At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead security operations to protect colleagues, customers, and company assets across 600+ stores.
- Company: Join M&S, a leading retail brand committed to safety and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and 24/7 wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping the future of security in retail.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in security management required.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team driving change in the retail industry.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
As an Operational Security Manager, you are responsible for creating a safe and secure environment for colleagues and customers while protecting company assets and brand reputation. Acting as the primary point of contact for operational security across stores, support centres, and distribution sites, you will lead efforts to reduce losses from internal and external threats. The role involves managing third-party security services, ensuring compliance with security policies, and driving continuous improvements in security operations to mitigate risk and enhance overall performance.
We are looking for a strategic and influential Security Leader to shape and lead the future of security operations at M&S. This is a high-impact role where you will oversee security across 600+ stores nationwide, ensuring the safety and resilience of one of the UK's most iconic retail brands. You will take full accountability for the delivery and optimisation of a multi-million-pound security partnership, driving operational excellence while setting the vision and roadmap for the next generation of security solutions. Reporting directly to the Head of Security & Fraud, you'll play a pivotal role in steering strategy, managing risk, and leading innovation in security practices across our estate.
What You'll Do
- Provide expert guidance to ensure compliance with security policies and procedures.
- Support stores with timely advice on incidents such as burglary, robbery, and violence.
- Maximise the use of security equipment including CCTV, alarms, and access control systems.
- Collaborate with third-party suppliers to improve service quality and value.
- Build strong relationships across the business to embed best practices and deliver strategic security initiatives.
Who You Are
- A strong communicator who builds relationships internally and externally.
- A leader who inspires and develops teams to perform at their best.
- Results-driven, with the ability to prioritise and deliver impactful outcomes.
- Recognises and rewards high performance while supporting improvement.
- Comfortable driving change and embedding lasting improvements.
What You'll Bring
- In-depth knowledge of security legislation and risk management principles.
- Ability to identify threats and implement proportionate solutions.
- Skilled in data analysis and reporting to inform decisions.
- Experience working with law enforcement and external agencies.
- Proficiency in using security systems and delivering training workshops.
What's in it for you:
- 20% colleague discount on all M&S products and many third-party brands for you and someone in your household, available once you've completed your probation.
- Competitive holiday allowance with the option to buy more.
- Discretionary bonus schemes linked to your performance and ours.
- Strong pension and life assurance to help plan for the future.
- Tailored induction and training to support your development from day one.
- Exclusive perks and savings through our M&S Choices portal.
- Market-leading family policies, including parental, adoption and neonatal leave.
- 24/7 wellbeing support, including virtual GP access and mental health services.
- One paid volunteer day a year to support a cause that matters to you.
Marks & Spencer strives to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers and suppliers. Join us and make change happen. We are committed to building diverse and representative teams, where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and be at their best. We support each other and work together to win together.
Lead Security Operations Manager employer: Marks and Spencer
Contact Detail:
Marks and Spencer Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Security Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at M&S on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching M&S's security policies and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about enhancing our security operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering behavioural questions. We want to hear about specific situations where you’ve led teams or improved security measures—make those stories shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the M&S family.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Security Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Security Savvy: Make sure to highlight your in-depth knowledge of security legislation and risk management principles. We want to see how you can identify threats and implement effective solutions, so don’t hold back on sharing your expertise!
Communicate Clearly: As a strong communicator, it’s essential to demonstrate your ability to build relationships both internally and externally. Use your application to showcase examples of how you've inspired teams or collaborated with others to achieve results.
Be Results-Driven: We’re looking for someone who prioritises impactful outcomes. In your application, share specific examples of how you’ve driven change and delivered improvements in previous roles. Numbers and data can really help illustrate your success!
Apply Early!: Due to high interest in this role, we recommend applying as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the last minute—get your application in through our website and make sure you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks and Spencer
✨Know Your Security Legislation
Brush up on your knowledge of security legislation and risk management principles. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to the role and how you can ensure compliance across various sites.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a potential leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to inspire and develop teams. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past and how you plan to motivate your future colleagues.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life security scenarios, such as handling incidents of burglary or violence. Think through your approach to these situations and be ready to articulate your thought process.
✨Build Relationships and Collaborate
Highlight your experience in building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Discuss how you would collaborate with third-party suppliers to enhance service quality and drive strategic security initiatives.