Security Shift Manager (Nights)

Job description

Please note a full application including a covering letter detailing your experience alongside a CV is required for applications to be considered. Please be advised applications made without providing a cover letter will not be accepted.

Are you an experienced security professional who enjoys leading people, making sound decisions and creating a safe, welcoming environment?

We are looking for a proactive, people-focused and experienced Security Shift Manager (Nights) to lead a shift of approximately 12 in-house security officers across our university estate. This is an opportunity to combine your security expertise with your leadership skills, making a meaningful contribution to the safety and wellbeing of our diverse community.

Working as part of our Security Services team, you will help ensure that students, colleagues and visitors feel safe, supported and welcome across our campuses.

About the role

Reporting to the Head of Security, you will lead and support the night security team, providing clear direction and ensuring a professional, effective and responsive service. Based primarily at our Canterbury Campus, you will oversee security operations across the university estate, including academic buildings, student accommodation and other facilities.

As the manager on duty overnight, you will work independently, assess risks, make informed decisions and respond to incidents, knowing when to escalate matters to the on-call Senior Manager. You will need sound judgement, the ability to remain calm under pressure and a proportionate approach to resolving challenging situations.

Our approach to security is based on 'soft security' wherever possible. This means being approachable, building trust and communicating effectively, alongside maintaining a safe and secure environment. You will lead by example, ensuring your team delivers excellent customer service and treats everyone with dignity, fairness and respect.

What you will bring?

We are looking for someone who combines security expertise with effective, inclusive leadership.

You will have:

• Demonstrable experience of managing a security team.
• The ability to lead, motivate and support colleagues, setting clear expectations for professional conduct, boundaries and service delivery.
• Strong decision-making and risk-assessment skills, with the ability to manage incidents calmly, including student mental health, and recognise when to escalate concerns.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to manage challenging situations with professionalism, fairness and sensitivity.
• A commitment to safety, dignity, respect and inclusion, with the confidence to challenge inappropriate behaviour, maintain professional boundaries and respond appropriately to concerns about harassment or misconduct.
• The ability to work independently, manage confidential information and adapt to changing priorities in a 24-hour operational environment.
• A clean manual driving licence.

Experience in higher education would be an advantage, but we welcome applicants who can demonstrate the relevant leadership skills, professional judgement and commitment to creating a safe and respectful community.

You should hold the relevant SIA licences in Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) and Door Supervision (DS). Appointment will be subject to the University's applicable DBS and pre-employment checks.

Why join our team?

This is an opportunity to make a positive difference to the experience of students, staff and visitors while developing your leadership and professional expertise.

You will join a team that values professionalism, teamwork, good judgement and a supportive approach to colleagues and the wider university community.

We want our Security Services team to reflect the diverse community we serve. Women are currently underrepresented in the security profession, and we particularly welcome applications from women who are interested in bringing their skills, experience and leadership to this role. We value different perspectives and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported and able to succeed.

Pension: Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), a defined-benefit pension scheme. The current contribution rates for this grade are 6.5% for employees and 18% for the employer, subject to confirmation by HR.

How will you work?

The role is based primarily at our Canterbury Campus, with occasional travel to our other campuses. Security Services operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

You will work a four-on, four-off shift pattern, working 18:00-06:00, and will need to be comfortable making decisions independently and responding to the demands of an overnight security service.

This position involves 12-hour night shifts. Applicants should therefore live within a reasonable commuting distance of the campus and be able to attend work punctually and consistently throughout the shift pattern.

How to apply

Start Date of applications: 22nd October 2026

Closing date for applications: 16th November 2026

Interview date: TBA- November 2026

Please submit both a CV and a covering letter explaining how your skills, experience and leadership approach meet the requirements of the role.

Applications submitted without a covering letter will not be accepted.

We look forward to hearing how you could contribute to our team and help create a safe, welcoming and inclusive university community.

Previous applicants need not apply.

Additional Information

Canterbury Christ Church University truly welcomes fresh perspectives and new voices. We want you to bring the real you to work, so we are committed to building a genuinely inclusive working environment where everyone is welcomed and where everyone can have a true sense of belonging. Our spirit of community will help us to eliminate discrimination and will enable us all to thrive in a culture that is underpinned by fairness and justice. We therefore seek people to join us who will proactively support and shape this aim and contribute in their own unique way. If this is you, then we are waiting to hear from you. #yourCCCU

Our University is deeply committed to shaping sustainable futures as a key part of its mission and values. If you share this passion, we encourage you to join us in making CCCU a more socially and environmentally conscious, sustainable place to study and work

Employment Visa Clarification: According to the UK Government Points Based System, this position does not fulfil the requirements for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route application.

Please note applications must be made online via the University website; details sent directly via email cannot be considered.

Prior consideration will be given to applicants in the University's redeployment pool. No agencies, thank you.

For more information about this role, please view the job description via the attachments link above.

Location

Canterbury: