At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow Prevail's Protective Security Services for high-profile clients.
- Company: Join a leading British intelligence and security firm with a mission for excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy private healthcare, gym membership, professional development days, and more.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in protective security while working with top-tier clients.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in protective security and strong business acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 61816 - 75552 £ per year.
- Description
- About Prevail Partners
Prevail Partners is a leading British intelligence, security and operational support company.
We help governments, NGOs and commercial organisations operate safely and effectively in some of the world's most complex environments by combining intelligence, technology and operational expertise.
Our teams deliver actionable insight that helps clients manage risk, make informed decisions and achieve meaningful operational impact where it matters most.
Our shared mission is to deliver unrelenting excellence in everything we do, underpinned by integrity, curiosity, accountability and care.
About the Role
We are seeking an exceptional Head of Protective Security Services to lead, develop and grow Prevail’s Protective Security capability across ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW), family office, corporate and government clients.
This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for shaping the strategic direction, governance, growth and overall performance of the Protective Security function, ensuring it remains a market-leading and commercially successful service line within Prevail.
Reporting into the senior leadership team, the role will provide strategic leadership and oversight across multiple Protective Security projects and programmes.
While maintaining accountability for operational outcomes, the Head of Protective Security Services will not be responsible for the direct day-to-day management of deployments.
Instead, they will lead and support those responsible for operational delivery, ensuring resources, standards, governance frameworks and performance expectations are aligned to client requirements and Prevail’s commitment to Unrelenting Excellence.
Based in our London office, the role works closely with colleagues across Operations, Commercial, Finance, People, Legal and Intelligence functions.
Frequent travel across the UK is expected, with international travel required as dictated by client and business needs.
Success in this role will be measured through operational excellence, client satisfaction, business growth, capability development and the continued strengthening of Prevail’s Protective Security offering.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and deliver the strategic vision for Prevail’s Protective Security Services capability.
- Develop, strengthen and scale a market-leading Protective Security offering across key client sectors.
- Act as the senior accountable leader for the Protective Security service line, ensuring effective governance, performance and compliance.
- Establish and maintain quality standards, operational frameworks and performance measures to support service excellence.
- Provide leadership, guidance and oversight to Protective Security Operations Managers and senior delivery personnel.
- Maintain strategic oversight of all protective security contracts, projects and deployments, monitoring performance, client satisfaction and operational risk.
- Lead workforce planning, succession planning and capability development to ensure a sustainable and scalable function.
- Support the management of complex operational issues, incidents, escalations and client concerns.
- Build strong partnerships with senior stakeholders across Operations, Commercial, Finance, People, Legal and Intelligence functions.
- Drive business growth by identifying new opportunities, developing strategic relationships and supporting bids, proposals, presentations and client engagements across UHNW, family office, corporate, government and international markets.
- Undertake any other duties and responsibilities deemed appropriate by the Director of Operations, in line with the requirements of the role and the needs of the business.
Requirements
Essential Skills and Experience
- Significant senior leadership experience within executive protection, protective security, protective intelligence, corporate security or a related sector.
- Proven experience building, leading and scaling a protective security capability within a commercial environment.
- Demonstrable success in business development, client acquisition and revenue growth.
- Strong understanding of executive protection, residential security, protective intelligence and security risk management principles.
- Exceptional commercial acumen with the ability to balance operational excellence and business performance.
- Experience leading senior teams and influencing stakeholders across multiple business functions.
- Outstanding relationship management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients, partners and senior leaders.
- Experience overseeing complex security operations, programmes or client portfolios within high-risk or demanding environments.
- Excellent communication, presentation and decision-making skills.
- Willingness and ability to travel frequently across the UK and internationally as required.
Desirable Skills and Experience
- Former military officer or senior non-commissioned officer from a recognised specialist military, intelligence, law enforcement or government security organisation.
- Significant leadership experience within a commercial protective security business.
- Experience supporting UHNW individuals, family offices, government customers or multinational organisations.
- An established professional network within the security, defence, intelligence or private client sectors.
- Current or previous government security clearance.
About You
We are looking for a credible and highly professional leader who can bring judgement, discretion and confidence to a senior Protective Security role.
The ideal candidate will be able to operate effectively in complex, client-focused environments while contributing to a culture of accountability, trust and continuous improvement.
- A calm, credible and considered leadership style, with the ability to make sound decisions in demanding or sensitive situations.
- A high level of discretion, professionalism and personal integrity when working with senior clients and confidential information.
- The confidence to build trust quickly, influence effectively and represent Prevail to a consistently high standard.
- A proactive, improvement-focused mindset, with the motivation to help strengthen and develop a leading Protective Security service.
Benefits
Prevail Partners believes in recognising and rewarding our people.
Our benefits package is designed to support your wellbeing, financial security, professional development, and life beyond work:
Our Benefits Package Includes
- AXA Private Medical Insurance: Fully funded private healthcare cover through AXA.
- Health Shield Cashback Plan: Claim cashback on everyday healthcare costs including dental, optical, physiotherapy, prescriptions, and more.
- Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme: A tax-efficient way to save for your future through pension contributions.
- Employee Assistance Programme: Confidential mental health, legal, financial, and wellbeing support through Health Hero.
- Free Gym Membership & Wellness Perks: Free gym access for London employees at Manor Gym, plus company-sponsored fitness classes each week.
- Enhanced Leave Entitlements: Supporting you through important life moments with flexibility and care.
- Professional Development Days: Dedicated time off to focus on your personal and professional growth through training, courses, or self-directed learning.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Tax-efficient savings on bikes and accessories, available post-probation.
- Season Ticket Loans: Interest-free loans to support annual commuting costs.
- Socials & Team Culture: Company socials every other Thursday, regular run club meetups, plus summer and Christmas events that bring the team together.
- Culture & Development: A values-led culture with collaborative initiatives and meaningful opportunities for personal and professional development.
Head of Protective Security Services in London employer: Prevail
Prevail Partners is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees, offering a comprehensive benefits package that includes private medical insurance, wellness perks, and dedicated professional development days. With a values-led culture that fosters collaboration and accountability, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing to meaningful operational impact in complex environments. Based in London, the company provides unique opportunities for travel and engagement with high-profile clients, making it an attractive workplace for those seeking a rewarding career in protective security services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Protective Security Services in London
✨Join Security Community Events
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✨Connect with Industry Experts
Utilise platforms like LinkedIn to follow and connect with leaders in security services. Engage with their content; it shows your interest and can spark conversations that might lead to job opportunities at companies like Prevail. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for insights or informational interviews!
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✨Directly Apply to Prevail
Don’t forget to apply for the Head of Protective Security Services role directly through our website! It not only ensures that your application is seen by the right eyes but also demonstrates your enthusiasm for joining Prevail.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Protective Security Services in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Certifications:When applying for a full-time position in security services, make sure to showcase any relevant certifications you have, like SIA or other security industry qualifications. This adds credibility and shows that you're serious about your career in this field.
Demonstrate Your Attention to Detail:In security roles, attention to detail is crucial. Use your CV and cover letter to provide examples of how you’ve noticed and addressed security vulnerabilities or hazards in past jobs. This will help us see your proactive approach to ensuring safety.
Tailor Your Experience:Don’t just list duties from previous jobs; instead, frame your experiences in a way that relates directly to the role at Prevail. Whether that's managing a team, conducting risk assessments, or successfully maintaining safety protocols, make this relevant to what we do.
Share Your Availability and Flexibility:Full-time roles often require a degree of flexibility. Make sure to clearly state your availability in your application, especially if you can work various shifts. This shows us your readiness to adapt to the needs of the role at Prevail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Prevail
✨Know Your Security Protocols
In the security services field, it's crucial to familiarise yourself with the latest security protocols and technologies. Brush up on things like surveillance systems, access control, and emergency response procedures. You'll likely face technical questions, so having a couple of solid scenarios or case studies ready can really impress your interviewers at Prevail.
✨Demonstrate Situational Awareness
Prepare to showcase your situational awareness skills. You might be put in hypothetical scenarios where you need to assess potential risks or respond to incidents. Practising how you’d handle these situations ahead of time can give you the confidence to articulate your thought process during the interview.
✨Emphasise Teamwork & Communication
Since security services often rely on effective teamwork and clear communication, be ready to share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight any instances where you’ve had to relay critical information or work closely with other services – this is key for a role at Prevail.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
You can expect a variety of behavioural interview questions focusing on your past experiences and how you've handled challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Sharing specific examples from previous security roles or related jobs will help demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and reliability to the team at Prevail.
