Interim Head of Security

On the 1 August 2026, The University of Greenwich and the University of Kent formed a pioneering new multi-university group called London and South- East (LASE) University Group. Should you join us, you will be employed by LASE but will work as part of the University of Kent academic division, contributing to its distinct strengths, community and identity while also being part of a wider group that brings together the scale, resilience and shared ambition of both universities. Through LASE we aim to deliver outstanding education, impactful research, and meaningful regional and global impact.

Are you a strategic and tactical thinker with excellent communication skills and an inclusive leadership style. If you have substantial experience managing risk and operational security services within a medium to large sized organisation, plus knowledge of working to SIA Regulations and BS7858 standards, then this is a great opportunity for you.

Join us as Interim Head of Security where you will provide strategic and operational leadership on all security matters, including serious incidents, to ensure appropriate security services are delivered and to reduce the risk of harm to the University community, taking lead responsibility for the effective deployment and management of all security staff to ensure that an effective, customer friendly service is delivered, supporting students, staff, the wider community and other key stakeholders.

As Interim Head of Security you can expect to be involved in:

• Providing strategic and operational leadership on all security matters
• Liaising with stakeholders on all security issues and events to maintain a safe and secure campus for staff, students and visitors
• Advising on all related security, parking enforcement and transport issues
• Developing and implementing University Security Strategy and infrastructure, with related Policies and Operational Guidelines, to ensure all security and services are delivered within recognised legislative guidelines and codes of practice.

What will you bring to the role?

• A high level of education, which could be evidenced through a first degree, professional accreditation or senior service rank or equivalent
• Knowledge of working to SIA Regulations and BS7858 standards
• Substantial experience managing risk and operational security services within a medium to large sized organisation     
• Demonstrable understanding of the security issues relating to the higher education sector.

What we can offer in return:

As a member of our team, you can expect a friendly, open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing. You'll enjoy a range of great staff benefits including:

•   43 days' leave per year (personal leave, bank holidays and additional days allocated for the Christmas period, pro rata for part-time staff)
•   Excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions
•   Corporate employee-funded healthcare plan, in partnership with Benenden Health

For more information about what you can look forward to if you join us, visit our dedicated webpage: Working at Kent

We are ambitious for our people, our communities and the region we serve – join us in making the world a better place. Visit our website for more on who we are: http://www.kent.ac.uk/about/

Please see the links below to view the full job description and to apply for this post. For further information regarding the application process, please contact peopleserviceshr@kent.ac.uk quoting reference number CS-445-26.

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