Security Manager

Typical Salary

£25,000 To £38,000

Typical Hours

40 to 48 a week

days / nights / weekends on a rota

How To Become a Security Manager

You can get into this job through:

an apprenticeship
working towards this role
applying directly

College / University

Apprenticeship

You can do a security first line manager advanced apprenticeship.

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

You can start as a security officer and become a team supervisor. You can then move into security management through on-the-job training and promotion.

You can apply directly for security management jobs if you've got between 2 and 5 years' experience in the security industry. You'll also need a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence.

Employers may accept you if you have experience of managing a team in the armed forces, police or prison service.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of public safety and security
customer service skills
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
leadership skills
business management skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

In your day-to-day duties you may:

manage a security team
plan work rotas
monitor CCTV and alarms in a control room
co-ordinate responses to incidents
recruit and train new staff
work with the police and other emergency services
organise security for events and VIP visits
develop and test security, evacuation and emergency plans
investigate security breaches to learn lessons
act as keyholder for access to buildings and controlled areas

Working Environment

You could work in an office, in a control room or visit sites.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career Path & Progression

You could become an area security manager, with responsibility for offices, shops or other facilities across a region.

You might specialise as a consultant, advising businesses on certain types of security, for example close protection, anti-terror measures or conflict management.

You could also set up your own security recruitment agency, or work for companies that develop and sell security systems, like biometrics or surveillance equipment.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Registration

you'll need a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence for agency and contractor jobs

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the International Professional Security Association for training and development opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about working in security management from Skills for Security.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

pass enhanced background checks
be over 18 years of age

You'll usually need a driving licence.