University of Southampton Team Leader

About The Role

Position Overview

The University Security Team Leader plays a vital role in ensuring the safety, security, and wellbeing of students, staff, visitors, and university assets. The role requires a balance of operational leadership, incident response, and excellent interpersonal skills to maintain a safe and welcoming campus environment. The Team Leader supports the Security Manager by supervising officers on shift, coordinating daily operations, and ensuring compliance with policies, legislation, and best practices.

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Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership
• Supervise, motivate, and support a team of security officers, ensuring high standards of professionalism, conduct, and performance.
• Oversee daily security operations including patrols, access control, CCTV monitoring, and incident response.
• Allocate duties fairly across the team and ensure adequate staffing levels at all times.
• Act as the first point of contact for escalated incidents, emergencies, or concerns raised by officers, students, or staff.

Incident & Emergency Management
• Lead the response to emergencies including fire alarms, first aid situations, critical incidents, and evacuations.
• Ensure accurate incident reports are completed, reviewed, and submitted promptly.
• Liaise with local emergency services and law enforcement as required.

Compliance & Procedures
• Ensure compliance with university security policies, health & safety standards, and data protection requirements.
• Maintain detailed knowledge of campus facilities, emergency procedures, and relevant legislation.
• Monitor the use of security technology (CCTV, alarms, access systems) and report faults or vulnerabilities.

Customer Service & Community Engagement
• Provide visible and approachable leadership to create a safe and inclusive environment for students, staff, and visitors.
• Handle sensitive situations with discretion, empathy, and professionalism.
• Act as an ambassador for the security team, promoting trust and confidence across the university community.

Administration & Reporting
• Complete daily handover reports, staff performance notes, and operational records.
• Support training, induction, and ongoing development of security officers.
• Assist the Security Manager in audits, risk assessments, and policy reviews.

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Skills & Experience

Essential
• Previous supervisory or team leader experience in a security, law enforcement, or public safety environment.
• Strong knowledge of security operations, incident response, and health & safety practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a diverse university community.
• Ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure.
• IT literacy including use of security systems (access control, incident reporting software).
• Valid SIA licence.
• First Aid at Work certification.

Desirable
• Experience working within a higher education or public sector environment.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, Prevent Duty, and student welfare protocols.
• Conflict management and de-escalation training.
• Fire marshal or emergency response training.

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Personal Attributes
• Professional, approachable, and student-focused.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire confidence in others.
• Integrity and discretion when dealing with sensitive matters.
• Flexible and adaptable, able to work shifts including nights, weekends, and bank holidays.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and ongoing development of self and team.

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Working Conditions
• Shift-based role covering 24/7 operations.
• Based on campus with both office and outdoor duties.
• Required to wear a university-approved security uniform.