Job Description

About the job

Job summary

Join the Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS).

Be part of the front line protecting the UK's most critical Defence sites. Play a vital role in national security.

At the Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS), we safeguard the UK's Defence estate, protecting personnel, assets, and critical locations from crime, terrorism, espionage, and sabotage. Our Gold Standard Security Service is built on professionalism, trust, and excellence-- and we're looking for dedicated Security Officers to join us.

Who We Are

The Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS) provides high-quality security services at over 170 MOD sites across the UK, including high-profile locations such as MOD Main Building in London, Whitehall, and His Majesty's Naval Bases in Portsmouth, Devonport, and the Clyde.

Why Join Us?

A meaningful career - Play a crucial role in national security and defence.

Career development - Access specialist training, funded qualifications, and internal progression opportunities.

Job security - Be part of a well-established organisation with over 30 years of service.

A strong team culture - Work alongside professionals who value integrity, vigilance, professionalism, helpfulness, and teamwork.

Our Vision & Values

Our goal is to be recognised as an outstanding provider of security services, guided by our core values:

Integrity - Always do the right thing, treat others fairly. Vigilance & Preparedness - Stay alert, ready to respond. Professionalism - Maintain high standards, continuously improve. Helpfulness - Provide excellent service, leave a positive impression. Teamwork - Work collaboratively, support colleagues, and protect Defence.

Job description

Our Security Supervisor's main responsibility is to supervise all MGS Security Officers at the unit ensuring the overall protection of people, property, information and assets from damage, destruction, or unauthorised removal.

The key duties are as follows:

Oversee Security Officers with daily supervision of the working patterns/roster as delegated by the Operational Manager, deploying them to cover tasks as laid out in assignment instructions and in accordance with the Joint Business Agreement/ General Statement of Security Requirements (GSSORs).

Build and maintain positive working relationships by liaising with Unit Head of Establishment's (HOEs), customer representatives and other security providers to ensure a high-quality security service is provided.

Assist the Operational Manager in ensuring the unit is compliant with NSI and all relevant documents and procedures are kept up to date.

Task security officers and be responsible for maintaining integrity of performance through effective management, encouraging a positive and inclusive working environment, and addressing concerns in a timely and sensitive manner.

Respond to security concerns raised and work with first responder to manage incidents effectively and following procedure.

Visit other MGS units located within a reasonable distance to provide supervisory support and collaborate with employees and customers as agreed with the Operations Manager. Write reports on breaches of security, defects and maintain daily logs.

Effectively communicate with customers and refer any complaints to the chain of command. In line with standard operating procedures, operate, monitor, and supervise security systems such as CCTV, alarms telephone and radio.

When required, take on the taskings of a Security Officer.

As a Security Officer you will:

Ensure site safety and security - Protect Defence personnel, visitors, and property. Conduct patrols - Monitor designated areas on foot or by vehicle, ensuring compliance with security protocols. Control access - Check credentials, issue passes, and escort visitors as required. Perform searches - Conduct thorough security checks on vehicles, baggage, and personnel. Respond to incidents - Identify risks, manage security breaches, and escalate as needed. Assist employees and visitors - Provide professional and courteous support on-site. Monitor security systems - Operate CCTV, alarms, and communication devices. Manage traffic and parking - Control vehicle movement and ensure safe site access. Report and document - Maintain security logs and complete detailed incident reports.

Shift Pattern & Flexibility

This is a shift working position at 48 hours per week including breaks. The successful candidate will be expected to work nights, weekends, bank holidays etc as stipulated by the shift pattern agreed at the Unit depending on site requirements. This will be an average of 48 hours in a calendar week; this will be 12 hour shifts each week rostered between Sun - Sat. This will include being rostered in a flexible manner (termed a flexible week) within the shift roster. During the flexible week, the working days and shifts will routinely be stipulated in advance but may be changed at short notice, (this should be no less than 48 hours). The exact shift pattern will be explained in full during the interview.

Training & Development

We are committed to ensuring you have the skills and confidence to succeed in your role.

New starters will complete a mandatory two-week residential Foundation Course, followed by structured on-the-job training. You will have access to ongoing professional development, including an annual programme of online learning. Our dedicated Workforce Development Team will support your training needs, ensuring you continue to build expertise throughout your career.

If you need to contact Defence Business Services (DBS) regarding this vacancy, please indicate that your vacancy is being handled by Resourcing Team 1. If you experience any technical difficulties with the CS Jobs system, please contact the Support Team at candidate@support.oleeo.com

Person specification

What We're Looking For

Are you resilient, alert, and highly organised? Do you thrive in a team-based, high responsibility environment?

We need individuals who can stay vigilant, act decisively, and provide outstanding customer service in security-sensitive locations. If you have previous experience in security or customer service, we want to hear from you!

You must also maintain a good level of physical fitness, as the role involves prolonged periods of standing, patrolling large areas, and responding quickly to incidents.

A background in administration and strong IT skills (including Microsoft Office and electronic booking-in systems) will also be beneficial, as you will work closely with office-based personnel.

Licences

Full UK Manual Driving Licence.

Medical

MGS applicants are required to attend an MGS Security Officer Medical Check.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of 34,910, Ministry of Defence contributes 10.113 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

We enable our people to work at the right place, with the right people, at the right time. We believe that if we look after our people, they will be passionate about delivering great things for our customers.

Please follow the link to visit the Discover My Benefits site which showcases the benefits and discounts offered when working as a civilian for the MOD. https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/civilian/

Things you need to know

Closing date is 02/01/2026.

Application sifting is scheduled to take place on week commencing

05/01/26

.

Interviews are due to take place via Microsoft Teams and will be conducted week commencing

19/01/26.

Please note all dates are subject to change due to operational requirements.

To apply, please visit our website using the apply button provided.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact:

Name: MGS RH Email: MGS-RH@mod.gov.uk
Recruitment team

Email: DBSCivPers-ResourcingTeam1@mod.gov.uk
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 34,910.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Paid volunteer time
Work Location: In person