Main purpose of job:

The British High Commission Singapore is a busy, high-profile Post in the region, with a wide range of diplomatic, commercial, and corporate activity. The Post hosts a diverse workforce and regularly delivers events, senior visits, and regional engagement, requiring strong, well-managed security arrangements.

The Post Security Manager (PSM) is responsible for delivering day-to-day security at Post, ensuring staff, information, and the estate are protected and that the Post can operate safely.

The jobholder acts as the main point of contact for security at post, working closely with the leadership team, Senior Regional Security Adviser (SRSA), and external providers to identify risks early and respond effectively. They play a key role in building positive security behaviours and culture, helping staff understand risks in simple terms and making it easier for them to do the right thing in their day-to-day work.

The PSM is operationally responsible for ensuring that protective and physical security measures installed at the British High Commission, including assets, buildings and staff, are managed in accordance with Post Security Regulations and instructions from the SRSA  / Post Security Officer (PSO). This includes oversight of the contracted guard service, and the provision of first-rate professional security advice to all staff.

In addition, the PSM is responsible for elements of our Health & Safety effort, including implementation and maintenance of a robust fire safety programme, and the management of the BHC’s transport provision, including line management of an Administrative Assistant and three drivers.

The role calls for a confident, articulate person who can project presence, but also someone who can display empathy and calmness under pressure. The successful individual will demonstrate strengths in stakeholder engagement, both internally and externally, including the ability to develop strong relationships with local protective services. Credibility, honesty, and integrity are essential.  The PSM sits within the Corporate Services Team and is supported by the SRSA.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?

Manage day-to-day security at Post

• Oversee physical security, access control, and guard force delivery across the estate.
• Oversee guard force performance and day-to-day deployment.
• Conduct spot checks and provide clear feedback.
• Ensure contractors understand expectations and are held to account.
• Escalate issues early where standards are not being met.
• Ensure routine security measures are working effectively and consistently applied.
• Carry out regular checks and spot gaps early.
• Take prompt action to resolve issues and maintain standards.
• Implement security measures and protocols across the BHC estates, in accordance with FCDO policy. Monitor and update local guidelines whenever necessary, communicating changes promptly and encouraging a culture of security awareness and compliance.
• Operational oversight of security resources, including liaison with the outsourced facilities management provider and security contractor, to ensure requirements are understood and met.  Manage security related procurement and maintenance requirements, providing accurate forecasts of expenditure.

Understand and manage local risks

Maintain awareness of local threats and emerging issues.

• Keep the Post’s risk picture current and relevant.
• Work with the SRSA to prioritise action where needed.
• Keep Post leadership informed in clear, practical terms.
• Maintain effective engagement with relevant stakeholders (eg Singapore Police Force, Singapore Civil Defence Force, other diplomatic missions).
• Initiate and manage security clearances for country-based staff and contractors in line with data protection principles and co-ordinate security inductions for all staff, including managing site access and the issue of ID cards.
• Play an active part in crisis management and business continuity plans and advise on the response to security incidents in conjunction with the SRSA and/or Post Security Officer.
• Provide security advice and contribute to risk assessments to support staff conduct operations and events safely. This may include VIP visits.
• Support visits by Regional or UK based security specialists and progress recommendations.
•  Act as Secretariat for the Post Security Committee.

Health & Safety

• Lead on post-responsible health & safety including delivering H&S inductions and promoting a H&S culture.
• Act as Fire Safety Manager, reviewing and updating emergency procedures, and testing evacuation processes and annual fire safety plans in accordance with UK and Singapore requirements.
• Appoint and brief fire wardens and arrange annual drills.

Transport

• Manage the official transport service and vehicle fleet, ensuring that vehicles are available and effectively maintained.
• Manage and support three drivers.

Turn security requirements into practical action

Implement security measures in a way that works for the Post’s layout, staff, and operating model.

• Translate guidance into simple processes (e.g. visitor access, events, incident reporting).
• Keep procedures clear and easy to follow for staff and guards.
• Avoid unnecessary complexity – focus on what works in practice.

Support and advise staff at all levels

• Act as the main point of contact for security advice.
• Give clear, practical guidance on day-to-day risks (office, travel, home, events).
• Support managers in handling security issues in their teams.
• Deliver short, focused security briefings and updates.

Strengthen security culture at Post

• Run simple awareness sessions on key risks and behaviours.
• Use real examples relevant to Singapore and the region.
• Encourage staff to take ownership rather than rely on rules alone.
• Keep security visible, practical, and part of normal working.

Manage incidents and follow-up action

• With support from the SRSA, lead on security incidents at Post, ensuring they are managed and reported properly.
• Support staff during incidents with calm, practical advice.
• Capture lessons and use them to improve arrangements.
• Maintain clear records of incidents and actions taken.

Corporate Services support

• Flexible support when required to enable the Corporate Services team to deliver efficient and effective services. 

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):
 
•    Line manages three drivers and one Administrative Assistant. 
•    Responsibility for security related expenditure of up to SGD30,000.

Language requirement: English

Level of language required: Expert

• Experience in security management in corporate, military / government sectors, or other relevant experience.
• At least 5 years’ experience delivering security, operational risk management or similar, with a proven ability to assess risks and apply effective controls in physical environments or similar settings.
•  Experience working with external partners, including government authorities, law enforcement, or emergency services, with the confidence to coordinate and communicate clearly during incidents or time‑critical situations.
• Effective team player, with the ability to stay organised, prioritise competing demands, and remain calm when dealing with incidents or time-critical issues.
• Confident IT user, comfortable using Microsoft Office and digital tools to track incidents, manage risk information, and support reporting and communication.
•  Practical experience of managing risk, including security, fire safety, or health and safety, with the ability to assess situations, apply sound judgement, and put proportionate controls in place.
• Understanding of modern safety and risk management approaches, including dynamic risk assessment, incident response, and continuous improvement (learning from issues and near misses).
•  Ability to balance safety and operations, ensuring controls are effective without unnecessarily impacting delivery or day-to-day activity.