Lead Security Operations Manager

Marks and Spencer; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK retail brand is seeking an Operational Security Manager to oversee security across over 600 stores nationwide. The role involves managing third-party security services, ensuring compliance with security policies, and driving operational excellence. The ideal candidate will have in-depth knowledge of security legislation, strong leadership skills, and the ability to implement effective security solutions. Competitive benefits and a supportive work environment are available.

Benefits

20% colleague discount on M&S products

Competitive holiday allowance

Discretionary bonus schemes

Strong pension and life assurance

Tailored induction and training

Exclusive perks through M&S Choices

Market-leading family policies

24/7 wellbeing support

One paid volunteer day a year

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of security legislation and risk management principles.
• Ability to identify threats and implement proportionate solutions.
• Skilled in data analysis and reporting to inform decisions.
• Experience working with law enforcement and external agencies.
• Proficiency in using security systems and delivering training workshops.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance to ensure compliance with security policies and procedures.
• Support stores with timely advice on incidents such as burglary, robbery, and violence.
• Maximise the use of security equipment including CCTV, alarms, and access control systems.
• Collaborate with third-party suppliers to improve service quality and value.
• Build strong relationships across the business to embed best practices.

Skills

Strong communication

Leadership

Results-driven

Change management

Tools

CCTV

Access control systems

Job description

As a Operational Security Manager you are responsible for creating a safe and secure environment for colleagues and customers while protecting company assets and brand reputation. Acting as the primary point of contact for operational security across stores, support centres, and distribution sites, you will lead efforts to reduce losses from internal and external threats. The role involves managing third-party security services, ensuring compliance with security policies, and driving continuous improvements in security operations to mitigate risk and enhance overall performance.

Due to high interest, this role may close earlier than advertised. We recommend applying as soon as possible.

All the details

We're looking for a strategic and influential Security Leader to shape and lead the future of security operations at M&S. This is a high-impact role where you will oversee security across 600+ stores nationwide, ensuring the safety and resilience of one of the UK's most iconic retail brands.

You will take full accountability for the delivery and optimisation of a multi-million-pound security partnership, driving operational excellence while setting the vision and roadmap for the next generation of security solutions. Reporting directly to the Head of Security & Fraud, you'll play a pivotal role in steering strategy, managing risk, and leading innovation in security practices across our estate.

What You'll Do

• Provide expert guidance to ensure compliance with security policies and procedures.
• Support stores with timely advice on incidents such as burglary, robbery, and violence.
• Maximise the use of security equipment including CCTV, alarms, and access control systems.
• Collaborate with third-party suppliers to improve service quality and value.
• Build strong relationships across the business to embed best practices and deliver strategic security initiatives.

Who You Are

• A strong communicator who builds relationships internally and externally.
• A leader who inspires and develops teams to perform at their best.
• Results-driven, with the ability to prioritise and deliver impactful outcomes.
• Recognises and rewards high performance while supporting improvement.
• Comfortable driving change and embedding lasting improvements.

What You'll Bring

• In-depth knowledge of security legislation and risk management principles.
• Ability to identify threats and implement proportionate solutions.
• Skilled in data analysis and reporting to inform decisions.
• Experience working with law enforcement and external agencies.
• Proficiency in using security systems and delivering training workshops.

What's in it for you:

• Working at M&S means being part of something bigger - helping to deliver quality, value and service to millions of customers every day. We're inclusive, fast-moving and always evolving, with a strong sense of purpose and a focus on doing the right thing.
• Here are just a few of the benefits that make working here even more rewarding:
• 20% colleague discount on all M&S products and many third-party brands for you and someone in your household, available once you've completed your probation.
• Competitive holiday allowance with the option to buy more.
• Discretionary bonus schemes linked to your performance and ours.
• Strong pension and life assurance to help plan for the future.
• Tailored induction and training to support your development from day one.
• Exclusive perks and savings through our M&S Choices portal.
• Market-leading family policies, including parental, adoption and neonatal leave.
• 24/7 wellbeing support, including virtual GP access and mental health services.
• One paid volunteer day a year to support a cause that matters to you.

Everyone's welcome

We are ambitious about the future of retail. We're disrupting, innovating and leading the industry into a more conscientious, inspiring digital era. We're transforming how we work together and offering our most exciting opportunities yet. Marks & Spencer strives to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers and suppliers. Join us and make change happen.

We are committed to building diverse and representative teams, where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and be at their best. We support each other and work together to win together.

If you feel you'd benefit from any support or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process, please don't hesitate to let us know when completing your application. This information will be picked up by our team, so we can try and put steps in place to help you be at your best through this process.

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