Security Duty Manager

A Truly Unique Role

As Security Duty Manager, you'll be at the heart of a dynamic, fast-moving environment where no two days are the same. You'll spend most of your shift on site, supporting your team of 11 Security Officers, engaging with stakeholders such as event organisers, production teams, Southbank Centre staff and senior client contacts. You will respond to incidents across an estate spanning more than 11 acres, four major buildings and two additional remote locations.

The shift pattern is demanding, operating on a 6-on, 3-off rotation of 12‑hour day and night shifts. Working hours are 0630–1830 and 1830–0630, averaging 54 hours per week. This role requires energy, resilience and a proactive approach. On busy shifts, you could walk between 20,000 and 30,000 steps while overseeing operations.

We're looking for someone who enjoys being visible, approachable and hands‑on rather than desk‑based.

The Southbank Centre is one of the UK's most diverse and vibrant public spaces. From major events such as the BAFTA Awards and Meltdown Festival to everyday visitors, the site attracts people from every background, culture and community. The successful candidate will be comfortable adapting their communication style to engage positively and professionally with a diverse range of visitors.

The Southbank Centre is London’s favourite meeting spot with restaurants, bars, street food markets and dramatic riverside views. It is made up of the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room, Hayward Gallery, National Poetry Library and Arts Council Collection and home to six resident orchestras.

This is a customer‑focused security environment where professionalism, empathy and communication are just as important as security knowledge.

• SIA Door Supervisor Licence and CCTV Licence
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• Minimum 2 years' experience in a security leadership or supervisory role.
• Experience working in a customer‑facing security environment.

• Positive leaders who enjoy developing and supporting teams.
• Calm, professional decision‑makers who perform well under pressure.
• Excellent communicators who build strong relationships with colleagues, clients and stakeholders.
• Skilled at managing incidents while maintaining a positive customer experience.
• Approachable, visible and customer‑focused in their leadership style.
• Comfortable working in a hands‑on, physically active role across a large estate.
• Adaptable and inclusive, able to engage effectively with diverse communities, visitors and event audiences.

At Southbank Centre, our approach is professional, proportionate and people‑focused. Physical intervention is always a last resort. Success in this role comes from communication, engagement, conflict management and strong leadership.

You'll regularly deal with a wide range of incidents, from lost property and welfare concerns to theft investigations and event‑related challenges. Strong incident management skills, sound judgement and clear communication are essential.

• Lead and support a team of 11 Security Officers across a complex multi‑site operation.
• Coordinate daily security operations across four buildings, public spaces and remote locations.
• Manage incidents, emergencies and alarms in a calm, professional and proportionate manner.
• Work closely with the Control Room, client teams, event managers, organisers and external agencies.
• Ensure high standards of service delivery, welfare, training compliance and operational performance.
• Handle customer, visitor and staff concerns effectively, providing clear communication throughout.
• Maintain accurate incident reports, shift records and operational documentation.
• Monitor performance, identify improvements and contribute to continuous service excellence.

• Health and Wellbeing Plans – including our family‑friendly maternity policy.
• Flexible financial support with instant access to earned and authorised wages.
• Family‑friendly benefits – discounts for shopping, eating out and cinema tickets.
• Full induction, ongoing training and structured career development.
• Increased annual leave recognised through service and…