Protective Security Operations Manager in London

We are seeking an experienced Protective Security Operations Manager to oversee the delivery of protective security services across a portfolio of UHNW and private client projects. Based from Prevail’s London office, the role will involve frequent weekly travel to client residences, operational sites and stakeholder meetings across the UK. The successful candidate will provide operational leadership, team management, client coordination and assurance across multiple protective security deployments. The role requires operational credibility, strong client facing judgement, commercial awareness and a sound understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements relevant to protective security delivery. The successful candidate will also act as the main point of contact for Prevail’s HR and Finance teams in relation to these services.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee protective security operations across multiple UHNW and private client projects.
• Manage and support RST, CPO and associated protective security personnel.
• Maintain standards of conduct, appearance, readiness, reporting and professional discipline.
• Conduct regular site visits to review delivery, risks, standards and team performance.
• Coordinate effectively with clients, household staff, security advisors, site teams and Prevail leadership.
• Support planning for residential security, movements, events, travel and changes to client requirements.
• Review and improve SOPs, post orders, reporting processes and escalation procedures.
• Identify operational gaps, emerging risks, service issues and areas for improvement.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, training and performance management of security personnel.
• Ensure personnel meet relevant licensing, screening, medical, safeguarding and client requirements.
• Maintain oversight of rosters, leave, absences and shift changes across assigned projects.
• Ensure appropriate cover, continuity, fatigue management and clear communication with site teams.
• Review timesheets, deployment records, expenses and invoice inputs to ensure they are accurate, evidenced and aligned with agreed scope, rates and contractual terms.
• Act as the main point of contact for Prevail HR and Finance on personnel changes, onboarding, screening, payroll inputs, invoicing queries and contract administration.
• Monitor delivery against agreed scope, service expectations, rosters, chargeable activity and contractual obligations.
• Escalate issues relating to compliance, staffing, overtime, expenses, scope creep, cost, service quality or client risk.
• Support proposals, renewals, audits, assurance activity and client reviews with practical operational input.

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience managing protective security, residential security or close protection operations.
• Experience overseeing security delivery across multiple sites, clients or teams.
• Strong understanding of UHNW, private client or sensitive residential security environments.
• Experience leading mixed teams, including RST and CPO personnel.
• Experience managing rosters, shift patterns, leave, absences and short notice operational changes.
• Ability to review timesheets, deployment records, expenses and invoice inputs with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Confidence acting as the operational interface with HR and Finance teams on staffing, payroll, invoicing and contract administration matters.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to balance operational standards, client expectations, resourcing and business priorities.
• Working knowledge of relevant regulatory and compliance requirements, including SIA licensing, BS7858 screening, safeguarding, duty of care, information handling and contractual delivery obligations.
• Sound understanding of threat assessment, hostile reconnaissance, surveillance awareness and protective security planning.
• Excellent written reporting and verbal briefing skills.
• High standards of personal presentation, judgement, discretion and professional conduct.
• Ability to work from a London office and travel frequently to client sites each week.
• Legal right to work in the UK.

Desirable

• Valid SIA Close Protection Licence.
• Military, police, government security, intelligence or specialist protective security background.
• Experience managing security for UHNW families, private estates, diplomatic clients or high profile individuals.
• Experience developing SOPs, team structures, rosters, training plans and assurance processes.
• Surveillance, counter surveillance or hostile reconnaissance detection experience gained in an operational context.
• First aid qualification such as FREC 3, FPOS or equivalent.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for a mature, credible and steady operator who can manage multiple sensitive protective security projects without creating unnecessary friction or visibility. The right person will combine operational credibility with commercial judgement and compliance discipline. They will understand that effective protective security is about trust, discretion, planning, service, consistency and the ability to make clients feel safe without disrupting their lives.

What We Offer

• Gym Access & Wellness Discounts: Access to discounted memberships and gym facilities for London-based employees.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Tax‑efficient savings on bikes and accessories, available post‑probation.
• Season Ticket Loans: Interest‑free loans for annual commuting costs.
• Private Medical Insurance: Fully funded cover through Axa after two years’ service.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Confidential mental health, legal, financial and wellbeing support via Health Hero.
• Enhanced Leave Entitlements: Supporting you through important life moments with flexibility.
• Professional Development Days: Dedicated time off to focus on your personal and professional growth through training, courses, or self‑directed learning.
• Pension Scheme: Access to a flexible defined contribution pension through NatWest Cushon, with a salary exchange option. Contributions start at 5% employee and 3% employer, with the potential to adjust based on your preferences and financial goals.
• Culture & Development: A values‑led culture with regular social events, collaborative initiatives, and meaningful opportunities for personal and professional development.