Head of Protective Security
| Posting date: | 16 September 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £64,300 to £70,730 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 02 October 2025 |
| Location: | London |
| Company: | Government Recruitment Service |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 422683/1 |
Summary
Homeland Security Group’s (HSG) mission is to reduce homeland security risks to the UK’s people, prosperity and freedoms. This includes risks from terrorism, state threats, economic crime and cyber-crime. We provide systems leadership across government and deliver strategic initiatives, working closely with operational partners, the Intelligence Agencies and other external organisations to protect the UK.
The Royalty, VIP and MP Security Unit puts protective security solutions in place for high-profile people and places. This unit has grown to keep pace with the increasing scale and complexity of our work, attracting interest from Ministers and senior officials. As we deliver ambitious reforms and manage complex casework, we rely on strong collaboration – and that’s where our friendly and supportive team shines.
As Head of Protective Security, you’ll keep some of the UK’s most high-profile people and locations safe. Along with overseeing a significant budget and multiple high-stakes contracts, you’ll be part of moments that make history, including the Platinum Jubilee, state visits, and other events of significant national interest.
Whatever your background, what matters most is your experience of managing risk and your strong technical expertise in security. This could come from working with integrated security systems, or a degree in Engineering, Science, or another technical field. You’ll also have a solid foundation in technical security, including alarms, CCTV, and protective security systems.
You’ll enjoy working in a dynamic environment, keeping on top of deadlines and supporting smooth decision-making when risks arise. Your leadership, commercial sense, and calm presence mean you know how to guide projects, manage high-value contracts, and work confidently with senior stakeholders. You’re skilled at translating complex technical concepts into clear, practical advice for non-technical colleagues, and you make confident operational decisions in crucial situations.
Key responsibilities
- Design and roll out enterprise-level technical security systems.
- Provide guidance to advisors, project managers, and admin staff to deliver projects successfully.
- Guide response to high-level security incidents.
- Lead a 24/7 call-out process.
- Escalate issues when needed.
- Keep senior leaders fully informed of issues at all times.
It will be necessary to work flexibly and contribute to other areas to support the wider efforts and priorities of Homeland Security as required, performing additional duties reasonably expected within the scope of the grade. Due to the nature of our work, it may be necessary to redeploy you to other critical roles, or priority work at your grade.
Line Management
Lead a team ensuring that they are supported to deliver, are fully motivated and personally resilient.
Travel
Please note, this role involves UK travel, sometimes at short notice, to other work locations (within the UK) based on business need, this may include overnight stays. All related costs will be reimbursed in line with Home Office policy.
On Call Rota
The successful candidate will be required to participate in an on-call rota including weekends and public holidays. Full training and an allowance will be provided to support this.
Working Pattern
Due to the business requirements of this role, it is only available on a full-time basis. However, job-share and compressed hours are available
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme