Head of Security

University of East London

Founded in 1898, we at the University of East London (UEL) are proud to change lives through education. Our goal is to advance industry 5.0 careers-first education and provide a clear path to the jobs and opportunities of the future. We’re committed to driving diversity in the 5.0 talent pipeline, working in partnership to promote talent wherever it is found and creating a balanced, inclusive, and green future.

But we can't achieve this goal alone. We need forward-thinking, innovative, and curious individuals like you to join our community and help us craft our future. As part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to work with a diverse range of people who share your passion for creating positive change. We’re an inclusive and welcoming community that is constantly moving forward, never satisfied with the status quo.

About Us

The Estates and Facilities Directorate at University of East London (UEL) plays a critical role in supporting the university’s strategic objectives by delivering a range of services that are essential. Services that include strategic estate planning, campus facilities management and maintenance, security, sustainability initiatives, print services, capital investment, and space management. The directorate ensures that UEL’s physical infrastructure supports both the academic and operational needs of the university, maintaining a safe, functional, and sustainable environment across all campuses. 

The Estates and Facilities team works closely with key Delivery Partners and professional services within UEL, including HR, Procurement, Finance, Strategic Development & Delivery, IT, and Health & Safety. This collaborative approach ensures that all estate-related services are aligned with the university’s wider goals, enabling effective decision-making and the running of the estate. Together, these partnerships support the ongoing enhancement of UEL’s estate, helping to provide a fit for the future environment for students, staff, and visitors. 

About the Job

This is a pivotal leadership position within the Estates and Facilities Directorate. You’ll take charge of delivering a customer focused, safe and secure environment for our diverse and vibrant university community. You will be responsible for creating and implementing a security strategy aligned to the university’s objectives, managing security teams and systems, and leading incident response and emergency planning.

You will be the strategic lead for all security matters, including, customer focus, crime awareness and prevention, risk management, statutory compliance, and stakeholder engagement. You’ll also act as Silver Command in emergencies and represent the university in liaison with the police, emergency services, and external agencies.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage all security operations across campuses.Develop and deliver a modern, customer focused, effective security strategy.Oversee and motivate the in-house security team, supporting performance and professional development.Manage security systems and technologies including CCTV, access control, and fire alarms.Lead on emergency planning, incident management, and business continuity.Work closely with external agencies and internal departments to ensure a coordinated approach to campus safety.Ensure value for money and strong financial management of the security function.

About You

We’re looking for a dynamic and experienced security leader who thrives in a complex, people-focused environment. You will have:

Significant experience managing security operations in large organisations.In-depth knowledge of UK security legislation, compliance, and best practice.Confidence in handling incidents and leading teams in high-pressure situations.Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.A degree in security management, law enforcement, or a related field (or equivalent experience).A relevant professional qualification (e.g., ASIS, CPP).Desirable: experience working in higher education or similar public sector environments.

Benefits Package

Here at UEL we understand it’s about more than just a salary. It’s about the entire package on offer along with our outstanding work environment and inclusive culture. We know the market rates for this vacancy and will offer a genuinely competitive salary DOE.

We care deeply about your wellbeing and our benefits includes: 20% pension (4% from you, 16% from us), 25 days holiday (plus 3 days over Christmas) plus bank holidays, hybrid working for most positions, and we’re always open to consider flexible working arrangements. We have a subsidised gym membership, 3 times base salary life assurance, a cashback healthcare scheme and wide variety of other generous benefits including discounts on: Apple and Samsung products, holidays, clothing, fitness, lifestyle, dining out and weekly shopping.

Equal Opportunities

UEL is an inclusive equal opportunities employer and are proud of our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity achievements, including: zero gender pay gap, members of Stonewall and have won Athena Swan awards. We expect all employees of UEL to accept our EDI policy and will not tolerate discrimination in any form.

So, if you’d like to take your career to the next level with us here at the University of East London and are inspired by our environment and committed to success, we want you to apply today!

Closing Date: 29 Apr 2025

Team: Support - UELPS Ltd

Salary: £61,580 to £70,695 per annum inclusive of London Weighting