Head of Physical Security

About this role

Job Title: Head of Physical Security

1 year FTA with a view to extension or permanency

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Department: Security

Onsite – Hours as required

About us

We are the QEII Centre – central London’s premier venue for domestic and international events. Located in the heart of Westminster, our award-winning Centre offers modern, flexible spaces for all types of events from conferences and exhibitions to award ceremonies, dinners and fashion shows. We host hundreds of events each year, ranging from high-profile international conferences to bespoke corporate meetings. At the heart of everything we do is a steadfast commitment to exceptional customer service.

As a government-owned trading fund, we operate commercially while remaining accountable for the responsible use of public funds and compliance with Government public spending guidance.

Our people are central to our success. From our acclaimed in-house caterers, QEII Taste by Levy, to our expert Audio Visual (AV) and Event IT teams, every employee plays a vital role in delivering outstanding experiences. As of 2025, we’ve proudly achieved over 50 industry awards since 2014 — an ongoing recognition of our excellence in the events sector. Most recently, we were awarded three Gold Eventex awards for Best Venue, Most Versatile Venue, and Best Event Space. These accolades reflect our unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding experiences for every client and delegate.

Job Purpose

To act as the principal security adviser to the Chief Executive, Executive Team and wider business, as appropriate. The Head of Physical Security is responsible for managing the appointed security services provider contract for building and event security, guarding and site radio communications, ensuring a secure, safe, compliant and operationally effective environment.

Operational Planning

Leadership and Additional Responsibilities

Contract Management

Full candidate pack is available at hr@qeiicentre.london

The above is not exhaustive and other duties not outlined may form part of the employees’ job description.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Evidence of successfully influencing senior leaders and embedding an effective security culture across operational teams and contractors.
• A recognised qualification in security management or substantial relevant vocational experience, including current SIA accreditation.
• Demonstrable knowledge of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (Martyn’s Law)
• Experience of managing security contracts, security risk assessment, incident response, emergency planning and command arrangements within the events and hospitality industry or similar public access environment.
• Experience of managing relationships with police, emergency services, local authorities, and specialist security partners.
• Experience of managing budgets and monitoring outsourced service performance against contractual standards and agreed service levels.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to produce reports, policies and procedures and deliver security training to a variety of stakeholders.
• Strong knowledge of CCTV governance, data protection, safeguarding, licensing and relevant health and safety requirements.
• Evidence of effective teamworking, customer service, problem solving and decision making in a pressurised operational environment, including the appropriate handling of sensitive information.

Desirable Criteria

• A qualification in counterterrorism and hostile reconnaissance.
• SIA CCTV accreditation.
• NEBOSH or IOSH qualification.
• Substantial experience of managing security in an events environment with capacities exceeding 2,500.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions
• Managing a Quality Service
• Communicating and Influencing
• Seeing the Big Picture

Benefits

• Bonus scheme (discretionary) calculated on corporate and individual
• Membership of the Civil Service Pension Scheme with an employer contribution of 28.97%
• 25 days' annual leave with an additional day per year to a maximum of 30 days & 1 privilege day
• Subsidised staff restaurant/coffee bar
• Interest free season ticket loan
• Cycle to work scheme
• 3 days paid volunteering
• Participation at staff events; celebratory, educational, team
• Access to learning and development tailored to you
• A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
• Regular employment engagement activities

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

This vacancy is using Civil Service Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours.

Candidates should apply by submitting the following to hr@qeiicentre.london

• a tailored CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements, of no more than two pages. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years.
• a personal statement – in no more than 500 words showing how you meet the criteria of the person specification evidence.

The closing date for applications is 22nd October 2026 @ 23.59

We will be sifting applications using Experience from your job history, qualifications and personal statement week commencing 26th October 2026.

Interviews will take place in the week commencing 2nd November 2026.

2nd stage interviews will take place week commencing 9th November 2026.

For candidates invited for interview, this vacancy is using the Civil Service Success Profiles Framework, and we will be assessing Strengths, Experience, Behaviours and Technical Skills.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Further Information

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a guaranteed interview scheme (GIS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

We recruit by merit based on fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.

If you feel at any time your application has not been treated in accordance with the values in the Civil Service Code and/or you feel that recruitment has been conducted in such away that conflicts with the Civil Service Commissioner's Recruitment Principles, you may make a complaint, by contacting the HR Department hr@qeiicentre.london in the first instance.

Important Note

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-terrorist-check and the process can take up to 8 weeks to complete. Please note that successful candidates will need to pass the CTC security checks – this requires you to have been resident in the UK for the past 3 years