At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead security operations across 600+ stores, ensuring safety and resilience.
- Company: Join M&S, a renowned retail brand committed to innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and tailored training from day one.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team driving change in the retail industry.
- Why this job: Shape the future of security while making a real impact in retail.
- Qualifications: Strong communicator with expertise in security legislation and risk management.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We’re 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.
Everyone’s welcome. We are ambitious about the future of retail. We’re disrupting, innovating and leading the industry into a more conscientious, inspiring digital era. We’re transforming how we work together and offering our most exciting opportunities yet. 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. If you feel you'd benefit from any support or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to let us know when completing your application. This information will be picked up by our team, so we can try and put steps in place to help you be at your best through this process.
Lead Security Operations Manager employer: Marks & Spencer
At M&S, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive and dynamic employer, offering a unique opportunity for a Lead Security Operations Manager to shape the future of security across our extensive network of stores. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including a generous colleague discount, discretionary bonuses, and comprehensive wellbeing support, we foster a culture of collaboration and innovation. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying a rewarding career in one of the UK's most iconic retail brands.
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 practices and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for their mission and how you can contribute to their future.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around leadership and risk management. We want to see how you handle challenges and inspire teams, so be ready to share specific examples from your experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead 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. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Lead Security Operations Manager, we want to see how you've inspired and developed teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you've driven change and achieved results in your previous roles.
Demonstrate Your Knowledge:Highlight your understanding of security legislation and risk management principles. We’re keen to see how you’ve applied this knowledge in real-world situations, so don’t hold back on the details!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with M&S.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks & Spencer
✨Know Your Security Legislation
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of security legislation and risk management principles. Being able to discuss relevant laws and how they apply to the role will show that you're not just a leader, but a knowledgeable one.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Lead Security Operations Manager, you'll need to build strong relationships. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with teams and external partners in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to inspire and lead.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling incidents like burglary or robbery. Think through your past experiences and be ready to share specific examples of how you managed these situations, focusing on your decision-making process and outcomes.
✨Highlight Your Data Analysis Skills
Since the role involves data analysis and reporting, be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform decisions in previous roles. Bring examples of reports you've created or insights you've derived from data to showcase your analytical skills.
