Lead Security Operations Manager

Team
In Store
Location
Contract type
Permanent
Position type
Full Time
Salary
Competitive + Benefits
Closing date: 28th June 2026
Apply now

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How We Hire

Everyone is welcome at M&S. No exceptions. It’s your background, abilities and differences that make you, uniquely you. And when you’re part of M&S, that individuality has the potential to make waves.

About the role

This section tells you all you need to know about the position and its responsibilities, outlining everything we hope to see in a successful candidate.

Summary
As a Operational Security Manager you are responsible for creating a safe and secure environment for colleagues and customers while protecting company assets and brand reputation. Acting as the primary point of contact for operational security across stores, support centres, and distribution sites, you will lead efforts to reduce losses from internal and external threats. The role involves managing third-party security services, ensuring compliance with security policies, and driving continuous improvements in security operations to mitigate risk and enhance overall performance.

Due to high interest, this role may close earlier than advertised. We recommend applying as soon as possible.
All the details

We’re looking for a strategic and influential Security Leader to shape and lead the future of security operations at M&S. This is a high-impact role where you will oversee security across 600+ stores nationwide, ensuring the safety and resilience of one of the UK’s most iconic retail brands.

You will take full accountability for the delivery and optimisation of a multi-million-pound security partnership, driving operational excellence while setting the vision and roadmap for the next generation of security solutions. Reporting directly to the Head of Security & Fraud, you’ll play a pivotal role in steering strategy, managing risk, and leading innovation in security practices across our estate.

What You’ll Do

  • Provide expert guidance to ensure compliance with security policies and procedures.
  • Support stores with timely advice on incidents such as burglary, robbery, and violence.
  • Maximise the use of security equipment including CCTV, alarms, and access control systems.
  • Collaborate with third-party suppliers to improve service quality and value.
  • Build strong relationships across the business to embed best practices and deliver strategic security initiatives.

Who You Are

  • A strong communicator who builds relationships internally and externally.
  • A leader who inspires and develops teams to perform at their best.
  • Results-driven, with the ability to prioritise and deliver impactful outcomes.
  • Recognises and rewards high performance while supporting improvement.
  • Comfortable driving change and embedding lasting improvements.

What You’ll Bring

  • In-depth knowledge of security legislation and risk management principles.
  • Ability to identify threats and implement proportionate solutions.
  • Skilled in data analysis and reporting to inform decisions.
  • Experience working with law enforcement and external agencies.
  • Proficiency in using security systems and delivering training workshops.

What's in it for you:

  • Working at M&S means being part of something bigger - helping to deliver quality, value and service to millions of customers every day. We’re inclusive, fast-moving and always evolving, with a strong sense of purpose and a focus on doing the right thing.
  • Here are just a few of the benefits that make working here even more rewarding:
  • 20% colleague discount on all M&S products and many third-party brands for you and someone in your household, available once you’ve completed your probation
  • Competitive holiday allowance with the option to buy more
  • Discretionary bonus schemes linked to your performance and ours
  • Strong pension and life assurance to help plan for the future
  • Tailored induction and training to support your development from day one
  • Exclusive perks and savings through our M&S Choices portal
  • Market-leading family policies, including parental, adoption and neonatal leave
  • 24/7 wellbeing support, including virtual GP access and mental health services
  • One paid volunteer day a year to support a cause that matters to you

Everyone’s welcome

We are ambitious about the future of retail. We’re disrupting, innovating and leading the industry into a more conscientious, inspiring digital era. We’re transforming how we work together and offering our most exciting opportunities yet. Marks & Spencer strives to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers and suppliers. Join us and make change happen.

We are committed to building diverse and representative teams, where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and be at their best. We support each other and work together to win together.

If you feel you'd benefit from any support or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to let us know when completing your application. This information will be picked up by our team, so we can try and put steps in place to help you be at your best through this process.

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Meet the Team

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Our Support

Mentorship

It’s important to us that our new colleagues feel supported in their roles and can learn from each other. That’s why we offer mentorship through our buddy system.

Flexible working

We’re a 24/7 business and our working patterns adapt to our customers’ needs. Worklife is our flexible working policy that gives colleagues the option for part-time working, a 4-day compressed week, or to job share if it’s in the best interests of everyone.

Benefits

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Colleague Networks

We want you to feel supported, no matter what.

Health and Wellbeing Network

Providing a safe space for colleagues with all types of health conditions or disabilities and supporting with business initiatives to ensure our stores are truly accessible for our customers.

LGBTQ+ Network

Proactively representing LGBTQ+ issues and opportunities to deliver a truly inclusive place to work and shop for our colleagues and customers.

Cancer Network

Fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, addressing stigma, providing guidance and raising awareness to empower and assist colleagues affected by cancer.

Menopause Network

Initiating and encouraging open conversations about menopause by offering support and sharing experiences.

Culture and Heritage Network

Raising awareness of various religions and cultures through events and comms, to educate others and better represent our M&S colleagues and customers.

Forces Community Network

Supporting colleagues connected to the Armed Forces, aiding their transition to civilian life, and ensuring that they thrive in the workplace.

Gender Equality Network

Addressing gender-related challenges, raising awareness, and driving action to ensure equal opportunities for all.

Family & Carers Network

A support network for parents and carers, offering a space for colleagues to share experiences, exchange ideas, and access useful resources.

How to Apply

Here’s what to expect at each stage of the application process. This can change depending on the role you’ve applied to. If you need any reasonable adjustments made at any stage, let us know and we can help.

Send us your application

Fill in our short application form and hit submit.

Online assessment

We’ll invite you to take part in an online assessment. This could be before or after your interview.

In-person assessment centre

We’ll invite you to an in-person assessment centre or an interview. This process may differ depending on the role you’ve applied to.

Decision

After we’ve decided, we’ll be in touch. If you’ve been successful, we’ll officially invite you to join the team and let you know the next steps.

Lead Security Operations Manager

Team
In Store
Contract type
Permanent
Position type
Full Time
Salary
Competitive + Benefits
Closing date: 28th June 2026
Reference: 114342