Head of Security and Fire Operations
UK Parliament
Working at the UK Parliament offers a unique and rewarding career at the heart of the UK's democratic system.
With a wide range of roles available, our impartial colleagues enable the day to day running of the House of Commons, House of Lords and Joint Departments. Together, we make Parliament happen.
Staff Benefits
In addition to your salary, we offer an attractive range of benefits including:
- 30 days' annual leave (increasing to 35 days after first full leave year).
- Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%.
- Access to training and development.
- Flexible working.
- Interest free season ticket loan and bicycle loan.
Introduction
The Parliamentary Security Department (PSD) is responsible for physical and personnel security across both Houses of Parliament and provides support to Members and staff when away from the Estate. Its purpose is to keep Parliament safe and open for business.PSD sets security strategy provides expert advice and delivers an operational service.
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated self-starter with extensive experience in security and a strong track record of leading service delivery in a complex operating environment. You will work closely with the Head of Security Operational Resilience to provide assurance to the Deputy Director - Security and Fire Operations and the Director of Security for Parliament regarding the integrity of the operational security protocols and controls designed to maintain the security of the parliamentary estate.
The Head of Security and Fire Operations oversees the day-to-day operational management of the parliamentary uniformed security workforce, working closely with partners and stakeholders across Parliament and externally, including the National Protective Security Agency (NPSA) and Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).You will be responsible for the efficient and effective management of the security guarding and fire protection operations on the Parliamentary Estate. You will also be the operational point of contact with the MPS and London Fire Brigade, ensuring that appropriate operational security is in place to mitigate threat, in line with Parliament's risk appetite.
Some of the responsibilities for this role include:
- Oversee the day-to-day management of PSD Operations and Fire Protection Team.
- Deputise for the Deputy Director Security and Fire Operations on all operational security and fire protection related issues; and provide support in reporting to Boards and committees by drafting and presenting papers as required.
- Advise the Head of Security Operational Resilience on the training needs and resource requirements of security and fire officer functional roles, providing ongoing feedback based on incident debriefs and investigation as part of a cycle of continuous improvement.
- Represent PSD Operations at key stakeholder meetings including the Speaker's Conference.
Skills and Experience
To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:
Criterion 1 - Ability to apply security expertise to deliver an excellent operation- Experience of leading a large and complex security operation.
- Proven track record of service improvement - ability to identify and analyse capability gaps, formulating and implementing suitable interventions to increase performance and assurance.
- Ability to lead, manage, develop, and motivate teams to deliver high quality outcomes and sustainable change, while promoting an inclusive and diverse working environment.
- Ability to lead across organisational boundaries, securing co-operation and buy-in without formal management levers.
- Ability to establish authority and credibility quickly with stakeholders and develop relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
- Engages effectively at all levels, able to adapt approach to persuade, influence and challenge.
- Ability to brief concisely with a tailored approach to meet specific stakeholder requirements.
- Able to identify risk, issues, and problems, and use information from a range of sources including data analysis to identify creative solutions and improvements.
- Takes a logical and systematic approach to problem solving, with the confidence to be robust under challenge, whilst remaining open to alternative points of view.
- Experience of evaluating threats and vulnerabilities and implementing mitigations in a complex risk environment.
Next Steps and Additional Information
CV & Supporting Statement - If you would like to apply for this role, please submit your CV and covering letter with a 1000-word limit.
More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the Job Description.
Please note that as part of this selection process, you may be asked to complete a test or presentation. Further information will be provided in due course.
Please note that most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances.
We may close the vacancy prior to the closing date stated due to a high volume of applications.
Contact Details
For more information about the role, or for an informal chat, please contact Sophie Nicolaou
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