Head of Security

Package Description

Benefits

This is a full-time position covering daytime hours (40 hours per week). This 

position may require occasional overnight and weekend hours in the event of 

staffing shortages due to holidays or sickness. The team operate within a shift 

system covering daytime hours, overnight hours and weekends (with priority 

given to maintaining weekend and overnight cover) and it is required that the 

Head of Security participate in the shift system. There will be certain days in 

the School calendar where the Head of Security must be available and on duty, 

for example on Open Days and on Founder’s Day. 

Annual Salary: £35,000 to £45,000 depending on experience 

Staff Benefits: In addition to being part of a great team you will be entitled 

to a range of benefits that include:

• 252 hours’ holiday during the School Year 

(September to August) to be taken at convenient 

times (generally outside term time) after 

consultation, plus 4 Public Holidays (Christmas 

and New Year).

• Parking within the campus grounds. The campus is 

easily accessed by car and bus; there is a bus stop 

located outside the campus serving several routes 

across the city and to rail stations.

• Membership of Westwoods gym and health club 

which offers a range of excellent fitness and leisure 

facilities including a 25m swimming pool.

• Free lunchtime meals during term time, and at 

other times when catering is provided, and you are 

on duty.

• Life insurance scheme.

• Excellent Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

• You will be opted into the Fettes College Pension 

Plan after 3 months’ service. This scheme is a 

money purchase one, operating as a salary exchange 

plan. The College will contribute to the scheme a 

minimum of 8% and you will contribute a 

minimum of 2%. Fettes operate a contribution 

matching scheme up to 12% of base salary.

• Access to discounted healthcare, additional life 

insurance, shopping discounts, etc through our 

4me benefits portal.

The Role

The role of Head of Security is a challenging and busy role which is 

responsible for the safety and security of all students, staff, visitors, 

buildings and assets of Fettes College. Specifically, you will be involved in 

delivering and enhancing the overall Fettes College approach and priorities 

for site Security, providing a smart, friendly and confident welcome to all 

visitors to the school and maintaining overall responsibility for the 

management and performance of the Security team.

Reporting to the Assistant Bursar you will be responsible for providing 

competent advice and guidance on all Security matters to the Bursar, 

Assistant Bursar, Estates Maintenance Manager, Health and Safety Manager

and all other employees within Fettes College and Fettes Enterprises. You

will work closely and collaboratively with staff to seek solutions to any 

Security related concerns.

Main Responsibilities

Please see the full Job Description for duties and responsibilities for this role

The Ideal Candidate

Person Specification

Essential

- Prior experience in a security role or offer a good understanding of 

general security.

- Prior experience managing teams within a complex and/or dynamic 

environment.

- A proactive approach to problem solving with a willingnessto apply

oneself to all manner ofchallenges and tasks to successfully lead the 

Security team.

- A team player with a positive and sensible approach to work.

- Ability to work independently but also to communicate effectively

at all levels and positively engage with all members of the Fettes 

community.

- Proven ability to demonstrate integrity and discretion.

- Highly organised and resourceful.

Desirable

- Project management experience

- Wider facilities management experience

- Fleet management experience

- Experience of procurement and contract management, with a sound 

understanding of cost management and value for money.

About the school/organisation

ABOUT FETTES

The school stands on a magnificent site of approximately 100 acres, within walking distance of Edinburgh’s city centre and is a leading HMC co-educational independent boarding and day school, with a Prep school for students starting at age 7 and from September 2025 a Pre-Prep was introduced. Known for its academic excellence, Fettes is unique in Scotland in following the English curriculum of GCSE examinations and the dual pathway of A Level and International Baccalaureate (IB). Fettes has a strong focus on pastoral care and all-round education, providing their students with ‘A place to live. A place to learn. A place to grow’. Founded by Sir William Fettes in 1870, it was originally a boy’s school and started admitting girls in 1970. The main building was designed by one of Scotland's leading architects, David Bryce. We are a community of more than 1000 individuals, made up of just under 700 students and over 300 dedicated staff.

Aims

Fettes College aims to nurture the individual while fostering a happy, well-ordered and caring community with strong family values at its core. To this end, we will do our utmost to ensure our students:

• Receive the highest possible quality of education within a boarding environment
• Feel safe, valued, have a sense of personal worth and are thoughtful and considerate of the needs of others, possessing a willingness to take on responsibility
• Develop their self-confidence, integrity, emotional resilience, loyalty, good manners and humour, leadership skills and teamwork
• Value a sense of community and service, and develop a clear sense of right and wrong, equipping them for life beyond Fettes
• Are provided with equal opportunities regardless of gender, sexuality, ethnic origin race, or religion
• Are encouraged to stretch and challenge themselves in everything they undertake