Global Head of Security

As an enterprise-level leader and reporting directly to the COO, the Global Head of Security will hold responsibility for protective security across this incredibly innovative, exciting and growing global organisation.  

Leading an international team of security professionals, the successful candidate will guide the development and implementation of a global security operating model encompassing physical, personnel and operational security.  Working closely with senior leadership, the role will establish and promote the organisation's long-term security strategy while ensuring security supports commercial objectives, operational delivery and future growth.

This role requires a highly adaptable leader capable of operating effectively in a dynamic environment where priorities can change quickly and where security must be integrated into organisational culture rather than imposed upon it. They operate across multiple international regions, including mature and emerging markets, which demands a truly pragmatic and scalable approach to security governance.

Key Responsibilities

Security Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement a global security vision and strategy.
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across the organisation.
• Ensure security supports organisational objectives and growth plans.
• Promote a risk-based approach to security decision-making.

Governance & Risk

• Lead the development of the organisation's approach to risk appetite and risk tolerance.
• Design and implement enterprise-wide security governance frameworks.
• Develop policies and standards covering:
  • Physical Security
  • Personnel Security
  • Travel Security
  • Executive Protection
  • Event Security
  • Information Security Interfaces
  • Operational Security
• Establish reporting and assurance mechanisms for executive leadership and board-level stakeholders.

Security Operations

• Oversee security incident reporting, investigation and response activities.
• Lead the most complex and sensitive security investigations.
• Ensure security considerations are fully embedded within crisis and emergency response planning.
• Develop security programmes that support geographically dispersed operations and personnel.

Security Capability Development

• Design and develop a scalable security management system.
• Lead security awareness, training and development programmes.
• Support organisational growth, integration and change initiatives.
• Develop and mentor security professionals across multiple regions.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain relationships with government, regulatory and law enforcement stakeholders.
• Develop productive relationships with external security partners and service providers.
• Support commercial teams in relation to customer requirements, new business opportunities and programme mobilisation.

Skills & Experience

The successful candidate is likely to demonstrate:

• Significant experience leading security teams within complex international organisations.
• Experience building, scaling or transforming security programmes.
• Strong understanding of personnel, physical and operational security disciplines.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• The ability to drive change through collaboration and persuasion rather than authority.
• Experience operating across strategic, tactical and operational levels simultaneously.
• Strong judgement and risk-management capability.
• Experience working within regulated, security-sensitive or high-consequence environments.
• Demonstrated success operating in periods of organisational growth and change.
• High levels of emotional intelligence, adaptability and intellectual flexibility.

Personal Characteristics

The organisation places significant emphasis on leadership behaviours and cultural fit.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Humility
• Curiosity
• Sound judgement
• Adaptability
• Pragmatism
• Collaboration
• Intellectual agility

Individuals who thrive in ambiguity, enjoy building capability and can balance security requirements with business objectives are likely to be particularly successful.