Security Systems Lead

Thames Water; Reading; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water utility company is seeking a Security Systems Lead to oversee the Alarm Monitoring Centre's security systems. The role includes managing electronic security systems, enhancing system resilience, and collaborating with contractors. Candidates should have expertise in electronic security and project management. Offering a salary between £55,000 to £70,000 plus benefits including a car allowance and annual leave.

Benefits

Car Allowance of £5,800 per annum

26 days annual leave

Contributory pension - Defined Contribution

Personal Medical Assessments

Wider benefits scheme

Qualifications

• Expert in Electronic security systems.
• Strong understanding of physical security principles.
• Head-end experience with electronic security systems.
• Experience in Alarm receiving centre systems.
• Strong project lifecycle understanding.
• Experience in delivering security-related projects.

Responsibilities

• Own and develop head-end configuration as SME.
• Ensure third-party contractor's alarm configuration is fit-for-purpose.
• Maintain and update maps and schematics.
• Support planned system upgrades.
• Oversee maintenance requests for AMC functionality.

Skills

Electronic security systems

Physical security principles

Negotiation skills

Communication at all levels

Tools

MS Office

Genetec

Lenel

Job description

Overview

As the Security Systems Lead, you will predominantly work within our Alarm Monitoring Centre (AMC), which continuously monitors the security of our estate. The AMC is connected to remote sites through multi-face communications to CCTV, IDS, Electronic access control to Radio pad systems, ADSL line, etc. The Security Systems Lead will be focused on ensuring that the electronic systems feeding into and within the AMC are fit for purpose, compliant with regulations and ultimately enable the AMC to carry out its core function of identifying serious crime/terrorist threat and initiating a Police response at any time of day or night. You will develop a strong understanding and become our expert in our head-end system, owning and developing its configuration, ensuring it meets AMC\'s needs as end users. You will identify how any changes might impact the efficiency of the AMC team, as well as ensure our operations and products are future-proofed through horizon scanning, industry knowledge and adoption of innovative technologies.

Responsibilities

• Own and develop the head-end configuration as SME, as the systems are improved, providing advice and guidance to the direct team while acting as an ‘intelligent client’ for the OT/ESS teams.
• In-depth knowledge of VSS, intruder detection, access control systems, and other security technologies, with the ability to specify, design, and evaluate these systems.
• Ensure that the third-party contractor is providing a fit-for-purpose alarm configuration to support the activity of the AMC team.
• Responsible for ensuring maps and schematics are incorporated, updated and maintained (e.g. incorporating project upgrades) within our systems.
• Support any planned system upgrades, specifically Lenel and Genetec and development of the AMC strategy.
• Support the AMC upgrade project, to ensure successful delivery of ESS systems, acting as the client, setting expectations and requirements for ESS/OT to deliver against.
• In collaboration with the ESS/OT team, oversee maintenance requests to ensure any outstanding tickets are chased to completion, ensuring the functionality of the AMC is maintained.
• Support continuous improvement activity, reviewing AMC Operation to identify and deliver operational and process improvements.
• In collaboration with the ESS/OT team, ensure that the AMC has the right level of system resilience.
• Responsible for delivering agreed security KPIs and adhering to agreed SLAs.
• Promote a security-conscious culture within Thames Water.

Qualifications

Essential criteria (to thrive in this role):

• Expert in Electronic security systems - protective security, intelligence, security management, or risk management.
• Strong understanding of physical security principles, methodology and processes.
• Head-end experience, including both maintenance and installation experience of electronic security systems.
• Experience of working in and developing Alarm receiving centre systems, understanding the full project lifecycle, i.e. RIBA process from cradle to grave. Have experience in the design and application of physical & personnel security measures. Applying physical security principles, methodology and processes. Including the NPSA principles of Deter, Detect, Delay, Mitigate and Respond as part of a layered protective security design.
• Have experience in the design and application of physical & personnel security measures and the ability to demonstrate an understanding of technical requirements in areas such as VSS, intruder detection and access control.
• Experience in delivering security-related projects and supporting change management programmes, incorporating planning skills to drive cost reduction & performance improvement.
• Strong understanding of security principles, practices, and technologies.
• Strong negotiation and people influencing skills. Ability to communicate at all levels, present to an audience and build strong relationships.

Desirable criteria:

• Strong MS Office skills.
• Good working knowledge of Genetec and Lenel systems.

The successful candidate will be required to undertake a Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) before starting in this role.

What’s in it for you?

• Offering between £55,000 to £70,000 per annum, depending on experience and skills.
• Car Allowance of £5,800 per annum.
• Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (Plus bank holidays)
• Contributory pension – Defined Contribution - Maximum of 12% -2x employee contribution.
• Personal Medical Assessments – Open to all once a year.
• Wider benefits scheme, including our benefits hub, which is packed full of offers and information to save you money and support your well-being.

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits. If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.