Security Operations Manager

ISS; City Of London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading workplace and facility management company in London is seeking a proactive Security Operations Manager. The role involves leading a security team, delivering protective services for VIPs, and ensuring operational excellence. Candidates should have strong leadership skills, experience in incident management, and the ability to work under pressure. This position offers a unique opportunity to drive security standards in a prestigious environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading large operational security teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong decision-making skills in high-pressure situations.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Proactive and ownership-driven approach.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and foster a culture of excellence.
• Lead and manage a large operational team.
• Deliver protective services for VIPs and high-risk events.
• Oversee and update SOPs and Assignment Instructions.
• Lead the design and delivery of security training programmes.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Decision-making skills

Organizational skills

Risk assessment

Incident management

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a capable and proactive Security Operations Manager to lead a high-performing security team within a prestigious City of London environment. This pivotal role is responsible for ensuring operational excellence, safeguarding personnel and infrastructure, and delivering best-in-class security services to the client. You will provide strategic oversight of day-to-day operations, manage high-risk events, and deliver discreet, professional close protection for VIPs. The role requires strong leadership, professionalism in navigating complex situations, and a commitment to continuous improvement. You will oversee the development and implementation of SOPs, training programmes, incident management, and HR-related responsibilities, while also acting as the primary contact for out-of-hours enquiries. Collaboration with peers and the wider management team will be key in maintaining service quality, compliance, and the highest standards of professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and improvement.
• Lead and manage a large operational team, ensuring professional standards and performance management.
• Deliver protective services for VIPs and high-risk events, including proactive risk assessments and contingency planning.
• Oversee and update SOPs, Assignment Instructions, and ISO audits across the campus.
• Lead the design and delivery of engaging security training programmes.
• Act as primary incident manager and ensure accurate, timely reporting.
• Collaborate with other managers to maintain infrastructure protection and personnel safety.
• Support external client events across the UK, delivering complex protective services.
• Handle HR welfare, disciplinary matters, and Health & Safety responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading and motivating large operational security teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Strong decision-making skills, particularly in high-pressure situations.
• Highly organised, able to prioritise and manage multiple projects.
• Proactive, responsive, and ownership-driven approach.
• Advanced risk assessment and incident management capabilities.
• Experience in developing and delivering professional training programmes.
• Discretion, professionalism, and confidence when working with VIPs and senior stakeholders.
• Strong security background with demonstrable operational management experience.

About the employer

ISS is a world-leading workplace and facility management company, connecting people and places to make the world work better. Working with customers day by day, side by side, we understand every aspect of the user experience. Through a unique combination of intelligent solutions, high standards and people who care, we help our customers achieve their purpose. ISS is committed to doing business the right way and prioritises corporate responsibility. Our passion is people.

Diversity and Inclusion

ISS is proud to be a diverse and inclusive employer. We welcome all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity or gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race (which includes race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin and caste), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or educational background. We are a Disability Confident Committed (Level 2) employer, supporting inclusive hiring practices in line with the UK government's Disability Confident scheme. Our commitment to inclusivity makes ISS a more creative, productive and happy place to work.