Senior Security and Resilience Manager(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

A Strategic Leadership Role at the Heart of Campus Safety

The University of Sussex is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Senior Security and Resilience Manager to lead institutional security strategy and business continuity planning.

This is a senior position within the Division of Estates, Facilities and Commercial Services. You will shape how the University anticipates, manages and recovers from risk — ensuring that students, staff, visitors and assets are protected in a dynamic and evolving environment.

The role combines strategic planning, operational leadership and regulatory compliance. It requires calm judgement, strong communication skills and the authority to guide senior leaders during complex or sensitive situations.

Your Impact

1. University Lead for Security

You will act as the principal advisor on security matters, working closely with the University’s outsourced security provider to ensure robust and responsive services across campus.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and maintaining institutional security policies and procedures
• Overseeing threat assessment and mitigation planning
• Providing briefings and assurance to senior leadership during incidents

Ensuring statutory compliance, including alignment with:

• Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2023 (“Martyn’s Law”)
• Prevent Duty Guidance for Higher Education
• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
• Civil Contingencies Act 2004
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks guidance

You will ensure that compliance is not merely procedural, but embedded within daily operational culture.

2. Business Continuity & Emergency Planning

As the University’s lead for business continuity, you will:

• Own and maintain all business continuity and incident management procedures
• Oversee emergency planning and major incident response frameworks
• Champion institution-wide adoption of up-to-date Business Continuity Plans (BCPs)
• Deliver training and awareness sessions to Faculties and Professional Services
• You will ensure that plans are practical, regularly tested and understood by those responsible for implementing them.

3. Event Safety & Risk Management

The role includes advising on event security and resilience, ensuring that major events are delivered safely and responsibly. You will guide colleagues on proportionate security measures, health and safety obligations, and contingency planning.

About You

We are looking for a confident, credible and collaborative leader with significant experience in:

• Security management
• Business continuity
• Emergency planning
• Organisational resilience

You will demonstrate:

• A track record of leading change within security or resilience functions
• Experience drafting and implementing compliant policies and operational plans
• The ability to remain composed and authoritative under pressure
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills across all organisational levels
• Confidence advising senior leaders during live incidents
• An established professional network within security, resilience or related sectors would be advantageous.

About the Division

The Estates, Facilities and Commercial Services Division plays a visible and behind-the-scenes role in delivering a safe, sustainable and welcoming campus experience.

Recent developments include the East Slope accommodation project and the ongoing West Slope redevelopment, alongside the University’s Sustainability Sussex programme — reflecting a long-term commitment to environmental and operational resilience.

Security and business continuity are central to enabling these ambitions.

Why Join Sussex?

Located next to the South Downs National Park, the University’s 150-acre campus provides a unique working environment. Falmer railway station is a short walk away, and sustainable commuting is actively encouraged.

As a research-led international university, Sussex is shaped by the people who work and study here. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

Visa & Eligibility

This role may be eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under SOC Code 1259 (Managers and proprietors in other services not elsewhere classified), subject to UK Government salary thresholds and individual eligibility.

The successful candidate will be required to complete a DBS check due to the nature of the responsibilities.

All work undertaken for the University must be performed within the United Kingdom.