Full-time and permanent
Salary £50,880 – £59,038 per annum
Plus generous benefits package
Hybrid / flexible working
About the role
We have a vitally important and rare opportunity for an experienced security professional to join us. Working in our four beautiful, listed buildings based in the heart of Edinburgh and looking after our amazing world-class art collection this is no ordinary job.
The Head of Security is a wide-ranging role working across all levels of the organisation including the Leadership Team. You will be responsible for developing, and implementing policies and procedures to keep people, art, and our buildings safe and secure. You’ll be comfortable in a senior position, either moving from a similar post or looking to advance your career.
As a passionate security advocate, you must have exceptional knowledge and solid experience of the management of security services, preferably in a public setting (e.g. gained in a gallery/museum or visitor attraction, retail, or hospitality).
The difference you’ll make
Reporting to the Director of Operations you will have direct line management of five Security Supervisors who provide 24-hour security cover for our galleries. You will work closely with the Health and Safety Advisor, and four Operations Managers. You will share the 24 hour on-call responsibility with the Director of Operations.
Your responsibilities will be varied. Each day will be different, with new challenges that push your capabilities and enable you to learn new things. Duties will include:
– Ensuring the safety and security of all staff, visitors and contractors in line with our strategic aims, standards, and relevant legislation.
– Advising, developing, and implementing appropriate strategies, policies and measures, balancing resource requirements with acceptable risk, to ensure the maximum protection and security of our world class collection, our buildings and other assets.
– Ensuring business resilience planning and emergency response policies are understood and acted on, including maintaining effective links and working relationships with the emergency services and other relevant agencies.
– In the event of an incident take the lead in resolving security and safety risks. This will include providing regular advice and updates to key stakeholders and post incident recommendation of any mitigation.
– Working with the Health and Safety Advisor to ensure best practice and compliance relating to the Health and Safety at Work and Fire Safety legislation.
– Liaising with other departments to ensure the planning of all public programme activity considers legislative requirements and the most effective means of security based on lenders requirements and Government Indemnity Scheme.
– Developing and delivering training to ensure the highest possible standards of security and safety are achieved. Delivery, as appropriate, of training to our partners/users.
– Managing the organisation’s relationships with Royal Scottish Academy and temporary tenants, co-ordinating and collaborating all the services provided by NGS to ensure the needs of all parties are met in line with legal agreements.
– Representing the National Galleries of Scotland at meetings and liaising with external agencies such as Police Scotland, City of Edinburgh Council, Fire, and Ambulance Services, Govt Security Forums, Museum and Gallery Sector networks.
– Initiating periodic audits of security systems and procedures.
– Ensuring a high standard of management and maintenance and oversee use of NGS fleet vehicles.
– Deputising for the Director of Operations as necessary and appropriate. Making operational security/visitor care decisions when circumstances dictate.
Who we are looking for
To succeed in this role, you’ll need the following range of knowledge, skills, and experience:
– Significant expertise gained through previous experience of the provision and management of security services in a public setting.
– Substantial experience of incident management.
– Knowledge and expertise in technical security systems associated with the role.
– Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate colleagues at all levels and with representatives of external bodies.
– Proven ability to plan and deliver service strategies and programmes.
– Proven ability to provide effective leadership, staff management and service coordination.
– Effective report writing and IT skills.
It would also be great if you have:
– A security qualification.
– Practical knowledge and expertise of the provision and management of visitor experience in a complex organisation.
– Professional Health & Safety at work experience.
Please apply directly via our careers portal.
The closing date for completed applications is 12 noon on Monday, 29 January 2024.
