Head of Community Safety and Security

About the role

We are seeking to recruit an innovative and experienced Head of Community Safety and Security to lead a diverse and expanding Team across all Imperial campuses. You will be committed to following the Imperial Values & Behaviours framework of Respect, Collaboration, Excellence, Integrity, and Innovation.

This is a pivotal role responsible for fostering and maintaining a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for 8,000 staff, 22,000 students and visitors, and we are looking for a candidate who is inclusive, committed and knowledgeable. You will be someone who can spearhead the services and instil an approachable and excellent service that is fundamental to the fabric of the Imperial community. In line with both Imperial’s academic and cultural excellence, you will need to be first-in-class on not just the ‘what’, but also the ‘how’; someone who can imbue energy paired with excellence, is credible and resilient.

What you would be doing

You will be a motivational and inspiring Team Leader who will be able to refresh and reassess what a modern security service means. Supported by an experienced Senior Management Team you will be required to deliver an efficient and cost-effective service whilst maintaining a tailored approach to security services that is suited to a Higher Education environment.

You will be required to have a thorough understanding of the security landscape and how Imperial’s positioning within it can be ensured. You will be asked to advise and support events, master-planning and divisional and faculty initiatives, expected to enable activities and communicate effectively with your colleagues.

You will be responsible for providing strategic leadership for the Community Safety and Security Department which includes a dedicated team across Security Operations, Security Technical Services, ID Card Office and Car Parking across all Campuses, with an annual budget of circa £7.2 million. With supplementary staff provided by an external contractor at specific sites, you will also be required to engage in contract management and stakeholder relations with external partners and staff.

You will also provide support to the Director of Residential and Community Services by taking on additional projects, as and when required.

The role will require flexibility to deal with emergencies out of hours throughout the year (including Bank holidays, Imperial Closures, evenings and weekends) and to attend and perform duties at all Imperial locations.

What we are looking for

• A Security Professional or Facilities Operational Manager who has security and personal safety as part of their remit either at a major academic institution or large multi-site corporate organisation
• Proven leader, organiser and effective team player who can inspire, motivate a team and embed the University’s values
• Ability to deal diplomatically with a large number of staff at all levels, (Union experience beneficial) coupled with an understanding of the ethos and requirements of a major academic institution
• Previous experience of policy formulation, strategic planning and management of a portfolio of Security Services and Operations at a senior management level across a multi-site estate to deliver continuous innovation and improvement to standards
• Substantial experience of strategic management of setting, forecasting, and controlling budgets
• Risk management experience, including maintenance of risk registers and supporting departments in the management of risks
• Experience of dealing with high profile VIPs, potentially high-risk events and successful liaison with high ranking internal and external agencies
• Experience of invitation to tender and successful contract monitoring against SLA’s and KPI’s
• Adaptable and agile approach and calm in a crisis

What we can offer you

• Career development training
• A company pension scheme
• A reduced rate in our sports centre
• Interest-free season ticket/cycle loan schemes
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 38 days off a year)

Further information

To arrange a briefing discussion please contact our retained advisors at The Management Recruitment Group:

• Michael Hewlett hewlett@mrgglobal.com

• Sian Gardiner gardiner@mrgglobal.com

Applications should consist of a CV and a Covering Letter and should be sent to

michael.hewlett@mrgglobal.com

The closing date for applications is Sunday 16th March 2025

Interviews at Imperial are schedule for Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th March 2025

The further particulars can be viewed at Head of Community Safety & Security

Available documents