Head of Security in London

Head of Security in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
SSR Personnel

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead security operations and ensure a safe environment for visitors and staff.
  • Company: Join one of the UK's top cultural and entertainment destinations in London.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on public safety and security in a vibrant setting.
  • Qualifications: Significant experience in security leadership and strong risk management skills.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Our client is one of the UK’s most visited cultural and entertainment destinations in London, bringing together culture, creativity and technology. This is a high-profile, high-footfall environment where innovation and public experience are at the core.

The Head of Security is the strategic lead for all security, emergency management, public safety, and health & safety compliance across the estate. This role ensures a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for visitors, staff, and partners, while acting as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on risk, resilience, and crisis management.

The Job

  • Lead all security operations including guarding, control room, and surveillance systems.
  • Set standards and manage internal teams and external security providers.
  • Oversee event security planning and delivery and ensure a visible, customer-focused security presence.
  • Develop and implement security strategies aligned to organisational goals.
  • Conduct threat and risk assessments; advise leadership on mitigation strategies.
  • Manage security contracts and tender processes.
  • Act as primary liaison with key partners (e.g. police, emergency services, local authorities).
  • Represent the organisation at industry forums and safety groups.
  • Advise on security planning for venues and high-risk events.
  • Develop and oversee crowd management and event safety plans.
  • Lead Safety Advisory processes and ensure compliance for live events.
  • Support teams with best practice, training, and post-incident reviews.
  • Develop and maintain emergency and business continuity plans and lead response to incidents and major events.
  • Ensure readiness through training, exercises, and continuous improvement.
  • Build and lead a high-performing security team and set KPIs, monitor performance, and report to senior leadership.
  • Promote a culture of professionalism, vigilance, and continuous improvement.

The Person

  • Significant security leadership experience in high-footfall environments (e.g. retail, events, venues, or stadia).
  • Strong knowledge of risk management, crowd safety, and security operations.
  • Experience managing vendors, budgets, and projects.
  • Understanding of UK security and health & safety legislation.
  • Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and decision-making skills.
  • Relevant qualification in Security, Risk Management, or similar (Level 5+).
  • Health & Safety qualification (e.g. NEBOSH) preferred.
  • Professional membership (e.g. Security Institute, IOSH, IRM) desirable.
  • Calm under pressure with sound judgement.
  • Proactive, solutions-focused mindset.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Flexible and adaptable approach.

Head of Security in London employer: SSR Personnel

As a leading cultural and entertainment destination in London, our client offers an exceptional work environment that prioritises innovation and public experience. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic team dedicated to ensuring safety and security. The vibrant atmosphere of London, combined with the chance to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to high-profile events, makes this an attractive opportunity for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
SSR Personnel

Contact Detail:

SSR Personnel Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Security in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the security industry, attend events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your achievements in security leadership, risk management, and event safety. This will not only impress potential employers but also give you confidence during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their security challenges and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Tailor your responses to demonstrate how you can contribute to their goals.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Security in London

Security Leadership
Risk Management
Crowd Safety
Security Operations
Vendor Management
Budget Management
Project Management
UK Security Legislation
Health & Safety Compliance
Communication Skills
Stakeholder Management
Decision-Making Skills
Emergency Management
Crisis Management
Interpersonal Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Security role. Highlight your relevant experience in security leadership, risk management, and crowd safety. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past achievements in high-footfall environments and how they relate to the job description.

Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your key skills like communication, stakeholder management, and decision-making. We’re looking for someone who can lead a high-performing team, so make sure we see that in your application!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at SSR Personnel

✨Know Your Security Fundamentals

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of security operations, risk management, and crowd safety. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your expertise in these areas, especially in high-footfall environments.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As the Head of Security, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare to talk about your leadership style and how you've built high-performing teams in the past. Think of instances where you set KPIs and monitored performance, and be ready to share those success stories.

✨Understand the Bigger Picture

This role requires a strategic mindset. Familiarise yourself with the organisation's goals and how security aligns with them. Be prepared to discuss how you would develop and implement security strategies that support these objectives.

✨Communicate Like a Pro

Excellent communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might be asked to explain complex security concepts to non-experts, so think about how you can simplify your explanations while still conveying the necessary details.

Head of Security in London
SSR Personnel
Location: London

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