Leading Officer

Mitie; Greater London; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Programme

Retail and lifestyle discounts

Career progression opportunities

Ongoing training and development

Recognition and reward programmes

Wellbeing support initiatives

Job summary

Mitie is seeking a Lead Security Officer to join the National Portrait Gallery team in London. You will provide operational leadership, protect visitors and priceless collections, and uphold high professional security standards while delivering an excellent visitor experience.

You will lead daily operations, coordinate responses to incidents, and mentor security officers in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment within a prestigious cultural venue.

Qualifications

• Valid SIA Door Supervisor certification is required.
• Experience as Lead Officer, Team Leader, Supervisor or Control Room.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Experience handling incidents and emergencies.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure with high professionalism.
• Good IT and report-writing ability.
• Experience in a museum/gallery or high-profile environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support security officers during daily operations.
• Conduct operational briefings and team communications.
• Monitor CCTV, access control and life-safety systems.
• Respond to incidents and emergencies as first point of escalation.
• Coordinate security support for exhibitions, events and VIP visits.
• Complete detailed incident reporting and investigations.
• Ensure compliance with site procedures and assignment instructions.
• Support training, mentoring and development of officers.
• Promote a positive culture of professionalism and customer service.
• Deputise for supervisory management when required.

Skills

SIA Door Supervisor

Leadership

Communication

Incident management

Under pressure

Professionalism

IT & report writing

Museum environment

CCTV & access control

Training & coaching

Security legislation

Tools

CCTV systems

Access control

Job description

Shape the Security Experience at One of Britain's Most Prestigious Cultural Institutions

Mitie is seeking an exceptional Lead Security Officer to join our high-performing security team at the National Portrait Gallery.

This is more than a traditional security role. You will play a key leadership position in protecting a world-renowned cultural institution, supporting the safety of visitors, colleagues, contractors, VIPs, and priceless collections while helping to deliver an outstanding visitor experience.

If you are an experienced security professional who thrives in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment and is looking to progress their leadership career, we would love to hear from you.

Why Join Us?

At Mitie, we believe our people are our greatest strength.

As a Lead Security Officer at the National Portrait Gallery, you will have the opportunity to:

• Work within an iconic and prestigious London venue
• Lead and influence daily security operations
• Develop supervisory and leadership experience
• Support high-profile exhibitions, events and VIP visits
• Access industry-leading training and development programmes
• Be part of a collaborative and professional team committed to excellence

The Role

Reporting into the Security Management Team, you will provide operational leadership on shift and act as a role model for the wider security team.

You will be responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment while ensuring all security operations are delivered to the highest professional standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support security officers during daily operations.
• Conduct operational briefings and team communications.
• Monitor CCTV, access control and life-safety systems.
• Respond to incidents and emergencies as the first point of escalation.
• Coordinate security support for exhibitions, events and VIP visits.
• Complete detailed incident reporting and investigations.
• Ensure compliance with site procedures and assignment instructions.
• Support training, mentoring and development of officers.
• Promote a positive culture of professionalism and customer service.
• Deputise for supervisory management when required.

What We're Looking For

• Valid SIA Door Supervisor
• Previous experience within a Lead Officer, Team Leader, Supervisor or Control Room environment
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Experience managing incidents and emergency situations
• Ability to work effectively under pressure
• High standards of professionalism and attention to detail
• Good IT and report-writing skills
• Experience within a museum, gallery, corporate or other high-profile environment
• Knowledge of CCTV, access control and visitor management systems
• Experience delivering training and coaching
• Understanding of current security legislation and emerging industry developments

Benefits Package

We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Retail and lifestyle discounts
• Career progression opportunities
• Ongoing training and development
• Recognition and reward programmes
• Access to wellbeing support initiatives

About You

You are a natural leader who can inspire confidence in others.

You remain calm under pressure, communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, and take pride in delivering exceptional customer service alongside industry-leading security standards.

Most importantly, you understand that modern security is about creating a safe, welcoming and professional environment for everyone.