Senior Operations Manager - London area

Compact Security Services; City Of London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A security solutions company is seeking an experienced Area Manager to oversee operations in London and the Southern region. The successful candidate will be responsible for service delivery, managing client relationships, and staff management across diverse venues and events. Essential qualifications include an SIA Licence and strong operational management experience. This role offers a competitive salary plus benefits and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary plus performance-related bonus

Pension scheme

Free access to employee assistance scheme

Ongoing training and professional development

Qualifications

• Experience in security operations or event management within an ACS-accredited business.
• Proven track record of managing budgets, P&L targets, and contractual KPIs.
• Experience in preparation of operational documentation, including event plans and risk assessments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise security and event teams to ensure effectiveness.
• Manage staffing levels, budgets, and operational costs.
• Develop strong client relationships and ensure service excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Communication Skills

Client Relationship Management

Problem Solving

Education

SIA Door Supervisor or Close Protection Licence

Health & Safety qualification (IOSH/NEBOSH)

Qualification in Crowd Management, Spectator Safety, or Event Management (Level 3 or above preferred)

Job description

Compact Security Services Ltd provides professional security solutions across the UK, specialising in crowd management for live music, sporting, and cultural events, as well as retail, static guarding, and door supervision services. We are an SIA Approved Contractor with a reputation for operational excellence, compliance, and customer focus.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Area Manager to oversee operations in London and the Southern region. The successful candidate will take ownership of service delivery, client relationships, staff management, and operational planning across a diverse portfolio of venues and events.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise security and event teams to ensure operational effectiveness, professionalism, and client satisfaction
• Coordinate rapid responses to emergency cover requests and ensure contingency plans are in place
• Manage staffing levels, budgets, and operational costs in line with P&L targets
• Attend regular operational and client meetings, contributing to planning and strategic development
• Ensure accurate and timely completion of risk assessments, event plans, site logs, and compliance documentation
• Deliver precise and commercially sound client quotations aligned to scope, risk, and resource requirements
• Develop strong client relationships, ensuring proactive communication and service excellence
• Promote best practice in crowd safety, welfare, and public protection, leading initiatives to deter crime and disorder
• Support staff recruitment, training, and development to maintain consistent service delivery levels

Requirements

• SIA Door Supervisor or Close Protection Licence (Essential)
• Demonstrated experience in security operations or event management, ideally within an ACS-accredited business - within events and/or Night time economy
• Experienced in preparation of operational documentation, including event plans/risk assessments
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with a hands‑on, solutions‑driven approach
• Proven ability to manage budgets, P&L targets, and contractual KPIs
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Experience liaising with clients, venue managers, and multi‑agency partners
• Holds or working towards a qualification in Crowd Management, Spectator Safety, or Event Management (Level 3 or above preferred)
• Health & Safety qualification (IOSH/NEBOSH) desirable
• Full UK driving licence with flexibility to travel across multiple sites

Benefits

• Competitive salary plus performance‑related bonus and expenses, pension scheme, free access to employee assistance scheme, ongoing training and professional development opportunities and investment within a growing business