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Drive the future of the British Museum's Security as the Head of Security at an exciting time of growth and development
Overview
Salary
£58162
Location
Bloomsbury, London - Hybrid
Expires
Expires at anytime
Organisation summary: The British Museum is a world-renowned institution with a fascinating collection, located in the heart of London. There has never been a more exciting time to join us as we evolve and develop our operations for a modern audience. We believe that people truly are at the heart of everything we do, reflecting in the unique benefits package we offer, some highlights of which include free exhibition entry, 25 days' annual leave with additional perks, a range of discounts and diverse support systems.
Role Summary:Lead the shaping and implementation of the Museum's physical security strategy.Manage 24/7 operations, ensuring the safety and security of the Museum's people, collections, buildings, and assets.Oversee the development of security systems and culture.Build trusted relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
Role Requirements:Proven experience in guiding an organisation's security strategy.Ability to manage and develop a team of security professionals.Proficiency in assessing threats and developing risk-reduction plans.Experience in incident management and crisis planning.
About the role As Head of Security, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and leading the British Museum's Security strategy at a defining moment in our history. We are looking for a highly skilled, driven leader who can guide the organisation through some of the most exciting developments we have ever undertaken. You will oversee the full physical security function across our global-scale estate, safeguarding our people, collections, buildings, and assets while ensuring that security is seamlessly integrated into an exceptional visitor experience. With responsibility for a 24/7 operation, you will strengthen our security culture, continuously develop our systems, and ensure we remain resilient and responsive as we evolve.
About you Lead and evolve the Museum's physical security strategy, systems, and standards across a 24/7 operation. Act as the organisation's primary security expert, assessing threats, advising on major programmes and events, and developing risk-reduction plans. Inspire and develop a team of around 120 security professionals, ensuring high-quality training, strong leadership, and a culture of continuous improvement. Build and maintain trusted partnerships with internal stakeholders and external security bodies, law enforcement, and sector networks. Oversee incident management, crisis planning, and the effectiveness of technical security systems, ensuring robust compliance, reporting, and operational performance.
Benefits At the British Museum, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. That's why we've designed a benefits package that goes beyond the ordinary. Our full list of benefits can be found here, but we've outlined some highlights below: Free exhibition entry for you and guests, exclusive private views, ICOM and reciprocal museum access. 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays and 2.5 privilege days (and +5 days after 10 years). Discounts at onsite catering, Museum shops and local Bloomsbury partners. Social and wellbeing perks including Staff parties, social clubs, CSSC sports and leisure, and support from the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship. Peer support and allyship with five diversity networks for community. Learning and development through courses, mentoring and Athena as well as support for professional qualifications. Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7 for counselling, wellbeing support and more. Eyecare vouchers for VDU tests and contributions toward glasses. Enhanced parental leave including maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave. Support for carers through Employers for Carers. Civil Service Pension Scheme with a secure, inflation-linked defined benefit. Interest-free loans including season ticket, rental deposit and bicycle loans.
