At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a modern security strategy for a diverse university.
- Company: University of Westminster, a high-profile institution in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence organisational resilience and engage with senior leaders.
- Why this job: Shape the future of security at one of London's leading universities.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in security leadership and risk management.
The predicted salary is between 74966 - 74966 £ per year.
The University of Westminster is seeking an exceptional Head of Security to lead the development and delivery of a modern, risk-based security strategy across one of London's most diverse and high-profile university estates.
With more than 19,000 students across multiple campuses, the University is committed to creating an environment that is safe, secure and welcoming for all members of its community. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Estates (Facilities & Campus Services), the Head of Security will provide strategic leadership on all aspects of security, resilience and threat management, ensuring the University continues to meet evolving legislative requirements while embedding best practice across the organisation.
This is a highly influential role operating at senior leadership level. The successful candidate will lead the development and implementation of the University's security management framework, oversee a significant outsourced security contract, and act as the University's principal advisor on security matters. The role requires a proactive and intelligence-led approach, encompassing risk assessment, emergency preparedness, major events, critical incident management and stakeholder engagement.
Working closely with senior leaders, external agencies, emergency services and sector partners, the postholder will play a key role in shaping organisational resilience and ensuring the University's security arrangements support its strategic ambitions.
The successful candidate will bring substantial experience gained within a complex and dynamic organisation, ideally with a large-scale, high footfall customer-facing portfolio. They will possess strong strategic and operational security leadership credentials, together with experience of managing risk, influencing senior stakeholders and driving cultural change. Equally important will be the ability to balance security requirements with the creation of an open and welcoming environment, demonstrating excellent judgement, resilience and communication skills.
This opportunity will appeal to an individual who is motivated by the chance to shape a long-term security vision and make a lasting impact on one of London's leading universities.
For a confidential discussion please contact our advisor Rob Cullum of MRG. Applications should consist of a CV and supporting statement. The closing date for applications is 4th October 2026. Interviews are scheduled for w/c 19th October 2026.
Head of Security in London employer: The Management Recruitment Group Careers
The University of Bedfordshire is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that fosters professional growth and innovation. As part of our commitment to the 'Transforming Bedfordshire' Strategy, employees benefit from engaging in meaningful projects that directly impact our vibrant academic community, while enjoying a culture that values diverse perspectives and collaboration. With a focus on strategic development and operational excellence, this role provides a unique opportunity to lead change in a supportive atmosphere dedicated to sustainability and inclusivity.
Contact Details:
The Management Recruitment Group Careers Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Security in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Security 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 The Management Recruitment Group Careers. Whether that's managing a team, conducting risk assessments, or successfully maintaining safety protocols, make this relevant to what we do.
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How to prepare for a job interview at The Management Recruitment Group Careers
✨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 The Management Recruitment Group Careers.
✨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 The Management Recruitment Group Careers.
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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 The Management Recruitment Group Careers.
