Head Of Security

Elesta; City Of London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A family office in London is seeking a Head of Security to oversee all aspects of security for its principals and their assets. Key responsibilities include developing security strategies, ensuring family safety during travel and events, and managing third-party security contracts. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in executive protection and crisis management, particularly within high-net-worth environments.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior security role, ideally within a family office.
• Strong understanding of current security technologies and crisis management procedures.
• Ability to work discreetly and maintain confidentiality at all times.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a robust security strategy tailored to the needs of the principals.
• Ensure the safety and security of family members during travel and events.
• Safeguard family assets, including properties and confidential information.
• Select, hire, and manage third-party security contractors.
• Implement and oversee security technology solutions.

Skills

Discretion

Executive protection

Leadership

Decision-making

Crisis management

Job description

The Head of Security will be responsible for managing and overseeing all aspects of security for the principals, their residences, family members, and assets. This individual will develop, implement, and manage comprehensive security strategies to ensure the safety and protection of the family, both locally and internationally. The ideal candidate will possess a high degree of discretion, professionalism, and experience in executive protection, threat management, and security operations in a Family office setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Security Strategy Development & Implementation
  • Develop and maintain a robust security strategy tailored to the needs of the principals, their family, and residences.
  • Conduct regular risk assessments and security audits, recommending appropriate security measures and improvements.
  • Implement and manage physical security protocols, including access control, surveillance systems, and emergency response procedures for all properties and individuals under the family office’s care.
• Executive Protection & Personal Safety
  • Ensure the safety and security of family members during travel, public events, and at private residences.
  • Coordinate and manage close protection teams, ensuring thorough planning and execution of all personal security arrangements.
  • Oversee travel security plans, including itinerary risk assessments, secure transportation, and vetting of accommodations.
• Asset Protection & Crisis Management
  • Safeguard family assets, including properties, valuable possessions, and confidential information.
  • Establish and manage protocols for responding to emergencies, such as security breaches, medical emergencies, or natural disasters.
  • Lead crisis management efforts and liaise with law enforcement, emergency services, and private contractors as needed.
• Vendor and Personnel Management
  • Select, hire, and manage third-party security contractors, including local and international security providers.
  • Manage a team of security personnel, including residential security officers, chauffeurs, and any other protection staff.
  • Ensure all security personnel are properly trained and compliant with security protocols.
• Technological Integration
  • Implement and oversee security technology solutions, including alarms, surveillance systems, and secure communications networks.
  • Stay updated on emerging security technologies and assess their relevance to the family’s protection needs.
• Confidentiality & Discretion
  • Ensure the highest levels of confidentiality and discretion in all matters relating to the family’s security.
  • Handle sensitive information responsibly and ensure secure storage and management of private data.
• Liaison and Communication
  • Act as the primary point of contact for all security-related matters with the family, principals, staff, and third-party security providers.
  • Provide regular updates and reports to the family office leadership regarding security measures, risks, and incident management.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior security role, ideally within a family office, corporate security, law enforcement, or military setting.
• Extensive knowledge of executive protection, residential security, and asset protection.
• Strong understanding of current security technologies and crisis management procedures.
• Experience in managing teams and working with external security vendors and consultants.
• Ability to work discreetly and maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills, particularly in high-pressure situations.
• Willingness to travel extensively, both domestically and internationally, as required by the family’s needs.
• Ability to adapt to changing security requirements and remain proactive in assessing potential threats.
• Hands‑on and key‑gatekeeper for all the security related matters

Nice to have

• Experience working in high‑net‑worth (HNW) environments.
• Knowledge of international security protocols and legal regulations.
• Certification in personal protection, crisis management, or similar security certifications.