Security manager

In your day-to-day duties you may:

• manage a security team
•  plan work rotas
•  monitor CCTV and alarms in a control room
•  do security risk assessments and co-ordinate responses to incidents
•  recruit and train new staff
•  work with the police and other emergency services
•  organise security for events and VIP visits
•  develop and test security, evacuation and emergency plans
•  investigate security breaches to learn lessons
•  act as a keyholder for access to buildings and controlled areas

• leadership skills
• knowledge of public safety and security 
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• customer service skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• business management skills 
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll usually need a driving licence.

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

You could become an area security manager, with responsibility for offices, shops or other facilities across a region.

You might specialise as a consultant, advising businesses on certain types of security, for example close protection, anti-terror measures or conflict management.

You could also set up your own security recruitment agency, or work for companies that develop and sell security systems, like biometrics or surveillance equipment.