At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safety and security strategy for Premier League matches, ensuring a safe environment for fans.
- Company: Join the Premier League, a global leader in football, inspiring communities and fans worldwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options, inclusive culture, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Encourages applications from diverse backgrounds; commitment to safeguarding and inclusive recruitment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on matchday safety while collaborating with key stakeholders in an exciting environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in safety/policing sectors, strong stakeholder management, and team leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
The Head of Safety and Security Strategy, in close partnership with the Head of Stadium Safety and Operations, leads and manages 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 to all, while fostering an environment of continuous improvement.
Who we are
The Premier League is home to some of the most competitive and compelling football in the world. The League and its Clubs use the power and popularity of the competition to inspire fans, communities and partners in the UK and across the world. The Premier League brings people together from all backgrounds. It is a competition for everyone, everywhere and is available to watch in 900 million homes in 189 countries.
Our hybrid-working model also allows you some variety on your place of work, offering you the chance to work from home on some days each week. Where possible, you will attend the office or site visits in line with our company policy. All staff liaise closely with their line manager to manage their time appropriately and according to their work and team requirements.
The Role
- Leading the Premier League’s delivery of a strategic partnership with national policing
- As part of this project, and more widely, harnessing the power of football to help increase confidence in neighbourhood policing within local communities, using the profile of the Premier League and clubs, to develop positive associations and partnerships between policing and football fans
- Mapping, management and leadership of key strategic stakeholder relationships relating to safety and security. To ensure that, wherever possible, policy developments reflect the requirements of key strategic partners
- 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, while supporting the delivery of key priorities for policing
- Leading the implementation and monitoring of the Premier League’s major incident planning and testing programme relating to matchday safety and security, and leading on the design and implementation of similar projects or policies as they arise
- Leading the Premier League’s response to the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, ensuring that all clubs deliver against relevant requirements
- Identifying new approaches to resource management (policing and football) capable of reducing risk, reducing costs, harnessing new technology and making the best use of data to develop improved and efficient models of event management
- Working with clubs on the identification, development and implementation of strategic and operational measures capable of improving levels of matchday safety, security and service
- Strategic engagement with key external partners and stakeholders, including: national policing bodies, the Sports Ground Safety Authority, (SGSA), Security Industry Authority (SiA), Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS), Home Office, National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO)
- Fostering a culture of evidence- and intelligence-led decision making, information sharing and problem solving across clubs and with external partners as appropriate
- With the Head of Stadium Safety and Operations, managing a small team to deliver a range of safety, security and stadium-focused projects in alignment with business and departmental objectives
- Developing a safety and security team strategy, to support the objectives of the wider department and business
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, e.g. superintendent level in policing, or grade 6 in the civil service. Exceptional candidates at lower grades are also encouraged to apply
- Experience of leading stakeholder management and consultation across a wide variety of stakeholders
- Experience of delivering relevant projects including management of budgets and commissioning of external subject matter experts
- Experience of preparing reports, papers and other written materials to a high standard for a variety of audiences, ideally including external stakeholder groups and internal senior management
- Line management and / or team management experience
- Experience in major incident planning, including managing relationships with relevant official bodies
- Experience of having primary responsibility for managing stakeholder relationships
- Management of a devolved budget and accurate reporting against it
- Enthusiasm to develop and innovate, with an exceptional group of stakeholders, to achieve ever-improving safety, security, service and accessibility standards
- Proven record of escalating issues as required in a safety and security context
- Comfortable operating in high pressure environments
Head of Safety and Security Strategy in London employer: The Premier League
The Premier League is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation meets passion for sports. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a hybrid working model, team members enjoy flexibility while contributing to meaningful projects that impact clubs and fans alike. The inclusive culture fosters collaboration and creativity, making it a rewarding place for professionals looking to advance their careers in technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Safety and Security Strategy in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the safety and security sector, especially those with experience in law enforcement or public policy. Attend industry events or seminars where you can meet potential colleagues or stakeholders who might provide insights into the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with current safety and security policies relevant to sports events, particularly those related to football. Understanding the latest legislation and best practices will demonstrate your commitment and knowledge during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with the Premier League's initiatives on social impact and community engagement. Showing that you are aligned with their values and mission can set you apart as a candidate who truly understands the organisation's goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing stakeholder relationships and leading teams. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex situations in high-pressure environments, as this is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Safety and Security Strategy in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in safety, security, and public policy. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and strategic thinking, particularly in relation to stakeholder management and incident planning.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for safety and security within the context of sports. Discuss how your background aligns with the Premier League's mission and values, and provide concrete examples of your achievements in similar roles.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Clearly outline your experience working with law enforcement or in public policy. Mention any senior-level positions you've held and detail your involvement in developing strategies or policies that improved safety and security operations.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since the role involves preparing reports and engaging with various stakeholders, emphasise your ability to communicate effectively. Provide examples of written materials you've produced for different audiences, showcasing your adaptability and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Premier League
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As the Head of Safety and Security Strategy, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to develop and implement effective strategies. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully led strategic initiatives, particularly in safety or security contexts.
✨Understand Stakeholder Engagement
This role requires extensive collaboration with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you've managed relationships with key partners in previous roles, and highlight your approach to fostering positive associations between policing and community engagement.
✨Prepare for High-Pressure Scenarios
Given the nature of the role, you may face questions about handling high-pressure situations. Think of specific instances where you effectively managed crises or major incidents, and be prepared to explain your decision-making process during those times.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Inclusivity
The Premier League values inclusivity and diversity. Be sure to express your understanding of these principles and share any relevant experiences that showcase your commitment to creating safe and welcoming environments for all fans.
