Group Director of Security

Group Director of Security based in Central London. A competitive package is available.

We are recruiting an individual with significant senior leadership experience in security, public safety, or emergency management within complex, high-footfall environments. You require expertise in risk assessment, crowd safety, and UK regulatory frameworks and a proven ability to manage large-scale operations, events, and multi-stakeholder environments.

Overview

The Group Director of Security is a senior strategic leader responsible for security, emergency management, public safety, and health & safety compliance across a major mixed-use and entertainment district in London.

This client is the landlord for a mixed-use district, and this role oversees security across high-profile public realm, office, retail, and live entertainment venues, as well as frequent events attracting millions of visitors annually. It ensures a consistent, estate-wide approach to safety, balancing landlord responsibilities with the operational and creative needs of venues and tenants.

This position leads the development and delivery of security strategies, risk management frameworks, and emergency planning. It provides expert advice to senior leadership on threat assessment, crisis response, and public safety, while overseeing daily security operations and major event planning.

A key aspect of the role is collaboration—working closely with internal teams, tenants, contractors, and external partners including police, emergency services, and regulators—to deliver a unified, proactive, and future-focused approach to security.

Responsibilities Include:

• Lead 24/7 estate-wide security operations across venues and public areas
• Develop and implement security, risk, and health & safety strategies
• Oversee event security planning and crowd management
• Manage security teams, contractors, and performance standards
• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and safety requirements
• Act as senior advisor on security risk, crisis management, and mitigation
• Build strong partnerships with stakeholders, tenants, and emergency services
• Lead emergency response planning and act as Incident Commander when required
• Drive continuous improvement through audits, reporting, and best practice

Candidate Profile

• Significant senior leadership experience in security, public safety, or emergency management within complex, high-footfall environments
• Strong expertise in risk assessment, crowd safety, and UK regulatory frameworks
• Proven ability to manage large-scale operations, events, and multi-stakeholder environments
• Experience advising senior leadership and leading during major incidents
• Excellent stakeholder management and collaboration skills
• Professional qualifications in security and health & safety (e.g. CPP, NEBOSH) preferred

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