Senior Security and Resilience Manager (UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

The Opportunity

The University of Sussex is seeking a strategic and experienced professional to lead its Security and Resilience agenda. This is a pivotal leadership role within the Division of Estates, Facilities and Commercial Services, responsible for safeguarding the University’s people, property, reputation and operational continuity.

You will act as the institutional lead on security, working in close partnership with our outsourced security provider to ensure the highest standards of protection and preparedness across campus. Beyond day-to-day oversight, you will shape long-term strategy, strengthen governance frameworks, and embed a proactive culture of resilience.

This is a role for someone who combines operational confidence with strategic insight — able to manage incidents decisively while building sustainable systems that prevent and mitigate risk.

Key Responsibilities

1. Security Leadership

• Serve as the University’s principal advisor on all security matters.
• Develop, review and enhance security policies, procedures and compliance frameworks.
• Ensure alignment with statutory and regulatory requirements, including:
• The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2023 (Martyn’s Law)
• The UK Government’s Prevent Duty Guidance
• Lead threat assessments and oversee mitigation planning.
• Provide senior-level briefings during incidents, offering clear and calm assurance.

2. Business Continuity & Emergency Management

Act as institutional lead for Business Continuity Planning (BCP), emergency preparedness, and incident response.

Own and maintain University-wide procedures relating to:

• Emergency planning
• Major incident management
• Event risk management

Ensure all Faculties and Professional Services maintain current, tested and effective BCPs in line with Cabinet Office guidance:

• UK Government Business Continuity Guidance
• Lead training, awareness and simulation exercises across departments.

3. Event & Risk Advisory

Advise event organisers on proportionate and lawful safety measures.

Provide guidance on crowd safety, emergency protocols and health & safety risk controls.

Support compliance with:

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

National Protective Security Authority protective security guidance

About You

We are looking for a confident and credible leader with substantial experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Security management
• Business continuity
• Emergency planning
• Resilience or crisis response

You will bring:

• Demonstrable success in leading organisational change within security or resilience functions.
• Experience drafting and implementing policies aligned to UK statutory requirements.
• Confidence briefing senior leaders during high-pressure situations.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills across diverse organisational levels.
• A professional network within security, resilience or related sectors.

You will be comfortable balancing operational detail with strategic oversight, and you will communicate complex risk matters clearly and proportionately.

About the Division

The Division of Estates, Facilities and Commercial Services supports every aspect of campus life. From capital development projects to sustainability initiatives, we ensure the University environment remains safe, welcoming and forward-looking.

Recent and ongoing projects include:

• The development of East Slope student accommodation.
• The West Slope redevelopment, integrating housing, learning and wellbeing spaces.
• Sustainability Sussex, driving forward our ambition to be one of the most sustainable universities globally.
• Security and resilience are central to enabling these ambitions.

Why Join the University of Sussex?

Situated at the foot of the South Downs National Park, our 150-acre campus provides an inspiring working environment. The campus is easily accessible via Falmer train station and local bus routes, with dedicated cycling paths and a cycle-to-work scheme.

As a research-intensive, globally recognised institution, we value the people who make our community thrive. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Additional Information

This role may be eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship (SOC Code 1259 – Managers and proprietors in other services not elsewhere classified).

A DBS check will be required due to the nature of the responsibilities.

All work must be undertaken within the UK.