Security Shift Manager (Nights)

Are you an experienced security professional who enjoys leading people, making sound decisions and creating a safe, welcoming environment?

We are looking for a proactive, people-focused and experienced Security Shift Manager (Nights) to lead a shift of approximately 12 in-house security officers across our university estate. This is an opportunity to combine your security expertise with your leadership skills, making a meaningful contribution to the safety and wellbeing of our diverse community.

Working as part of our Security Services team, you will help ensure that students, colleagues and visitors feel safe, supported and welcome across our campuses.

About the role

Reporting to the Head of Security, you will lead and support the night security team, providing clear direction and ensuring a professional, effective and responsive service. Based primarily at our Canterbury Campus, you will oversee security operations across the university estate, including academic buildings, student accommodation and other facilities.

As the manager on duty overnight, you will work independently, assess risks, make informed decisions and respond to incidents, knowing when to escalate matters to the on-call Senior Manager. You will need sound judgement, the ability to remain calm under pressure and a proportionate approach to resolving challenging situations.

Our approach to security is based on 'soft security' wherever possible. This means being approachable, building trust and communicating effectively, alongside maintaining a safe and secure environment. You will lead by example, ensuring your team delivers excellent customer service and treats everyone with dignity, fairness and respect.

What you will bring

We are looking for someone who combines security expertise with effective, inclusive leadership.

You will have:
- Demonstrable experience of managing a security team.
- The ability to lead, motivate and support colleagues, setting clear expectations for professional conduct, boundaries and service delivery.
- Strong decision-making and risk-assessment skills, with the ability to manage incidents calmly, including student mental health, and recognise when to escalate concerns.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to manage challenging situations with professionalism, fairness and sensitivity.
- A commitment to safety, dignity, respect and inclusion, with the confidence to challenge inappropriate behaviour, maintain professional boundaries and respond appropriately to concerns about harassment or misconduct.
- The ability to work independently, manage confidential information and adapt to changing priorities in a 24-hour operational environment.
- A clean manual driving licence.

Experience in higher education would be an advantage, but we welcome applicants who can demonstrate the relevant leadership skills, professional judgement and commitment to creating a safe and respectful community.

You should hold the relevant SIA licences in Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) and Door Supervision (DS). Appointment will be subject to the University's applicable DBS and pre-employment checks.

How will you work

The role is based primarily at our Canterbury Campus, with occasional travel to our other campuses. Security Services operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

You will work a four-on, four-off shift pattern, working 18:00–06:00, and will need to be comfortable making decisions independently and responding to the demands of an overnight security service.

This position involves 12-hour night shifts. Applicants should therefore live within a reasonable commuting distance of the campus and be able to attend work punctually and consistently throughout the shift pattern.

Benefits

Salary of £39,560 per annum, plus a 2.5% shift allowance and £900 emergency attendance allowance.

Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), a defined-benefit pension scheme. The current contribution rates for this grade are 6.5% for employees and 18% for the employer, subject to confirmation by HR.

We want our Security Services team to reflect the diverse community we serve. Women are currently underrepresented in the security profession, and we particularly welcome applications from women who are interested in bringing their skills, experience and leadership to this role.