Head of Security

University of Westminster; Slough; On-site; GBP 67,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Westminster is seeking an exceptional Head of Security to lead a modern, risk-based security strategy across its diverse and high-profile university estate. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Estates, the postholder will provide strategic leadership on security, resilience and threat management, shaping the organisation's approaches to risk and incident response.

This senior role requires influencing stakeholders and driving cultural change.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of a modern, risk-based security strategy across a large, high-footfall university estate.
• Provide strategic leadership on security, resilience and threat management and ensure compliance with evolving legislation.
• Oversee a significant outsourced security contract and act as the principal adviser on security matters.
• Engage with senior leaders, external agencies and sector partners to shape organisational resilience and security arrangements.

Job description

University of Westminster

Head of Security

£67,237 - £74,966 per annum

The University of Westminster is seeking an exceptional Head of Security to lead the development and delivery of a modern, risk-based security strategy across one of London's most diverse and high-profile university estates.

With more than 19,000 students across multiple campuses, the University is committed to creating an environment that is safe, secure and welcoming for all members of its community. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Estates (Facilities & Campus Services), the Head of Security will provide strategic leadership on all aspects of security, resilience and threat management, ensuring the University continues to meet evolving legislative requirements while embedding best practice across the organisation.

This is a highly influential role operating at senior leadership level. The successful candidate will lead the development and implementation of the University's security management framework, oversee a significant outsourced security contract, and act as the University's principal advisor on security matters. The role requires a proactive and intelligence-led approach, encompassing risk assessment, emergency preparedness, major events, critical incident management and stakeholder engagement. Working closely with senior leaders, external agencies, emergency services and sector partners, the postholder will play a key role in shaping organisational resilience and ensuring the University's security arrangements support its strategic ambitions.

The successful candidate will bring substantial experience gained within a complex and dynamic organisation, ideally with a large-scale, high footfall customer-facing portfolio. They will possess strong strategic and operational security leadership credentials, together with experience of managing risk, influencing senior stakeholders and driving cultural change. Equally important will be the ability to balance security requirements with the creation of an open and welcoming environment, demonstrating excellent judgement, resilience and communication skills. This opportunity will appeal to an individual who is motivated by the chance to shape a long-term security vision and make a lasting impact on one of London's leading universities.

The candidate brochure can be viewed here:

view/472231405/

The closing date for applications is 4th October 2026. Interviews are scheduled for w/c 19th October 2026.