National Security Manager

Heritage is for everybody, and we are here for heritage. Heritage lives in places and people, memories and stories, artefacts and traditions. It can connect us all to the past, and to each other. It can make us happier, strengthen every community, and help shape society for the better. Everybody should be able to enjoy the benefits it brings.

That's why, as a charity, we care for over a million objects and hundreds of historic sites in every part of England, from international icons to local treasures. And it's why we open them up, share their stories and find new ways for everybody to enjoy, learn, play and create.

About the role

This is a great opportunity for an experienced security professional to lead English Heritage's national approach to security, protective security and organisational preparedness across a unique estate of historic sites, collections, offices and visitor attractions. The role will suit someone who can combine strategic judgement, practical implementation and proportionate security thinking in a welcoming, public-facing heritage environment.

As a National Security Manager, you will provide strategic leadership, advice and professional challenge on security, protective security and organisational preparedness, acting as English Heritage's lead subject matter expert for emerging security risks, legislation, standards and good practice.

You will lead the development and continuous improvement of the security management framework, including policies, standards, templates, guidance, risk assessment methods, assurance arrangements and site security management plans. You will also support organisational preparedness for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, working with colleagues across the charity and with external partners to develop practical, proportionate and legally compliant arrangements.

The role is full time and permanent, working 36 hours per week. We offer flexible working arrangements where the role allows. This role can be based at one of our sites or offices, at home, or worked on a hybrid pattern. You will be required to attend sites on a frequent basis. If the majority of your working week will be based at our London office (Wood Street), you will receive a premium on top of the advertised salary. This will be discussed further at interview.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership, advice and professional challenge on security, protective security and organisational preparedness.
• Act as English Heritage's lead subject matter expert for emerging security risks, legislation, standards and good practice.
• Lead the development and continuous improvement of the security management framework, including policies, standards, templates, guidance, risk assessment methods, assurance arrangements and site security management plans.
• Support organisational preparedness for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, working with colleagues and external partners to develop practical, proportionate and legally compliant arrangements.

Requirements

• Substantial experience of developing, implementing or assuring security risk management arrangements in a complex, public-facing environment.
• A good understanding of protective security, counter-terrorism preparedness, incident response, security and proportionate risk management.
• Knowledge of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 and the practical implications for qualifying premises and events.
• Experience of interpreting legislation, standards, guidance or good practice and translating these into practical organisational requirements, improvement actions or assurance arrangements.
• Strong written, analytical, presentation and report-writing skills, with the ability to explain complex security matters clearly to different audiences.

Benefits

• Salary from £52,441, depending on skills, experience and location.
• 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays, pro rata, rising to 28 days after 3 years.
• Matched pension contributions up to 10%.
• Flexible hours.
• The opportunity to progress your career within the heritage sector.
• Apprenticeship opportunities.
• Subscriptions to professional bodies.
• Free access to all English Heritage sites for you and up to six friends and family members.
• 25% discount in our shops and cafes.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity or shared parental leave.
• Options to buy additional leave.
• An inclusive working atmosphere where everybody is supported from all backgrounds, religions and with different needs.
• Opportunities to attend some of our great live music and history events.

Schedule

Full time, permanent, working 36 hours per week.

Interviews will be held in two stages. Initial interviews will take place on Microsoft Teams during week commencing Monday 21 September 2026. Final face-to-face interviews will take place during week commencing Monday 28 September 2026; location to be confirmed.

If you would like to talk to us e.g. about workplace adjustments or working patterns, please contact Andy Mulligan, Head of Health, Safety and Security, Andy.Mulligan@english-heritage.org.uk.