Head of Security

Contract: Permanent, Full Time with occasional weekends and evenings

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

Interview Date: Tuesday 10 March 2026

Standard Information:

UCB is an equal opportunities employer.

University College Birmingham is proud to be TEF rated Silver, with a Good Ofsted rating

UCB has achieved the Investors in Diversity Bronze Award.

All applicants for employment at the University will be expected to undertake an Enhanced Check with the Disclosure and Barring Service prior to commencement.

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.  

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