Head of Security
Full-time, 41 hours per week
Monday – Friday with occasional weekend and bank holiday as required. On-site in Bloomsbury, London, with occasional work from home. Permanent contract.
£58,162 per annum
Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on 29 April 2026
About the role
As Head of Security, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and leading the British Museum’s security strategy at a defining moment in our history. You will oversee the full physical security function across our global‑scale estate, safeguarding our people, collections, buildings, and assets while ensuring that security is seamlessly integrated into an exceptional visitor experience.
With responsibility for a 24/7 operation, you will strengthen our security culture, continuously develop our systems, and ensure we remain resilient and responsive as we evolve.
Key areas of responsibility
- Lead and evolve the Museum’s physical security strategy, systems, and standards across a 24/7 operation.
- Act as the organisation’s primary security expert, assessing threats, advising on major programmes and events, and developing risk‑reduction plans.
- Inspire and develop a team of around 120 security professionals, ensuring high‑quality training, strong leadership, and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Build and maintain trusted partnerships with internal stakeholders and external security bodies, law enforcement, and sector networks.
- Oversee incident management, crisis planning, and the effectiveness of technical security systems, ensuring robust compliance, reporting, and operational performance.
Benefits highlights
- Free exhibition entry for you and guests, exclusive private views, ICOM and reciprocal museum access.
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and 2.5 privilege days (and +5 days after 10 years).
- Discounts at onsite catering, museum shops and local Bloomsbury partners.
- Social and well‑being perks including staff parties, social clubs, CSSC sports and leisure, and support from the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship.
- Peer support and allyship with five diversity networks for community.
- Learning and development through courses, mentoring and Athena as well as support for professional qualifications.
- Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7 for counselling, well‑being support and more.
- Eyecare vouchers for VDU tests and contributions toward glasses.
- Enhanced parental leave including maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave.
- Support for carers through Employers for Carers.
- Civil Service Pension Scheme with a secure, inflation‑linked defined benefit.
- Interest‑free loans including season ticket, rental deposit and bicycle loans.
Our values
- Care Deeply
- Embrace the Unknown
- Spark Curiosity
- Value Many Voices
We may be able to provide visa sponsorship for this role, subject to meeting eligibility requirements. You can find out more about these here.
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