Security Officer

A bit about Estates and Property Services…

Estates and Facilities has a vision to co-create excellent learning, working and living environments that fully engage staff, students, visitors and industry and that facilitates the sharing of knowledge and information.

Estates & Facilities Services Directorate is responsible for delivering a full estates and facilities management service to the University, including property maintenance, planned maintenance and renovation, cleaning, security, caretaking and facilitating spaces for our staff and students.

The Security team sits within the Estates and Property Service Division. Their core objective is to provide an essential and critical service across all campuses (including car parks), to ensure the security of all staff, students, visitors, buildings and security support activities.

What’s on offer?

We currently have fantastic opportunities for a number of Security Officers to join our Security team and would welcome both male and female applicants.

But before we tell you about the role, here’s what Helena Baker had to say about her time working as a Security Officer here at the University of Salford and how she was then promoted to Security Supervisor…

What did you enjoy about the Security Officer Role?
I really enjoyed the ability to be out and about on campus and having the opportunity to meet such a variety of people including students and staff. In the Security Officer role, you really get to know people and build relationships.

What would you say to women who are considering a career in security?
I started my career in security about 20 years ago, I really enjoyed it and it developed into a career that I really enjoy.

One of the major benefits of a career in Security here at the University of Salford and especially the Security Officer role is the work life balance that can be achieved through the rota system and shift structure.

You were promoted to Security Supervisor, how were you supported in making that progression?
I learned a lot on the job as a Security Officer and was able to learn how things worked in the Control Room and when a Supervisor position came up, I was fully supported with my application.

What are some of the exciting aspects of working in a Security Officer role here at the University of Salford?
Every day is different, you don’t know what’s going to happen and that’s nice, there is a real variety in the work and the people you will interact with daily.

And finally, how would you challenge the misconception about women working in Security?
People who do not work in the industry already, probably don’t realise how good the work life balance can be, with the way the rota and rest days’ work.

So, what is it you will be doing as a Security Officer?

The Security Team are proud of the part they play in keeping our campus a safe and enjoyable place to be for all. As a Security Officer no two days are the same, as quoted by Helena, which makes this a really interesting and varied role.

As a friendly, approachable and professional person with high standards you will take pride in and enjoy protecting and looking out for students, staff and members of the public alike, in and around the University campus.

Working outside in all weathers won’t be an issue for you and there’s plenty of opportunity to get your steps in with being on your feet all day!

As a Security Officer you will work a shift pattern, provided 12 months in advance, covering days, weekends and nights.

Whilst working on your own initiative in the main but also as a team, your strong verbal communication skills and exceptional customer care skills will shine through in this role, as you help others and tend to queries and situations that arise daily. Maintaining confidentiality and respecting sensitivities when faced with a variety of circumstances is key with this role, along with maintaining self-control and having the ability to make split second decisions when under pressure. The ability to report on all situations that make up your day is really important. This is the time to show off those excellent writing skills!

Collectively we want to improve and expand on the Universities approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). It will be part of the Security Officer role to contribute towards creating an inclusive culture where all our students and staff recognise themselves in those that surround them and can bring their whole selves to the University.

If you have any questions or would like to have a chat about the role then please contact Trevor Jones, Head of Security and Community Support, at t.jones@salford.ac.uk.

Please note the starting salary for this role is £21,686

Please ensure you provide evidence in your cover letter/personal statement as to how you meet the criteria within the attached person specification.

What’s in it for you?

With over 200 languages spoken across Greater Manchester, we want to create an inspirational, inclusive learning and working environment, celebrating the diversity of our University community in our everyday conversations. Our student population is already incredibly diverse, and we want to ensure this is reflected across our colleague profile as well.

To help you, we have wide ranging colleague support networks, promoting awareness events throughout the year and giving you the opportunity to share your experiences with others. Our extensive faith centre facilities reflect our continuing commitment to support the student and colleague experience and the beliefs and values you bring to our community.

There is a varied benefits package available through ‘MySalford’ where you can tailor your benefits to suit your own lifestyle – everything from additional annual leave, savings on High Street shopping, travel discounts as well as health and wellbeing support. To maintain work/life balance (and to help you through this pandemic!) you can connect to work from wherever you are, whether it’s our Peel Park Campus, MediaCityUK or your living room at home, the tools are there for you to do your best work from your chosen location. Flexibility on working from home is supported where possible, however the role will be based on the University of Salford campus.

However you identify, whatever your pathway has been to get here, come and join us at the University of Salford where we are all proud to belong - watch us in action here!