Security Manager

London, England, United Kingdom

11/6/2024

About Sotheby's

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

THE ROLE

To provide Sotheby’s staff, assets and its clients and visitors with consistently high standards of Security and Client Service. Provide effective leadership and development to the security team and ensure resources are appropriately and efficiently allocated.

Responsibilities are primarily London (New Bond Street) based, with close coordination with regional managers at other Sotheby’s European locations and occasional travel as requested. The role requires the need to work flexibly including evenings and occasional weekends.

Responsibilities

• Manage the London security operations and provide the strategy and direction required to meet company objectives
• Continuous threat assessment of current security levels and leading appropriate response; liaising closely with the key business stakeholders; proactive monitoring of all security cover provided by staff, guards, viewing staff and cctv; taking corrective/preventative action when required in an ever-changing environment. Assisting with event cover, both on and off site and abroad.
• Manage the security guarding vendor contract. Meet monthly with vendor management team to review KPI’s and quarterly with vendor senior management team. Work closely with the contract manager to ensure they provide a consistently high standard of service.
• Provide onsite support for late night Auctions and Events. Work closely with the Events and Auction Operations departments in the planning and management of events.
• Regular liaison with the Property and Facilities department to ensure that security is included in any property or facilities works.
• Development, implementation and maintenance of appropriate safety and security procedures to meet the stringent requirements of AEO status and ensure GDPR and SIA compliance.
• Assist with damage/loss investigations, CCTV reviewing, evidence taking, reporting and all emergency response. Be a member of the Emergency Team and respond to all medical, security, fire, environmental or other incidents. Participate in the Company’s Disaster Recovery strategy and implementation.
• Support and monitor Security Shift Managers and Supervisor, maintaining an operational lead and oversight of control room operations. Meeting daily and leading monthly shift manager reviews
• Ensure alarm systems are maintained and managed; arrange alarm codes and safe access for authorised staff; liaise daily with the onsite alarm engineers as required.
• Ensure all access management systems, security passes and site keys are strictly controlled, audited and managed correctly by the guards and staff.
• Ensure the security control room is effectively managed, all controllers are trained and have a full understanding of the complex and all its systems including Fire Panel response, for the effective delivery of 24-hour security and emergency response
• Provide security and health and safety induction training for all staff to increase and maintain awareness of Security and Health and Safety issues and constantly review additional tailored training for specific staff roles.
• Work closely with the Director of Risk Management to develop future Security strategies including physical and technical areas
• Ensure compliance with all current safety, data, CCTV operator and security legislation and advise Risk Management of any new updates or requirements.
• To be commercially aware, including planning Security P&L Budget and Capex projects and ensuring annual budgets are met.
• Ensure that Security issues are communicated in a meaningful and effective way across the business, engendering an awareness of security responsibilities and risks amongst staff at all levels.
• Establish and maintain liaison with local Police and other stakeholders including law enforcement agencies, local authorities and assisting VIP reconnaissance with external security agencies or police protection
• Identify all training requirements and ensure that the Security Team are fully trained to support Fire and Evacuation procedures in accordance with statutory legislation and implement appropriate staff fire safety training, including fire evacuation drills
  
  

Ideal Experience & Competencies

• An organised individual with experience of managing a large multi-site complex, (retail or hotel experience would be useful), delivering consistently high standards of security and client service, current experience of manned guarding as well as the operation of access control, intruder alarm and CCTV systems.
• Can demonstrate effective communication at all levels across the business; with Staff, Contractors and Clients.
• Familiar with security processes for offsite exhibitions, events and sales, in particular jewellery and high value property.
• Able to work calmly under pressure, managing Emergency/DR situations.
• Experience of designing and implementing new security strategies and procedures.
• Computer literate, with ongoing current knowledge of security and alarm systems.
• Self-starter who is able to work under own initiative.
• Comfortable travelling overseas when required, and to work offsite for several weeks at a time.
  
  

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The Company is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race (including, without limitation, traits historically associated with race, such as natural hair, hair texture, and protective and treated or untreated hairstyles), color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership/union status, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic predisposition, genetic information, reproductive health decision, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, alienage or citizenship status, domestic violence victim status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province or local law. The Company complies with applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which it operates.