Operations Controller

About the University

We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes. 

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

About the College/Department

Our Campus Life and Student Living department is responsible for essential services that significantly impact the student experience. 

Campus Life is all about the various services that enhance the overall student experience, including sports, recreational facilities and community engagement.  Whereas our Student Living teams ensure the safety, comfort and compliance of the University's residential estates.

Whichever team you become a part of; student experience is our focus!

Our security team are key to the University's success. Generally being the first interaction our customers and visitors will have with us, the service they receive will shape their experience. 

About the Role

As an Operations Controller, you’ll play a key role in ensuring the safety and security of our students, staff, and facilities across the University of Derby. Based within our 24/7 Control Room at the Kedleston Road campus, you’ll coordinate all aspects of security operations, from incident response and monitoring CCTV systems to directing on-site teams and liaising with external agencies when required.

You’ll act as the central point of contact for all planned and reactive security activity, ensuring a professional, efficient and customer-focused service at all times. This is a fast-paced and varied role where no two days are the same – requiring quick thinking, sound judgement, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

The full-time working hours for this role are 42 hours per week, working a 4 on 4 off pattern. The shifts are 12 hours (07:00 to 19:00 and 19:00 to 07:00), with a 24/7 rota in place. The salary advertised includes a 20% shift allowance.

Please Note: On appointment, the job title will be "Operations Controller".

About You

You’ll bring proven experience from a control room or security operations environment, with strong situational awareness and the confidence to take the lead during incidents. You’ll have excellent communication and organisational skills, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and the ability to make quick, effective decisions when it matters most.

You’ll be comfortable using CCTV, radio, and access control systems, as well as maintaining accurate records and reports. A customer-focused mindset and the ability to handle sensitive or challenging situations with professionalism are essential.

You’ll hold GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English, along with a full, clean UK driving licence. A current SIA CCTV or Door Supervisor Licence and First Aid at Work Certificate would be advantageous, as would IT competence and experience operating large-scale security systems.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)Local Government Pension SchemeSuite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance ProgrammeAccess to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailersDiscounted onsite gymCycle to Work schemeA flexible working environmentA commitment to personal and professional development

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Amer Shams, Head of Security via [email protected] 

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via [email protected]

Important Information

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and is therefore subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Any information you provide will be treated in confidence and only used when considering your suitability for the post.

To enable us to process your DBS check please ensure you are able to supply the documentation listed on the DBS website at interview stage.

The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

Please visit our website for more information.

The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.

Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here.

Closing Date: 05 Jan 2026

Area: Operational Support

Salary: £36,753 to £38,431 per annum Based on a 42-hour week, inclusive of a 20% shift allowance (for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £44,196 per annum)