Head of Safety and Security Strategy

The Premier League’s Safety, Security and Operations team sits within the Policy and Social Impact department, leading policy positions on matchday safety, security and service, managing matchday risks and incidents, counterterrorism, stewarding reform, developing standards to improve safety and security, crisis management and maintaining relationships with national policing and public safety bodies.

We are looking for a strategic professional who can demonstrate a background working with or in law enforcement or relevant public policy, alongside other stakeholders. Working closely with the Premier League’s Head of Stadium Safety and Operations, the role will lead the development and implementation of strategy, policy initiatives and stakeholder engagement across the safety and security landscape to ensure Premier League matches remain safe and welcoming for all. The role will oversee the delivery of key strategic programmes for the Premier League.

The Head of Safety and Security Strategy will lead and manage a small team, keeping fans’ safety, security and experience at the heart of operational policy, working closely with club colleagues to keep matches safe, accessible and welcoming while fostering an environment of continuous improvement.

The Role

• Leading the Premier League’s delivery of a strategic partnership with national policing.
• Mapping, management and leadership of key strategic stakeholder relationships relating to safety and security.
• Analysing and responding to public policy developments affecting Premier League stadia and operations.
• Ensuring that the competition calendar can be fulfilled safely and securely for fans.
• Leading the implementation and monitoring of the Premier League’s major incident planning and testing programme relating to matchday safety and security.
• Leading the Premier League’s response to the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025.
• Identifying new approaches to resource management capable of reducing risk and costs.
• Working with clubs on the identification, development and implementation of strategic and operational measures.
• Strategic engagement with key external partners and stakeholders.
• Fostering a culture of evidence- and intelligence-led decision making.
• Managing a small team to deliver a range of safety, security and stadium-focused projects.
• Developing a safety and security team strategy.

Role Requirement

• Relevant experience of developing and leading strategies enabling the delivery of safety and security operations and policies.
• Experience of working at a senior level within the safety and/or policing sectors.
• Experience of leading stakeholder management and consultation across a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Experience of delivering relevant projects including management of budgets.
• Experience of preparing reports, papers and other written materials to a high standard.
• Line management and/or team management experience.
• Experience in major incident planning.
• Management of a devolved budget and accurate reporting against it.
• Enthusiasm to develop and innovate.
• Proven record of escalating issues as required in a safety and security context.
• Comfortable operating in high pressure environments.

Our commitment to safeguarding includes implementing robust safer recruitment procedures to assess the suitability of individuals applying for roles that involve work with children and adults who are or may be at risk of harm. The Premier League is an equal opportunities employer and strives to create an inclusive culture where talent can flourish. We believe in the potential of everyone and open our doors to those who share those values. All appointments will be made based on merit; we particularly encourage applications from women, people from minority ethnic communities, LGBTQ+ people and disabled people. Our hybrid-working model allows you some variety on your place of work, offering the chance to work from home on some days each week.