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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop security teams to ensure a safe campus environment.
- Company: Join a supportive university with a strong commitment to safety and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Generous leave, excellent pension, subsidised healthcare, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student and staff experiences while shaping campus safety.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in security operations and a customer-focused mindset.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and influence.
Location: Birmingham
Salary: £48,822 - £56,535 per annum
Job type: Permanent, Full Time with occasional weekends and evenings
UCB is an equal opportunities employer. We are TEF rated Silver, with a Good Ofsted rating.
The Role:
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Head of Security to lead and develop our Security, Reception, and Campus Safety teams and the evolution to a 'Campus Safety' model. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for students, staff, visitors, and contractors across the University.
Reporting to the Deputy Director of Estates, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across a 24/7 security service, overseeing people, systems, and processes while embedding a strong customer-focused culture and supporting an outstanding student experience.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, manage, and develop the Security, Reception, and Campus Safety teams, promoting high standards of customer service and operational excellence.
- Oversee day-to-day security operations, including control room activity, patrols, incident response, and campus safety arrangements.
- Manage key systems such as CCTV, access control, incident management systems, radios, and car parking operations.
- Ensure effective resourcing and deployment across a 24/7 service.
- Lead incident and risk management, ensuring accurate reporting, escalation, and learning.
- Develop and monitor KPIs to ensure value for money and continuous improvement.
- Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders, Police, and external agencies to prevent and respond to incidents.
You will be an experienced security professional with strong leadership skills and a proven ability to manage complex operations in a customer-focused environment. You will be confident making decisions, managing risk, and leading teams through change.
Why Join Us?
You’ll play a vital role in shaping a safe, inclusive, and welcoming campus environment, working as part of a supportive leadership team with the opportunity to influence strategy, drive improvement, and make a real impact on the student and staff experience.
Benefits:
- Generous allocation of annual leave
- 29 days' paid leave per year
- 12 Bank Holidays & Concessionary Days
- Excellent Local Government Pension Scheme
- Employer Contributions 20.9%
- Subsidised private healthcare provided by Aviva including a Digital GP Service.
- Employee Assistance Programme inclusive of counselling services, financial wellbeing support and bereavement support
- Annual health MOTs with our Registered Nurse
- Excellent staff development opportunities including professional qualification sponsorship
- A variety of salary sacrifice schemes including technology and cycle.
- Heavily-subsidised on-site car parking in central Birmingham
- Free on-site gym membership
Extra Information:
All applicants for employment at the University will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the principles of Safeguarding and the PREVENT agenda in the context of further and higher education.
Closing Date - Tuesday 17th February 2026.
Interview Date - Tuesday 10th March 2026.
Please click APPLY to be redirected to our website to complete an application form.
Candidates with the relevant experience or job titles of; Corporate Security, Security Officer, Security Guard, Experienced Security Officer, Security, Security Enforcement Officer, SIA Licence, SIA Licenced Security Officer, CCTV, Security Support Officer may also be considered for this role.
Head of Security in Birmingham employer: University College Birmingham
Contact Detail:
University College Birmingham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Security in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the security field and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of Security role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the latest trends in campus safety and security management. Show us that you’re not just a candidate, but a thought leader ready to bring innovative ideas to the table!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and improved security operations in your previous roles. We want to see that you can lead with confidence!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our awesome benefits right there!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Security in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in security management and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with our vision for a safe and welcoming campus.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to lead teams and manage complex operations. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others and drive a customer-focused culture, so don’t hold back on sharing your successes!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and achievements, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the Head of Security role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at University College Birmingham
✨Know Your Security Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of security protocols, incident management, and customer service excellence. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in campus safety and be ready to discuss how you would implement these in a university setting.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Security, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in high-pressure situations. Think about how you can inspire a culture of safety and customer focus among your team.
✨Understand the Campus Environment
Research the university's current security measures and any recent incidents that may have occurred. This will help you tailor your responses to show that you understand the unique challenges of maintaining safety in an educational environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during your interview. Think through potential incidents you might encounter and how you would handle them. This could include managing a security breach or responding to a student emergency, so be ready to showcase your problem-solving skills.
