Head of Security in London

Steeped in history and situated in the heart of Belgravia, The Pembroke stands apart as a unique club for Londoners. From the spirit of our members to the splendour of our events, we are a home for eclectic and excellent living. A place to eat, drink, dance and meet, The Pembroke opens its doors to those who wish to fill their world with the finest experiences, from cocktails to culture, billiards to business. The Security department acts as the invisible shield, ensuring a safe, secure and serene environment.

ROLE OVERVIEW

As we build out our senior operational team, we are looking for an experienced and strategically minded Head of Security to own the club’s entire security framework. The Head of Security holds overall accountability for the safety, security, and licensing compliance of The Pembroke. This is a strategic leadership role with direct responsibility for the security team structure, SOPs, risk management, and the club’s obligations under its premises licence and Operational Management Plan. The Head of Security will be present and engaged across the operation, their primary focus is the integrity of the security framework, ensuring back of house and door security procedures and process are strong and in place. Reporting to the Director of Commercial & Infrastructure and working closely with senior operational leaders, you will build and maintain a security culture that is rigorous on compliance and procedure whilst remaining entirely consistent with the discretion, warmth, and exceptional standards the club demands. At The Pembroke, security and hospitality are paramount – both are non-negotiable in keeping members, staff and guests safe.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Security Strategy & Compliance

• Own and maintain the club’s security SOPs, ensuring they are current, fit for purpose, and understood by all members of the team; review and update procedures following any significant incident or operational change.
• Hold full responsibility for the club’s compliance with its premises licence, ensuring all obligations – including those relating to noise management, access control, parking, and egress – are embedded in day-to-day operations and escalated to the Director of Commercial & Infrastructure where required.
• Oversee the Operational Management Plan and member Terms & Conditions as they relate to security and access; ensure the entire security team is fully briefed on both and applies them consistently.
• Lead event security planning, including risk assessments, staffing requirements, and pre-event briefings; work closely with Head Door Person, Door Team, Events and Operations to ensure security is fully integrated into the event programme.
• Oversee CCTV and surveillance systems, ensuring all footage and data is retained, accessed, and disposed of in strict accordance with GDPR and the club’s data policies; conduct and authorise footage reviews as required.
• Ensure all security team members trainings are up to date and maintain full records of H&S and fire safety training across the team. Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and obligations including RIDDOR.
• Hold accountability for Fire Alarm Panel operations, Fire Warden and Marshall provision across the building, ensuring adequate trained coverage at all times and reviewing deployment in line with staffing levels and the event programme.
• Oversee weekly fire alarm tests, ensuring these are planned, communicated, and recorded; ensure all accidents, near misses, and incidents are reported, logged, and investigated in accordance with the club's procedures, escalating to the Director of Commercial & Infrastructure as required.

• Lead, develop, and manage the security team; oversee recruitment, induction, training, performance management, and ongoing development across all security roles.
• Ensure all SIA badges across the security team are valid and that a current record is maintained at all times; manage the approval and scheduling of agency security staff where required, ensuring all individuals meet the club’s standards before deployment.
• Review and sign off incident reports; identify trends and implement preventative measures; provide regular security updates and compliance reports to the Director of Commercial & Infrastructure.
• Work collaboratively with the Operations, Buildings, and Membership teams to continuously improve security procedures; build and maintain positive relationships with local residents, neighbours, and statutory authorities.
• Ensure weekly rotas for the door team are within budget at all times. Work with the Director of Commercial Operations and Infrastructure to plan and forecast security, training, operational and staffing costs. Look to be efficient on those costs at all times without compromising the levels of security at The Pembroke.

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 4 years substantial senior security management experience, ideally within luxury hospitality, private members’ clubs, hotel or a similarly complex, high-profile venue; a track record of building and leading effective security teams is essential.
• A valid SIA Door Supervisor licence is essential; a relevant higher-level security qualification (e.g. HABC Level 4 Award for Security Management) is advantageous.
• Deep working knowledge of premises licence legislation, licensing conditions, and the obligations of an Operational Management Plan; experience engaging with licensing authorities and local stakeholders directly.
• Strong understanding of CCTV systems, GDPR as it applies to surveillance data, and risk assessment processes; experienced in event security planning and execution.
• A natural leader with the gravitas to command the respect of a security team and the interpersonal intelligence to operate credibly at board level; someone who understands that the security function at a private members’ club must be as discreet as it is robust.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Best-in-class salary
• Family meal on shift
• Industry-leading Learning & Development opportunities
• Pension scheme – including employer contributions.
• Annual staff award ceremony and party
• More benefits to be set up as we open