Security Officer

1st Choice Staff Recruitment Ltd; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

1st Choice Staff Recruitment Ltd is seeking a full-time Security Officer to join our team at Bedford. The role involves 24-hour site coverage on a 12-hour shift pattern, with overtime possible.

You will ensure physical security, manage access, and respond to incidents with a professional, customer-focused approach. The ideal candidate will have experience in security, strong communication skills, and a willingness to work weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

• Experience in the security industry is desirable.
• Able to operate CCTV, access control and alarm systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential.
• Reliable, professional, and able to work independently or in a team.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the physical security of the premises.
• Control access and egress of employees, contractors and visitors.
• Carry out gatehouse, reception and customer service duties.
• Conduct internal and external site patrols.
• Respond to on-site incidents and emergencies.
• Operate CCTV, intruder alarm systems and access control systems.
• Maintain security of buildings and secure offices as required.
• Receive and inspect incoming mail and identify suspicious packages.
• Operate the switchboard during office hours and outside of business hours.
• Respond promptly to alarm activations and contact emergency services when required.
• Ensure fire muster sheets are updated; monitor on-site parking.
• Hold and maintain First Aid at Work qualification; provide first aid when required.
• Provide cover during annual leave and other staff absences.
• Work weekends and Bank Holidays as part of normal shift pattern.

Skills

Observation

CCTV familiarity

Alarm systems

Access control

Communication

Teamwork

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Education

First Aid at Work certificate

Tools

CCTV systems

Intruder alarm panels

Access control systems

Job description

Job description - Security Officer

We are a unique SME representing some of the best engineering of our time. With a strong and rich heritage, we are proud to have a passionate workforce of highly skilled engineering and aerodynamic professionals. We are a leading specialist in model design and manufacture, aerodynamic testing, and numerous associated technologies, including Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).

Our organisation is actively involved in research, providing meaningful and innovative solutions and services to a global customer base. Our Bedford site is centred around an impressive transonic wind tunnel and the specialist equipment that supports it, while much of the research undertaken is unique and involves bespoke processes.

We are looking to recruit a full‑time Security Officer to join our friendly and professional team. The ideal candidate will have a good understanding of the security industry and experience in a similar role.

This position averages 42 hours per week, working 12‑hour shifts on a 36‑hour / 48‑hour rotating shift pattern, providing 24‑hour site coverage. Overtime may be available, so applicants should be flexible and able to work across the full shift pattern.

We are looking for someone with excellent communication skills, a proactive approach, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards. The successful applicant will be a confident team player with excellent attention to detail.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure the physical security of the premises.
• Control the access and egress of employees, contractors, and visitors.
• Carry out gatehouse, reception, and customer service duties.
• Conduct internal and external site patrols.
• Respond to on‑site incidents and emergencies.
• Operate CCTV, intruder alarm systems, and access control systems.
• Maintain the security of buildings, ensuring offices are secured as required.
• Receive and inspect incoming mail, including identifying any suspicious packages.
• Operate the switchboard during normal office hours and outside of business hours.
• Respond promptly to all alarm activations.
• Contact the emergency services (Police, Fire, Ambulance) when required.
• Ensure fire muster sheets are regularly updated.
• Monitor on‑site parking arrangements.
• Hold and maintain a current First Aid at Work qualification and provide first aid when required (training will be provided if necessary).
• Provide additional cover during annual leave and other staff absences.
• Work weekends and Bank Holidays as part of the normal shift pattern.

Key Skills and Experience

• Strong observation and situational awareness.
• Familiarity with security systems, including CCTV, access control, and alarm panels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective working relationships at all levels.
• Reliable and dependable.
• Professional appearance and attitude.
• Excellent customer service and public relations skills.

Previous experience in a Security Officer role is desirable.

A current First Aid at Work certificate is preferred; however, training will be provided where required, as this is a contractual condition of employment.

A full uniform will be provided.

The successful candidate must be able to satisfy security clearance requirements, including continuous UK residency for the last five years.