Area Support Officer

Manchester Arndale; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

OCS UK & Ireland is seeking a professional Area Support Officer to provide flexible security cover across multiple client locations in and around Portsmouth. You will monitor site activity, perform patrols, maintain logs, respond to incidents and support operational continuity through flexible deployment.

The role requires a Right to Work in the UK, a valid SIA Licence, BS7858 vetting, a UK driving licence and good interpersonal and computer skills.

Qualifications

• Right to Work in the UK and BS7858 vetting requirements.
• Valid SIA Licence is mandatory.
• UK driving licence and access to own vehicle preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Proficiency with computer systems and security software is expected.
• Attention to detail and vigilance in a busy site environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional security cover across multiple client sites with high service standards.
• Conduct regular site patrols and inspections per site procedures.
• Monitor premises visually and via CCTV, respond to alarms and incidents.
• Record activities, incidents and logs accurately for audit purposes.
• Ensure access control procedures follow site requirements and safety protocols.
• Maintain professional image and customer service at all times.

Skills

Right to Work in UK

BS7858 vetting

SIA Licence

UK Driving Licence

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Tools

CCTV Systems

Access Control Systems

Security Systems

Job description

About The Company:

OCS UK & Ireland is a leading facilities management company with 50,000+ colleagues and a turnover in excess of £2bn. We deliver innovative, award-winning services within facilities management, hard services, cleaning, security and catering.

Our mission is to make people and places the best they can be for our colleagues, customers and the communities we serve. Our commitment to doing business the right way is rooted in our TRUE values -Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment.

Why Work for OCS?

Award-Winning Employer: Ranked 36th on Glassdoor’s Best Companies to Work For 2025 — we value and motivate our people.

Digital Learning: The OCS Academy offers digital courses and resources to help you build skills and grow your career.

Retail Perks With our Hapi app, you can gain access to exclusive discounts, rewards and wellbeing resources.

Professional Growth: 600+ live learners across UK&I — Empowering colleagues with further development and qualifications!

Flexible Pay: Access a portion of earned wages before payday with our Wagestream App! (Contract Specific)

About The Role:

Days of Working:This is a mobile, multi-site role, requiring flexibility to support operational needs around Portsmouth, shift patterns will vary depending on site requirements.

We are seeking a professional, reliable, and adaptable Area Support Officer to provide flexible security cover across multiple client locations. This role requires an individual who can quickly adapt to different environments, maintain high standards of professionalism, and deliver a first-class security service while ensuring the safety and security of people, property, and assets.

The successful candidate will be responsible for monitoring site activity, conducting patrols, maintaining accurate records, responding to incidents, and supporting operational continuity through flexible deployment across designated sites.

As part of your role, your key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Provide professional security cover across multiple client sites, ensuring a consistently high standard of service delivery.
• Conduct regular site patrols and inspections in accordance with assignment instructions and site-specific procedures.
• Monitor premises visually and via CCTV systems, responding appropriately to alarms, incidents, and security alerts.
• Support the safety and security of people, property, assets, and premises at all times.
• Record vehicle movements, visitor access, contractor attendance, and all site activities, maintaining accurate logs and daily occurrence records.
• Monitor site activity and report suspicious behaviour, security breaches, or operational concerns promptly.
• Ensure access control procedures are followed in accordance with site requirements and security protocols.
• Maintain accurate security records, incident reports, and operational documentation.
• Ensure all duties are completed in line with assignment instructions, company policies, and client requirements.
• Comply with company Health & Safety policies, procedures, and management plans at all times.
• Provide flexible support across multiple locations, adapting to varying environments and operational requirements.
• Cover annual leave, sickness absence, and other staffing shortfalls as required to maintain service continuity.
• Demonstrate flexibility in relation to working patterns, shift schedules, and deployment locations.
• Deliver excellent customer service and maintain positive working relationships with clients, visitors, contractors, and colleagues.
• Present a professional image at all times as an ambassador for both OCS and the client.

The ideal candidate should meet the following criteria:

• Must have the Right to Work in the UK and ability to pass BS7858 vetting.
• Valid SIA Licence.
• UK Driving licence and use of own vehicle*
• Confident computer literacy and ability to operate security systems.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with individuals at all levels.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to remain vigilant in a busy environment.
• Professional approach with high standards of personal presentation.

Desirable:

• Previous experience within a security environment.
• Experience using CCTV and access control systems.
• Flexible approach to working across multiple sites.

We are an equal opportunities employer and rely on a diverse workforce with a broad range of knowledge, skills, and backgrounds to deliver our goals. We offer an inclusive and welcoming environment and actively encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age.