Senior Security Risk Manager at Durham University

Durham, England, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

18 Jan, 26

Salary

56535.0

Posted On

20 Oct, 25

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Protective Security Management, Crime Prevention, Counter Terrorism, Risk Assessment, Policy Development, Compliance, Leadership, Communication, Digital Competence, Problem Solving, Strategic Planning, Team Development, Networking, Project Management, Training, Audit Management

Industry

Higher Education

Description

Job Title: Senior Security Risk Manager Department: Estates and Facilities Directorate Accommodation and Commercial Services Grade: Grade 8 Salary range: £47,389-£56,535 Working arrangements: Full time (nominal 35 hours) Permanent Hybrid working (minimum of three days per week onsite, depending on business needs) May be a requirement to work evenings and weekends, as business demands May be required to participate in the out of hours on-call rota, relevant to the role Closing date: Thursday 20th November 2025 The University At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things professionally and personally. Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here. The Role and Department As Senior Security Risk Manager, you will provide professional, strategic, dynamic leadership for protective (physical) security management, covering all aspects of security e.g. counter terrorism, crime prevention. You will oversee the corporate strategy, objectives, arrangements and infrastructure for managing protective (physical) security, as well as monitoring the levels of compliance and implementation, while keeping the University Executive Committee and other senior leaders informed of any issues. You will have responsibility for developing and maintaining protective (physical) security management systems, reviewing and refreshing existing policies and processes, as well as developing the protective (physical) security management strategy, promoting best practice and ensuring full compliance while reinforcing a positive security culture. You will assist in ensuring that security risks are considered and managed in all refurbishment and new build projects to support the Estates and Facilities Directorate. You will be the University’s responsible person, as currently outlined in the Terrorism (Protection of premises) draft bill (Martyn’s Law), assessing security threats and vulnerabilities to provide proportionate advice, guidance and training. This role, while positioned within the Estates and Facilities Directorate (E&FD), sits within the portfolio of the Chief Operating Officer, with responsibilities that span across the entire University. The post-holder is expected to provide expertise, guidance, and advice to ensure a safe and secure environment for all academic, student, professional service, and visitor-related activities. E&FD provides essential services to Durham University and is responsible for managing, maintaining and developing the infrastructure and building fabric of the various campuses. Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description. Working at Durham A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits: · 30 days annual leave, in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year (a total of 42 days per year). · The University closes between Christmas and New Year. · We offer a generous pension scheme, as a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS). · No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. · There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities. · Lots of support for health and wellbeing, including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme. · Onsite nursery is available and children’s clubs in the summer holidays. · Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers). · The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community · Discounts are available via our benefits portal, including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema, and days out at various attractions. · A salary sacrifice scheme is also available, to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits. · If you are moving to Durham, we can help with removal costs and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas. Durham University is committed to equality diversity, inclusion and values Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. As a University, equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham, we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community that is supportive and inclusive. We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force, including people with disabilities, women, and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process, wherever it is reasonable to do so, and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role. What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role. Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description. Where a criterion has an asterisk* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered. Your application should cover the following criteria: Essential Criteria Qualifications/Experience 1. Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience). 2. Hold a professional qualification in Protective (Physical) Security Risk Management that includes crime prevention and counter terrorism. 3. * Recognised professional protective (physical) security practitioner with demonstrable specialist knowledge and expertise used to influence, events and activities within a complex organisation. 4. * Relevant experience of providing specialist protective (physical) security risk management advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues, including more senior colleagues in a large, complex organisation. 5. Evidence of competence (skills, knowledge and experience) in implementing protective (physical) security frameworks and methodologies, including undertaking security threat and vulnerability risk assessments, developing preparedness plans and implementing proportionate systems and measures that work alongside other requirements (business needs, health and safety, fire safety, business continuity etc.). 6. * Evidence of competence in establishing, creating and reviewing security requirements, security strategies and security plans for refurbishment and new build projects. 7. Experience of participating in internal or external networks, relevant to security risk management, to share and discuss good practice, develop strong and productive working relationships and positively influence the University’s reputation. 8. * Knowledge and experience of ensuring compliance with regulatory, organisational policy and best practice guidelines related to protective (physical) security, including crime prevention and counter terrorism measures such as those expected from the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) draft bill (Martyn’s Law). 9. * Demonstrable track record of management and development experience and across a large service team or teams. Skills/Abilities/Knowledge 10. Excellent spoken and written communication skills and the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally. 11. Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps including digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, business systems. 12. Committed to continuing professional development to maintain professional recognition. 13. * Extensive knowledge and experience of ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational policy and guidelines, relating to security risks. 14. Ability to contribute to planning at operational and strategic levels. 15. Ability to solve problems and decide on and plan appropriate solutions. Desirable Criteria 1. Certified security practitioner, e.g., ASIS Certified Physical Security Professional (PSP) or Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Chartered Security Professional. How to Apply To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria. Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above for those marked with *). While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview. Submitting your application We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates. What you need to submit · A CV · A supporting statement or covering letter which outlines how you meet the criteria within the Person Specification Contact details For a chat about the role or any further information please contact Andy Mulligan, andrew.mulligan@durham.ac.uk. Typical Role Requirements Service Delivery/Development · Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values. · Develop and apply an in-depth understanding of University policy and external developments when carrying out you role. · Ensure that protective (physical) security policy and regulatory standards are met by activities and processes that are carried out in services you are responsible for. · Use your professional knowledge and experience as a protective (physical) security practitioner to shape processes and activities, develop systems and provide subject matter expertise and advice. · Use your managerial and leadership expertise to identify priorities and shape protective (physical) security to achieve the required outcomes. · Look for ways to continually improve services and take a lead role in the development and implementation of assigned policies, processes and standards. · Initiate and manage business process reviews to improve the protective (physical) security service. · Ensure data (commercially sensitive and/or personal) is appropriately stored and managed. · Manage quality and regulatory audits of systems and procedures. · Support the welfare, wellbeing and employment of your staff by providing professional guidance. Planning and Organising · Contribute to the development of operational plans relevant to your area. · Oversee the analysis of data about the service levels provided by your area, making recommendations for improvement in reports to senior managers and committees. · Allocate and monitor designated budgets, expenditure and resources. Team Development · Manage and develop the people, performance and resources of the protective (physical) security team, to ensure that a customer focussed service is provided. · Help shape the skills and expertise needed to deliver a professional service by recruiting, inducting and training team members and structuring the team in way that will best meet operational and strategic priorities. · Ensure that your team can deliver the required services by devolving and delegating responsibilities to appropriate team members. · Carry out regular performance reviews to provide feedback on objectives and expectations and identify any development needs. · Handle most HR issues and support the welfare and wellbeing of your team referring more complex issues to specialist services or more senior managers. Communication/Liaison · Use your professional knowledge to identify and recommend priorities for long-term business plans. · Provide professional guidance and advice when managing protective (physical) security services. · Design creative and innovative communications to promote and increase engagement relating to protective (physical) security. · Influence University policy, standards and governance by leading operational business meetings, working groups and sub-committees. · Create strong working relationships, including internal and external networks, using your networks to increase your knowledge and skills, swap information with peers and positively influence the University’s reputation. · Represent the Protective (Physical) Security service and University at promotional events. · Identify opportunities to develop and increase participation in special interest groups · Liaise with, and provide cover for, the operational security lead, during periods of absence and/or busy periods. · Any other reasonable duties. Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement, which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data. When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.

Responsibilities

The Senior Security Risk Manager will provide strategic leadership for protective security management, overseeing compliance and implementation of security policies. The role involves assessing security threats and vulnerabilities while ensuring a safe environment for all university activities.