MGS - Ministry of Defence Guard Service - Shift Working Supervisor Porton Down

Ministry Of Defence; Idmiston; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading governmental security service is seeking a dedicated Security Supervisor to oversee MGS Security Officers within the Ministry of Defence. This role involves ensuring the safety of personnel and property, managing security procedures, and supervising daily operations and incident responses. The successful candidate will have strong leadership and communication skills, with an opportunity for career development and competitive salary. This is a shift position requiring flexibility in working hours.

Benefits

Civil Service pension

Generous annual leave allowance

Free security uniform

Access to professional development programs

Qualifications

• Must supervise security officers and ensure compliance with protocols.
• Ability to maintain logs and report security breaches.
• Experience in managing security systems and incidents.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily operations of security officers.
• Communicate with customers and report complaints.
• Conduct patrols and monitor designated areas.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

CCTV operation

Conflict resolution

Job description

About the Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS)

The Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS) safeguards the UK’s Defence estate, protecting personnel, assets and critical locations from crime, terrorism, espionage and sabotage. The Gold Standard Security Service is built on professionalism, trust and excellence – and we are looking for dedicated Security Officers to join us.

Position Overview

Our Security Supervisor is responsible for supervising all MGS Security Officers at the unit, ensuring the overall protection of people, property, information and assets from damage, destruction or unauthorised removal.

Key Duties – Security Supervisor

• Oversee Security Officers with daily supervision of the working patterns/roster as delegated by the Operational Manager, deploying them to cover tasks as laid out in assignment instructions and in accordance with the Joint Business Agreement/General Statement of Security Requirements (GSSORs).
• Build and maintain positive working relationships by liaising with Unit Head of Establishment’s (HOEs), customer representatives and other security providers to ensure a high‑quality security service is provided.
• Assist the Operational Manager in ensuring the unit is compliant with NSI and that all relevant documents and procedures are kept up to date.
• Task security officers and be responsible for maintaining integrity of performance through effective management, encouraging a positive and inclusive working environment, and addressing concerns in a timely and sensitive manner.
• Respond to security concerns raised and work with first responders to manage incidents effectively and following procedure.
• Write reports on breaches of security, defects and maintain daily logs.
• Effectively communicate with customers and refer any complaints to the chain of command. In line with standard operating procedures, operate, monitor, and supervise security systems such as CCTV, alarms, telephone and radio.
• When required, take on the taskings of a Security Officer.

Key Responsibilities – Security Officer

• Ensure site safety and security – Protect Defence personnel, visitors and property.
• Conduct patrols – Monitor designated areas on foot or by vehicle, ensuring compliance with security protocols.
• Control access – Check credentials, issue passes and escort visitors as required.
• Perform searches – Conduct thorough security checks on vehicles, baggage and personnel.
• Respond to incidents – Identify risks, manage security breaches and escalates as needed.
• Assist employees and visitors – Provide professional and courteous support on‑site.
• Monitor security systems – Operate CCTV, alarms and communication devices.
• Manage traffic and parking – Control vehicle movement and ensure safe site access.
• Report and document – Maintain security logs and complete detailed incident reports.

Shift Pattern & Flexibility

This is a shift working position at 48 hours per week including breaks. The successful candidate will be expected to work nights, weekends, bank holidays etc as stipulated by the shift pattern agreed at the Unit depending on site requirements. This will be an average of 48 hours in a calendar week; this will be 12‑hour shifts each week rostered between Sun – Sat. This will include being rostered in a flexible manner (termed a flexible week) within the shift roster. During the flexible week, the working days and shifts will routinely be stipulated in advance but may be changed at short notice (this should be no less than 48 hours). The exact shift pattern will be explained in full during the interview.

Training & Development

New starters will complete a mandatory two‑week residential Foundation Course, and a one‑week residential Supervisors Course, followed by structured on‑the‑job training. You will have access to ongoing professional development, including an annual programme of online learning. Our dedicated Workforce Development Team will support your training needs, ensuring you continue to build expertise throughout your career.

Assessment & Behaviours

You will be assessed against the following behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service
• Communicating and Influencing

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form. When choosing your behaviour examples, please make sure you use real‑life scenarios that relate to your own experiences. Whilst technology may help to enhance your written submission, presenting the ideas of others or those generated by technology could result in your application being rejected. Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Important Information

The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero‑tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years, or if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre‑employment checks will be carried out.

Application sifting is scheduled to take place on week commencing 26/01/26. Interviews are due to take place Face to Face at Porton Down and will be conducted week commencing 09/02/26. Please note the above dates are subject to change.

Nationality & Security Requirements

Nationality requirements: Open to UK nationals only, individuals cannot have any other citizenship.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.

Why Join Us?

• A meaningful career – Play a crucial role in national security and defence.
• Career development – Access specialist training, funded qualifications and internal progression opportunities.
• Job security – Be part of a well‑established organisation with over 30 years of service.
• A strong team culture – Work alongside professionals who value integrity, vigilance, professionalism, helpfulness and teamwork.

Salary & Pension

Alongside your salary of £34,910, Ministry of Defence contributes £10,113 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

Benefits & Rewards

• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%
• A generous annual leave allowance
• Ability to roll over up to 10 days annual leave per year
• Minimum of 15 days special leave in a rolling 12‑month period for volunteer military or emergency service reserve commitments
• Special paid leave for volunteering up to 6 days a year
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Employee Assistance Programme to support your well‑being
• Most sites have good travel links with free car parking; many also have other facilities such as a Sports & Social Club, Gym and Cafeterias and Shops
• Entitlement to apply for Blue Light and Defence Discount Cards
• Free MGS Security Uniform

Discover My Benefits: https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/civilian

Additional Information

This post does not offer any assistance with relocation allowances.

As part of your induction, you will attend a two‑week residential Foundation Security Course to support in achieving your objectives to a high standard. One of the elements of the Foundation Course is Emergency First Aid at Work, where you will learn key life skills in emergency first aid.

Contact & Application Assistance

If you experience any technical difficulties with the CS Jobs system, please contact the Support Team at [e-mail]. The Ministry of Defence will assess you against the behaviours listed above during the selection process.