Contracts and Resource Management

• Manage budgets, ensuring value for money and service effectiveness
• Oversee procurement and performance of external security contractors and SLAs as required
• Develop KPIs to monitor service performance and drive improvement

Digital Data and AI Enabled Practice

• Lead development of modern, intelligence-led security systems and processes
• Benchmark against sector best practice and drive innovation
• Introduce new technologies (e.g. digital reporting, integrated systems)

Leadership and People Management

• Lead, manage and develop the security team, ensuring:
  • High professional standards and conduct
  • Ongoing training and CPD
  • Strong performance management culture
• Promote a customer-focused, inclusive and supportive culture
• Develop and implement a college-wide student behaviour strategy

Is This You

Essential Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field (e.g. security management, public services, facilities, risk management).
• Evidence of continuous professional development (CPD) in security, safety, or leadership.
• Recognised security, risk management or health & safety qualification (e.g. NEBOSH, IOSH, security management certification) or willingness to work towards.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to think strategically and translate vision into operational delivery.
• Strong analytical skills to assess complex risks and develop proportionate responses.
• Ability to align security strategy with organisational priorities and student experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with:
  • Senior leaders and governors
  • Staff and students
  • External agencies
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills, with the ability to challenge constructively.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise competing demands.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure, including in emergency situations.
• High level of attention to detail and commitment to compliance and standards.
• Ability to build effective relationships across departments (particularly safeguarding, estates, student services).
• Experience of working collaboratively with external stakeholders and partner agencies.

Experience

• Significant experience in a senior security or safety leadership role, ideally across a multi-site or complex organisation.
• Proven track record of leading and managing operational security services, including 24/7 environments.
• Experience of developing and implementing security strategies, policies and procedures.
• Demonstrable experience of risk assessment, threat analysis and mitigation planning.
• Experience managing staff teams, contractors and outsourced service provision.
• Proven experience of budget management and financial accountability.
• Experience of working with external partners such as:
  • Police
  • Emergency services
  • Local authorities.
• Experience of managing and responding to critical incidents and emergencies.

Knowledge Specific to Role

• Strong understanding of:
  • Security operations and systems (CCTV, access control, alarms, incident reporting)
  • Risk management principles and security frameworks.
• Working knowledge of relevant legislation and regulatory requirements, including:
  • Health and Safety legislation
  • Data protection and information security principles.
• Understanding of emergency planning, crisis management and business continuity.
• Knowledge of safeguarding principles, with an understanding of the role of security in protecting vulnerable individuals.
• Awareness of Prevent Duty and associated responsibilities.
• Understanding of customer service standards within public-facing environments.

Personal Attributes

• Professional, credible and resilient manager with a calm and authoritative presence.
• Strong commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Commitment to delivering a safe, welcoming and inclusive campus environment.
• High level of integrity, discretion and confidentiality.
• Proactive, solution-focused and committed to continuous improvement.
• Flexible and responsive, with the ability to operate effectively in dynamic environments.

Desirable Criteria

• Knowledge of the FE sector regulatory landscape, including Ofsted expectations relating to behaviour, safety and safeguarding.
• Understanding of estates and facilities management integration.
• Knowledge of current and emerging security technologies and digital systems.

Why Oaklands?

At Oaklands, you’ll join a forward-thinking college that genuinely invests in its people. We offer:

• Local Government Pension Scheme with excellent employer contributions
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Discount on UNO bus scheme
• Continuous Professional Development (CPD) – including free adult learning courses
• Long Service Awards
• Free onsite gym and discounted wellness treatments
• Cycle to Work Scheme and discounted travel
• Staff development days and annual awards celebrating your success
• Free access to Microsoft Office software for personal use
• Discounted entry to Oaklands events – from our Foodies Festival to Lambing Weekend and Oaklands Zoo

Most importantly, you’ll have the chance to make your mark — driving innovation, building a powerful brand, and creating a first-class student experience that defines the Oaklands journey.

Oaklands is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults.

Click Here to find out more about Oaklands College!