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- Tasks: Lead the security team to ensure safety for students, staff, and visitors.
- Company: Fettes College, a prestigious independent school in Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, gym membership, free meals, and pension contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on campus safety while working in a vibrant community.
- Qualifications: Experience in security management and strong problem-solving skills required.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to fostering a safe and caring environment.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: Edinburgh
Annual Salary: £35,000 to £45,000 depending on experience
Working Hours: 40 hours per week. This position may require occasional overnight and weekend hours in the event of staffing shortages due to holidays or sickness. The team operates within a shift system covering daytime hours, overnight hours and weekends (with priority given to maintaining weekend and overnight cover) and it is required that the Head of Security participate in the shift system. There will be certain days in the School calendar where the Head of Security must be available and on duty, for example on Open Days and on Founder’s Day.
Staff Benefits: In addition to being part of a great team you will be entitled to a range of benefits that include:
- 252 hours’ holiday during the School Year (September to August) to be taken at convenient times (generally outside term time).
- Parking within the campus grounds.
- Membership of Westwoods gym and health club which offers a range of excellent fitness and leisure facilities including a 25m swimming pool.
- Free lunchtime meals during term time, and at other times when catering is provided.
- Life insurance scheme.
- Excellent Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
- Opted into the Fettes College Pension Plan after 3 months’ service.
- Access to discounted healthcare, additional life insurance, shopping discounts, etc through our 4me benefits portal.
The Role: The role of Head of Security is a challenging and busy role which is responsible for the safety and security of all students, staff, visitors, buildings and assets of Fettes College. Specifically, you will be involved in delivering and enhancing the overall Fettes College approach and priorities for site Security, providing a smart, friendly and confident welcome to all visitors to the school and maintaining overall responsibility for the management and performance of the Security team. Reporting to the Assistant Bursar you will be responsible for providing competent advice and guidance on all Security matters to the Bursar, Assistant Bursar, Estates Maintenance Manager, Health and Safety Manager and all other employees within Fettes College and Fettes Enterprises. You will work closely and collaboratively with staff to seek solutions to any Security related concerns.
Main Responsibilities: Please see the full Job Description for duties and responsibilities for this role.
The Ideal Candidate: Person Specification
- Prior experience in a security role or offer a good understanding of security management.
- Prior experience managing teams within a complex and/or dynamic environment.
- A proactive approach to problem solving with a willingness to apply oneself to all manner of challenges and tasks to successfully lead the Security team.
- A team player with a positive and sensible approach to work.
- Ability to work independently but also to communicate effectively at all levels and positively engage with all members of the Fettes community.
- Proven ability to demonstrate integrity and discretion.
- Highly organised and resourceful.
- Experience of procurement and contract management, with a sound understanding of cost management and value for money.
About the school/organisation: Fettes College stands on a magnificent site of approximately 100 acres, within walking distance of Edinburgh’s city centre and is a leading HMC co-educational independent boarding and day school, with a Prep school for students starting at age 7 and from September 2025 a Pre-Prep was introduced. Known for its academic excellence, Fettes is unique in Scotland in following the English curriculum of GCSE examinations and the dual pathway of A Level and International Baccalaureate (IB). Fettes has a strong focus on pastoral care and all-round education, providing their students with a place to live, learn, and grow. Founded by Sir William Fettes in 1870, it was originally a boy’s school and started admitting girls in 1970. The main building was designed by one of Scotland's leading architects, David Bryce. We are a community of more than 1000 individuals, made up of just under 700 students and over 300 dedicated staff.
Aims: Fettes College aims to nurture the individual while fostering a happy, well-ordered and caring community with strong family values at its core. To this end, we will do our utmost to ensure our students receive the highest possible quality of education within a boarding environment, feel safe, valued, have a sense of personal worth and are thoughtful and considerate of the needs of others, possessing a willingness to take on responsibility, develop their self-confidence, integrity, emotional resilience, loyalty, good manners and humour, leadership skills and teamwork, value a sense of community and service, and develop a clear sense of right and wrong, equipping them for life beyond Fettes, and are provided with equal opportunities regardless of gender, sexuality, ethnic origin, race, or religion. They are encouraged to stretch and challenge themselves in everything they undertake.
Head of Security employer: George Watson'S College
Contact Detail:
George Watson'S College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Security
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the security field, attend industry events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Head of Security role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Fettes College thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and any recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss your experience managing teams and solving security challenges. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully led a team in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Security
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Security role. Highlight your relevant experience in security management and team leadership. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for Fettes College. Share specific examples of your proactive problem-solving and team management skills.
Showcase Your Team Spirit: We value collaboration, so make sure to mention your experience working with diverse teams. Highlight how you've positively engaged with colleagues and contributed to a supportive work environment.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Fettes College.
How to prepare for a job interview at George Watson'S College
✨Know Your Security Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of security protocols and best practices. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges that Fettes College might face, such as managing a diverse community and ensuring safety during events. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand its unique demands.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the Head of Security, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlight your proactive problem-solving skills and how you’ve fostered a positive team environment.
✨Engage with the Community
Fettes College values community engagement, so be ready to discuss how you would interact with students, staff, and visitors. Think about ways to create a welcoming atmosphere while maintaining security. Showing that you can balance friendliness with authority will set you apart.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions. Ask about the current security challenges at Fettes College or how the security team collaborates with other departments. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
