Head of Security

Harrods; City Of London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading luxury department store in London is seeking a Head of Security to lead a multi-faceted team. The role involves delivering security strategies, managing risk, and developing teams to ensure safety for all. The ideal candidate has significant experience in security leadership and a strong operational background, fostering a safe environment for both customers and staff.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in leading large, diverse teams.
• Strong operational and strategic experience in security.
• Ability to influence and engage stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Deliver security strategy and lead a proactive culture.
• Manage budgets and ensure robust security infrastructure.
• Oversee fraud prevention and risk assessments.

Skills

Leadership in security and safety

Knowledge of security strategy

CCTV and physical security systems

Excellent communication skills

Resilience under pressure

Job description

About The Role

As Head of Security, you’ll be responsible for setting the strategic direction and leading a large, multi-faceted team to ensure Harrods remains a safe and secure environment for colleagues, customers, and the wider community. Reporting to the Director of Security & Safety, you’ll balance strategic vision with operational delivery, driving innovation and continuous improvement across the function.

Day to day, you will:

• Deliver the security strategy across the business, embedding a proactive culture of loss prevention and risk mitigation.
• Lead and develop diverse teams across Security Operations, Investigations, and Projects.
• Partner with law enforcement and Counter Terrorism advisors to ensure legal obligations are met.
• Oversee fraud prevention, risk assessments, emergency planning, and business continuity.
• Manage budgets and capital planning, ensuring robust security infrastructure.
• Act as a subject matter expert to senior stakeholders, providing trusted guidance and leadership.
• This is a full-time role that will require flexibility, including occasional evenings, weekends, and public holidays, as well as travel across our sites.

About You

You will be an experienced and confident leader with a proven track record in security and safety. With strong operational and strategic experience, you’ll bring both technical expertise and the ability to inspire and engage teams.

You will also have:

• A wealth of experience leading large and diverse teams.
• Strong knowledge of security strategy, threat assessments, and physical security systems (CCTV, access control, monitoring).
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence and engage at all levels.
• Resilience, calmness under pressure, and the ability to make sound decisions in complex situations.
• A collaborative approach with the ability to build trusted relationships across the business.

About Us

Harrods is one of the world’s leading luxury department stores and a destination for top designers and sought-after brands. Our mission is to make visiting our iconic Knightsbridge store one of the world’s most inspiring shopping experiences.

Our Promise to You

Help us make the impossible possible for our customers, and we’ll help you build an exceptional career. Alongside a friendly, collaborative environment, you’ll have access to abundant opportunities for growth and development across our business.

Uniquely You

At Harrods, we celebrate and invite applications from all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. What makes you unique makes us exceptional.

If you’d like to know more about life at Harrods, search #TogetherHarrods on LinkedIn or follow us on Instagram @togetherharrods.