Head of Security (50075604)

University of Westminster; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Westminster invites applications for a Head of Security to lead a modern, risk-based security strategy across its multi-campus estate in London. The role reports to the Deputy Director of Estates and requires strategic leadership on security, resilience and threat management.

Key responsibilities include overseeing a large outsourced contract, advising on security matters, risk assessment, emergency planning and major events coordination to ensure a safe, welcoming environment

Qualifications

• Strong strategic and operational security leadership credentials.
• Experience in risk assessment and threat management.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive cultural change.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of a modern, risk-based security strategy for the university estate.
• Oversee a significant outsourced security contract and act as principal advisor on security matters.
• Provide strategic leadership on security, resilience and threat management across the university.
• Coordinate emergency preparedness and major events security planning.
• Engage with senior leaders, external agencies and sector partners to shape organisational resilience.

Job description

This post is full time and permanent, working 35 hours per week.

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.

At the University of Westminster, diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity are at the core of how we engage with students, colleagues, applicants, visitors and all our stakeholders.

We are fully committed to enabling a supportive and safe learning and working environment which is equitable, diverse and inclusive, is based on mutual respect and trust, and in which harassment and discrimination are neither tolerated nor acceptable.

The University has adopted Smart Working principles to support and further our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion aims of being an inclusive, collaborative and flexible employer. Further details of Smart Working can be discussed at interview stage.

Closing date: 11.59pm on 04 October 2026

Interviews likely to be held on: w/c 19 October 2026

Locations Locations:

Harrow

Departments Departments:

Creative Arts and Technologies (CAT)

Vacancy Type Vacancy Type:

Fixed Term

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