LEAD SECURITY OFFICER

National Portrait Gallery, London

📍 Location: National Portrait Gallery, London
⏰ Hours: 42 Hours Per Week | 4 On / 4 Off Rotation (Days & Nights)
💷 Salary: Competitive + Comprehensive Benefits Package
🏢 Employer: Mitie Security

Shape the Security Experience at One of Britain's Most Prestigious Cultural Institutions

Mitie is seeking an exceptional Lead Security Officer to join our high-performing security team at the National Portrait Gallery.

This is more than a traditional security role. You will play a key leadership position in protecting a world-renowned cultural institution, supporting the safety of visitors, colleagues, contractors, VIPs, and priceless collections while helping to deliver an outstanding visitor experience.

If you are an experienced security professional who thrives in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment and is looking to progress their leadership career, we would love to hear from you.

Why Join Us?

At Mitie, we believe our people are our greatest strength.

As a Lead Security Officer at the National Portrait Gallery, you will have the opportunity to:

✅ Work within an iconic and prestigious London venue

✅ Lead and influence daily security operations

✅ Develop supervisory and leadership experience

✅ Support high-profile exhibitions, events and VIP visits

✅ Access industry-leading training and development programmes

✅ Be part of a collaborative and professional team committed to excellence

The Role

Reporting into the Security Management Team, you will provide operational leadership on shift and act as a role model for the wider security team.

You will be responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment while ensuring all security operations are delivered to the highest professional standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support security officers during daily operations.
• Conduct operational briefings and team communications.
• Monitor CCTV, access control and life-safety systems.
• Respond to incidents and emergencies as the first point of escalation.
• Coordinate security support for exhibitions, events and VIP visits.
• Complete detailed incident reporting and investigations.
• Ensure compliance with site procedures and assignment instructions.
• Support training, mentoring and development of officers.
• Promote a positive culture of professionalism and customer service.
• Deputise for supervisory management when required.

What We're Looking For

Essential

✔ Valid SIA Door Supervisor 

✔ Previous experience within a Lead Officer, Team Leader, Supervisor or Control Room environment

✔ Strong communication and customer service skills

✔ Experience managing incidents and emergency situations

✔ Ability to work effectively under pressure

✔ High standards of professionalism and attention to detail

✔ Good IT and report-writing skills

Desirable

⭐ Experience within a museum, gallery, corporate or other high-profile environment

⭐ Knowledge of CCTV, access control and visitor management systems

⭐ Experience delivering training and coaching

⭐ Understanding of current security legislation and emerging industry developments

⭐ First Aid qualification

Benefits Package

We Offer

✅ Competitive salary

✅ Pension scheme

✅ Employee Assistance Programme

✅ Retail and lifestyle discounts

✅ Career progression opportunities

✅ Ongoing training and development

✅ Recognition and reward programmes

✅ Uniform provided

✅ Access to wellbeing support initiatives

About You

You are a natural leader who can inspire confidence in others.

You remain calm under pressure, communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, and take pride in delivering exceptional customer service alongside industry-leading security standards.

Most importantly, you understand that modern security is about creating a safe, welcoming and professional environment for everyone.