How to get a job as a security manager

Do you have leadership skills and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations? Do you find that you have a keen eye for detail in your surroundings? If you check these boxes and take an interest in public safety and security, then a security manager gig could be the career for you. 

Being a security manager is not about being big and beefy. It is a role that requires people skills–in an assertive manner yet remaining polite. Nevertheless, you should be physically fit and have strong stamina to enable you to be on your feet for long hours while coping with the unpredictable UK weather. 

Responsibilities, Perks and Promotions

Working as a security manager is an exciting role that allows you to meet different people. This role also exposes you to various industries giving you different life experiences. This job offers attractive salaries and complete benefits packages, including paid holidays.  

As a security manager, you carry multiple responsibilities, including supervising a team, planning rotas, carrying out security risk assessments and coordinating the response to any threat. You must also develop and assess security protocols and ensure all company staff follow them. You may also be tasked with organising security for events and VIP visits, depending on the organisation you are working for. In situations where an incident has occurred, you would be responsible for working with the police and other emergency services on site.  

You can even climb up the security career ladder further. You could become an area security manager, overseeing the security of offices, shops or facilities across a region. Alternatively, you could get into consultancy, advising businesses on how to enhance their security or providing options for other types of security like close protection, anti-terror measures or conflict management. 

Let’s see how you could become a licensed security manager.

Step 1– Check Your Eligibility

To become a security manager, you must have prior experience in the security industry. Security managers are promoted from within; therefore, you must have an SIA licence as a door supervisor, security officer or CCTV operator.

To undertake these courses, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be over 18 years of age
• You must have proof you can work in the UK
• You must pass a criminal background check
• You must pass a mental health check

Step 2– Book and Attend Your Course

Once you have verified that you meet the eligibility criteria, you can book your course at our over 95 training venues throughout the UK. 

If you choose to undertake the security officer course, the 4-day course cost starts from £179.99. Similarly, the door supervisor course costs start from £209.99 and take six days. Finally, the CCTV operator training course starts from £179.99 and is a 3-day course.

The courses are delivered by result-oriented experts who ensure they give you the best knowledge in their respective fields. At the end of the course, you must sit multiple test exams, which 95% of our attendees pass the first time. However, should you fail and don’t wish to sit the test again, you are guaranteed your money back.  

Step 3 — Send Off for Your SIA Licence With the Required Fee

After passing your course, you’ll need to send off your SIA Security Guard Licence fee of £184. Similarly, the Door Supervisor Licence fee is £184, and If you choose to undertake CCTV operations, the licence fee is also £184. That said, it is important to note that this amount is non-refundable.

Step 4 — Find a Job

Once you have obtained your licence, you can apply for jobs as an SIA licensed security personnel. This is where the Get Licensed app comes in handy. It’s an easy-to-use tool that does not only help you pass your course but is there to help you in your job hunt. 

All you need to do is create a worker profile outlining your skills, education, work history, and licence details. Once complete, share your profile with potential employers. Be sure to also check for job alerts on the app. 

Job Description

As a security manager, you are required to know about public safety and security, so you must have experience in the security industry. Most security managers have worked their way up from junior security positions to supervisory positions. This means that leadership skills are crucial for this role.

Additionally, with all the security personnel under your command, you need to be a good communicator to ensure the security policies and procedures you develop are implemented to maintain security standards. Beyond that, as a security manager, you must gain the trust of your team and your employers. 

Other skills and responsibilities you are required to have include business management skills, coordination of staff when responding to emergencies and alarms, investigation and resolving security issues, creating and reviewing reports for management on security status and reviewing reports on security breaches and incidents.  

Earning Potential

The average salary for an SIA-licenced security manager is around £42,000 per year or around £52,000 in London. You could earn more still by gaining more experience or taking on a more senior role. You’ll have to work your way up, but if you are dedicated, then this is a realistic goal. To start your security career today, simply book your course. Best of luck!