Head of Security & Campus Safety

The Opportunity

Leeds Beckett University is investing in the future of its Estates & Facilities function and is seeking an exceptional Head of Security & Campus Safety to help shape the next phase of its transformation.

Following a significant review of the directorate and the appointment of new leadership, this newly created role will lead the development of a modern, intelligence-led security and campus safety function. This is an opportunity to influence the future of one of the region's most diverse university environments whilst ensuring a safe, secure, resilient and welcoming experience for students, staff, visitors and partners.

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Estates & Facilities Management, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across all aspects of physical security, campus safety, safeguarding, emergency preparedness, incident response and resilience.

You will play a key role in developing and delivering the University's security and campus safety strategy, driving a proactive approach to risk management, strengthening business continuity arrangements and supporting the delivery of the University's wider strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the University's security, safety, resilience and emergency management strategy.
• Provide leadership across all 24/7 security operations, including CCTV, access control, control room operations, patrols and incident response.
• Strengthen business continuity, emergency planning and crisis response arrangements.
• Lead security modernisation initiatives and continuous improvement programmes.
• Advise senior leaders on emerging threats, high-impact risks and compliance obligations.
• Manage contracts, budgets, procurement activity and external service providers.
• Develop and maintain security policies, procedures and risk assessments.
• Build strong partnerships with police, emergency services, local authorities and wider stakeholders.
• Support major events, demonstrations, critical incidents and high-profile visits.
• Foster a culture of safety, wellbeing, inclusion and community confidence across the University.

What We’re Looking For

We are interested in hearing from strategic security, safety, resilience or operational risk leaders with experience operating in large, complex environments.
Candidates may come from Higher Education, policing, emergency services, local government, NHS, transport, defence, public sector or other multi-site organisations where safety, security and stakeholder engagement are critical.

You will bring:

• Significant leadership experience across security, safety, resilience or operational risk functions.
• Strong knowledge of security legislation, safeguarding, emergency planning and risk management.
• Experience leading operational security services within a complex environment.
• A track record of modernising services, improving performance and leading change.
• Experience managing budgets, contracts and third-party providers.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership-building capabilities.
• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship management skills.
• The ability to operate strategically whilst maintaining oversight of operational delivery.

• Builds trusted relationships and works collaboratively across diverse teams.
• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism and personal accountability.
• Creates an inclusive and supportive culture where people can perform at their best.
• Encourages innovation, embraces change and challenges traditional ways of working.
• Places wellbeing, safety and community confidence at the heart of decision-making.
• Leads with authenticity, empathy and a strong focus on delivering positive outcomes for colleagues, students and the wider community.

Why Leeds Beckett University

This is a rare opportunity to join a university investing in its future and creating a new leadership team to drive meaningful change. You will help shape the future of campus safety, support organisational resilience and contribute to creating an outstanding environment for students, staff and visitors.

Our Values

At Leeds Beckett University, our leadership team is committed to creating an environment where people can thrive. We are looking for a leader who shares our commitment to the University’s values of Inclusive, Teamwork, Integrity, Pragmatism, Ambition and Purposeful.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Louise Cartwright at Nigel Wright Group who Leeds Beckett University have appointed on a retained basis to manage this search.