Head of Security in Leeds

Position: Head of Security & Personal Protection

Do you have the right skills and experience for this role Read on to find out, and make your application.

Reports to: Group CEO / Board of Directors

Salary: £50,000

Location: UK Wide - mainly based from Leeds

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

About YDS Group

YDS Group is a dynamic, fast-growing organisation with diverse business interests and a portfolio of high-value sites. We pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence, risk management, and duty of care for our people, assets, and partners. As part of our continued growth, we are seeking an experienced and highly professional Head of Security & Personal Protection to oversee all aspects of group security, risk and insurance management, while also providing personal protection services to senior leadership.

Role Overview

This is a dual-role position combining leadership of YDS Group’s overall security strategy with personal bodyguard responsibilities for the Group CEO and/or other senior executives. The successful candidate will ensure the protection of people, property, and reputation, manage insurance and risk exposures (with particular expertise in UK building insurances and regulations), and ensure compliance with all relevant laws and security standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Executive & Personal Protection
• Provide personal bodyguard services to the Group CEO and senior leadership, ensuring their safety and privacy at all times.
• Conduct threat and risk assessments for executive movements, events, and international travel.
• Maintain a discreet yet effective presence, with full situational awareness.

Security Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive security and risk management strategy across YDS Group.
• Lead, train, and manage internal security staff and external providers.
• Oversee the security of high-value sites and assets across the Group.

Insurance & Risk Management

• Manage all insurance policies and claims for the Group, including specialist UK building insurances.
• Ensure compliance with UK building regulations and risk requirements to maintain adequate cover.
• Act as the primary liaison with insurers, brokers, and regulators.

Legal & Compliance

• Maintain in-depth knowledge of UK security laws, private security licensing (SIA), and data protection regulations.
• Ensure all security operations comply with relevant legislation and industry standards.
• Prepare reports and risk assessments for the Board on compliance and incident management.

Operational Security

• Oversee physical security systems and measures across high-value sites, including access control, surveillance, and incident response.
• Conduct regular site audits and inspections.
• Lead crisis management, emergency planning, and business continuity protocols.

Candidate Profile

Essential:

• Extensive experience in close protection / personal bodyguarding (ideally at corporate or UHNW level).
• Strong track record in leading corporate security functions, with responsibility for multiple high-value sites.
• Detailed knowledge of UK building insurance policies and compliance with building regulations.
• Comprehensive understanding of UK security law, regulatory frameworks, and SIA requirements.
• Excellent leadership, organisational, and crisis management skills.
• Discretion, integrity, and ability to operate at board and executive level.

Desirable:

• Accredited qualifications in close protection, corporate security, or risk management.
• Experience in liaising with law enforcement, insurers, and regulators.
• Military, police, or government protective services background.

Package & Benefits:

• Competitive executive-level salary & performance bonus
• Comprehensive insurance and benefits package
• Access to professional training and development
• Opportunity to work within a high-profile, fast-growing group with significant responsibility