Job Specifications
Play a leading role in protecting one of the world’s most iconic historic sites.
Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) is the independent charity that cares for the Tower of London—an internationally renowned fortress, museum, and home to nearly 1,000 years of British history. We welcome millions of visitors each year, safeguard priceless collections, and ensure this extraordinary landmark remains safe, secure, and inspiring for all.
We are seeking a confident, proactive and experienced Senior Security Team Leader to join our Security Leadership Team to help make sure the Tower remains secure, welcoming, and operationally resilient every day.
About The Role
As a Senior Security Team Leader, you will play a crucial frontline leadership role in maintaining the safety, security, and operational readiness of the Tower of London. Working closely with Security Managers and wider Operations leadership, you will oversee daily security activities, provide direction to Security Officers, and ensure that our standards of vigilance, incident response, and customer engagement remain exceptional.
You will act as a key point of coordination across the site—leading shifts, monitoring back‑of‑house and public areas, managing incidents, supporting emergency preparedness, and ensuring a consistent and professional security presence throughout the Tower.
You will work closely with the Chief Security Officer, often deputising for them. This is a dynamic, high‑profile role at a live heritage site. You will be central to delivering a secure visitor experience while supporting HRP’s mission to make history accessible, engaging and safe for all.
Key Responsibilities
Lead, motivate, and support Security Officers to deliver high‑quality, visitor‑focused security operations.
Act as the senior security lead on shift, ensuring the safety and security of visitors, staff, assets and the historic site.
Deliver clear operational oversight during daily activity, events, VIP visits, and periods of heightened demand. Hold teams to account using HRP’s performance framework.
Support incident management, emergency response and crisis procedures, including training and readiness exercises.
Represent security interests in daily operational meetings, coordinating closely with Visitor Services, Operations, and other internal teams.
Maintain the highest of professional standards. Ensure that security procedures are periodically reviewed, are proportionate and are suitable for current threats.
Ensure that security data, observations, and intelligence are shared effectively and used to inform decision‑making.
Assist Security Managers with audits, SOP development, roster support, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Build strong relationships across departments, acting as a calm, credible and authoritative security presence.
Uphold HRP values, promoting professionalism, inclusivity, and exceptional visitor care at all times.
About You
You will excel in this role if you thrive in a fast‑moving operational environment, enjoy leading people, and take pride in maintaining safety and security in a complex public setting.
You Will Bring
Significant experience in a security, operational, or protective services environment (heritage, visitor attraction, public venue or similar desirable).
Strong leadership skills, with the ability to direct teams confidently and decisively.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a calm, professional manner.
A proven commitment to visitor experience and a customer‑focused approach.
Sound judgement, strong situational awareness, and the ability to stay composed under pressure.
Experience working with senior stakeholders and managing sensitive information.
A positive team ethos, reliability, and the ability to motivate others.
Confidence in handling complex situations—even when information is incomplete.
An organised, proactive working style with effective prioritisation skills.
Why Join Us?
Work at one of the world’s most extraordinary and historically significant sites.
Be part of a supportive, dedicated, and diverse team committed to excellence.
Access a wide range of learning, development and progression opportunities.
Play a meaningful role in safeguarding a landmark that has shaped British history for nearly a millennium.
Benefits Include
Enhanced holiday entitlement
Generous Employers Pension Contributions (up to 11%)
Annual Pay reviews & Bonuses
Critical Illness Cover & Life Assurance
Family friendly policies and benefits
Staff discounts and membership to all palaces
If you meet the criteria, please apply online direct to HRP with your CV and a cover letter detailing why you are suitable for this role, and what skills and qualities you would bring.
About the Company
We are the charity who love and look after Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, Tower of London, the Banqueting House, Kew Palace, and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.
The palaces are the setting for the stories that shape us all, and we’re bringing them to people in ways that mean more to them.
We want everyone to find themselves in the spaces and stories we share.
The palaces are owned by The King on behalf of the nation. As an independent charity, we raise all our own funds and depend on the support of our visit...
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