plans
• Ensure contractual Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are achieved
• Engage with and inform the client regular business review process.

• Ensure compliance with Security Industry Authority (SIA) licensing requirements, health & safety legislation, and corporate governance.
• Maintain standards aligned to recognised frameworks such as:

• ISO 31000 Risk Management
• ISO 18788 Security Operations Management
• ISO 22301 Business Continuity
• ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety
• BS7858

• Recruit, coach, mentor, and develop security personnel
• Drive a high-performance culture focused on professionalism, accountability, and customer service
• Manage disciplinary processes, performance improvement plans, and succession planning
• Promote continuing professional development (CPD) across the team.

• Oversee the effective use of security systems including:

• Access control
• CCTV
• Alarm monitoring
• Incident management platforms

Qualifications & Experience

• Candidates must demonstrate substantial experience and industry recognised qualifications in corporate security leadership, and a degree level qualification in a relevant subject would be desirable:

• Security Management
• Risk Management
• Criminology
• Business Management
• International Security / Protective Security.

• Diploma in Security Management
• PSP (Physical Security Professional – ASIS)
• CPP (Certified Protection Professional – ASIS)
• NEBOSH National General Certificate or equivalent Health & Safety qualification.

• Managing multi-site security operations in a corporate environment
• Strong incident management and crisis response experience
• People management and dealing with human resource matters
• Experience managing unionised or large operational teams (desirable).

• Membership to a recognised professional body (e.g., Security Institute, ASIS International)
• Demonstrated commercial awareness and contract management experience
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret intelligence and risk data
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to influence at strategic level and operate at the tactical level
• Experience within high-profile corporate, financial, pharmaceutical, or technology sectors (desirable).

Working Conditions

• Salary: competitive salary
• 28 days annual leave including public holidays
• Private healthcare
• Professional development opportunities
• Participation in on-call rota
• Requirement to travel across a portfolio of client sites in the UK with occasional overseas travel to client headquarters.

Success Profile

The successful candidate will be a credible security leader who can:

• Influence senior stakeholders
• Deliver operational excellence
• Manage risk pragmatically
• Build strong teams
• Drive continuous improvement.

How to apply

Send a copy of your CV and covering letter to Ryan Pocock at ryan@dakinsecurityservices.co.uk. Closing date for applications is Friday 29 May 2026.