Director of Security in London

Director of Security - Central London

Our client is seeking an exceptional Director of Security to lead the security, resilience and life safety agenda across a prestigious mixed-use estate in the heart of Central London.

This is an influential executive appointment, responsible for protecting a dynamic destination comprising commercial offices, retail, hospitality, leisure, public spaces and internationally recognised entertainment venues.

Welcoming millions of visitors each year, the estate presents a complex operating environment requiring strategic leadership, operational excellence and exceptional stakeholder engagement.

Working closely with executive leadership, tenants and public sector partners, you will establish a forward-thinking security strategy that protects people, assets and reputation while supporting an outstanding visitor experience.

The Opportunity

Reporting into senior leadership/Board, you will have overall responsibility for the development, implementation and continuous improvement of the estate's security and resilience programme.

Leading a multidisciplinary security function, you will ensure the highest standards of operational performance, emergency preparedness and regulatory compliance across a busy, high-footfall environment.

This is a visible leadership role requiring the ability to influence at executive level, lead through complex incidents and build trusted relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a long-term security and resilience strategy aligned with the estate's business objectives.
• Provide executive leadership for all physical security operations across the estate, ensuring a safe environment for visitors, occupiers and staff.
• Direct security planning for major public events, live entertainment and high-profile occasions.
• Lead crisis management, business continuity and emergency response arrangements, acting as the senior decision-maker during significant incidents.
• Build strong working relationships with police, emergency services, local authorities and regulatory bodies.
• Drive continuous improvement through governance, performance measurement, audits and security assurance programmes.

Manage outsourced security partners and internal teams, ensuring consistent service delivery and high professional standards.

• Oversee threat and risk assessments, implementing proportionate mitigation strategies across diverse operational environments.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, industry standards and corporate policies relating to security, health & safety and public safety.
• Provide strategic advice to executive leadership on emerging threats, organisational resilience and security investment.

About You

We're looking for an experienced security leader who combines strategic vision with strong operational capability.

• You will have a proven track record of leading security within large, complex estates or high-profile public environments where safety, customer experience and business continuity are equally important.

You will also demonstrate.

• Extensive senior leadership experience within corporate security, public safety or protective services.

Strong knowledge of security risk management, crisis response and emergency planning.

• Experience overseeing security within multi-site, mixed-use or high-footfall environment.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to inspire teams and influence senior stakeholders.
• A collaborative approach to working with landlords, occupiers, contractors, public authorities and emergency services.

Experience managing outsourced security contracts and service providers.

• Strong understanding of UK legislation, regulatory requirements and recognised security best practice.
• Outstanding communication, decision-making and stakeholder engagement skills.

Desirable Qualifications

• CPP, CSMP, PSP or equivalent professional security qualification.
• NEBOSH General Certificate or other recognised Health & Safety qualification.
• Formal qualifications or training in Crisis Management, Business Continuity or Incident Command.

Why Apply?

This is a rare opportunity to shape the security strategy for one of London's most prominent destinations.

You will join a progressive organisation that recognises security as a critical business function, offering the opportunity to make a genuine strategic impact while leading a highly visible and respected security operation.