Operational Security Supervisor – Home Office
The Home Office is recruiting 2 Operational Security Supervisors in Croydon. This is a permanent, full-time security role involving 24/7 operational supervision, including rotating day and night shifts.
The role offers a basic salary of £34,920 per year, plus an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 47.12%, equivalent to an additional £16,452.69 per year.
Job Overview
- Job Title: Operational Security Supervisor
- Employer: Home Office
- Location: Croydon, UK
- Salary: £34,920 per year
- Annualised Hours Allowance: £16,452.69 per year
- Potential salary including AHA: £51,372.69 per year
- Job Grade: Administrative Officer
- Contract: Permanent
- Working Pattern: Full-time, annualised hours and shift working
- Role Type: Security
- Vacancies: 2
- Reference: 475487
- Closing Date: 3 September 2026 at 11:55 pm
About the Home Office
The Home Office works to help build a safe, fair and prosperous UK through areas including counter-terrorism, policing, crime, drugs policy, immigration and passports.
Home Office Security is responsible for protecting Home Office buildings, staff, information and assets. Its operations include security guarding, access control, CCTV, alarms, fire systems and the 24/7 National Control Room.
About the Role
As an Operational Security Supervisor, you will provide effective 24/7 operational supervision to security teams working across public-facing security, control rooms, staff reception, loading bays and Fire Control Centre operations.
You will help ensure that Home Office buildings, staff and assets remain protected at all times.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise and support Home Office Security Officers.
- Oversee contractor security officers.
- Protect Home Office buildings, staff, property and assets.
- Maintain site-specific operational guidance.
- Create and maintain staff rosters and break sheets.
- Support regional management with performance and service improvements.
- Manage access control.
- Check visitor and contractor authorisation.
- Monitor intruder detection alarms, CCTV and automated access-control systems.
- Ensure fire panels and alarm systems remain operational.
- Respond appropriately to emergency activations.
- Verify appointments for members of the public.
- Conduct searches in accordance with departmental procedures.
- Deal with security incidents.
- Maintain accurate records, logbooks and paperwork.
- Operate security radios and communication systems.
- Support safeguarding responsibilities.
- Perform other duties appropriate to the grade, skills and training.
24/7 Shift Working
This is a 24/7 supervisor position involving a rotation of days and nights.
The role includes early shifts, late shifts, approximately 9-hour day shifts, 12-hour night shifts and additional overtime when required.
Night shifts operate approximately between 6:30 pm and 6:30 am.
Applicants must be flexible and able to work early starts, late finishes and overnight shifts.
Some shifts may occur outside normal public transport operating hours.
Workplace Attendance
This position is not advertised as a remote or hybrid role.
The successful candidate must attend the designated office or work location as required for every shift.
Travel Requirements
The successful candidate may occasionally visit other Home Office buildings and may assist with management of the Hounslow estate, which serves as a backup location for the National Control Room.
Physical Requirements
Applicants must be physically fit and able to complete full internal and external foot patrols while wearing the required uniform and PPE.
This may include:
- Toe-protected boots/shoes
- Ballistic body armour
- Other supplied PPE
Mandatory Security Training
Successful candidates must attend and pass Conflict Management Training, including classroom theory, de-escalation and physical intervention training.
The initial training lasts approximately 4 days in person, followed by annual refresher training.
Uniform and PPE
The Home Office will provide the required security uniform and PPE. These must be worn as required while carrying out security duties.
Essential Criteria
Applicants should demonstrate:
- A proactive approach to work.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced and highly pressured environment.
- Strong time-management skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Good organisational skills.
- Ability to develop effective administrative processes.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Physical readiness for full foot patrols while wearing required uniform and PPE.
Desirable Experience
- Supervising a diverse team.
- Assisting management.
- Managing or overseeing staff rosters.
Civil Service Behaviours
Candidates will be assessed against:
- Leadership
- Working Together
- Making Effective Decisions
Applicants are required to provide evidence for Leadership in the application.
Salary and Annualised Hours Allowance
Basic salary: £34,920 per year
Annualised Hours Allowance: £16,452.69 per year
Potential combined annual amount: £51,372.69
The allowance is in addition to the basic salary.
Civil Service Benefits
Benefits include:
- Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
- In-year reward scheme.
- 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days with service.
- 8 public holidays.
- 1 additional privilege day.
- Home Office career and development opportunities.
Application Process
The recruitment process uses the Civil Service Success Profiles framework and includes online tests, application, sift and interview stages.
Stage 1 – Online Tests
Candidates will be invited to complete:
- Civil Service Judgement Test
- Civil Service Work Strengths Test
Deadline: 3 September 2026
Tests should preferably be completed within 24–48 hours of receiving the invitation.
Important: The tests cannot be completed on a mobile phone or tablet.
Stage 2 – Full Application
Applicants will need to submit:
- Anonymised CV
- Personal Statement – maximum 500 words
- Leadership Behaviour Evidence – maximum 250 words
The CV must be no more than 2 sides of A4 and must not contain identifying personal information.
Stage 3 – Sift
The sift is scheduled to begin from 7 September 2026.
Assessment will be based on the CV, Personal Statement and Lead Behaviour.
A high volume of applications may result in an initial CV sift.
Stage 4 – Interview
Interviews are scheduled to begin from 28 September 2026.
The interview will assess behaviours and strengths and will take place via Microsoft Teams.
Application Deadline
3 September 2026 at 11:55 pm
Applicants are advised to complete their application and online tests as early as possible.
Security Clearance
Successful candidates must satisfy the required security and pre-employment checks, including criminal record checks and UK security vetting.
Nationality and Right to Work
The vacancy is broadly open to eligible UK nationals, Irish nationals, qualifying Commonwealth nationals and other individuals who meet the Civil Service nationality and right-to-work requirements.
Applicants should check the official nationality requirements before applying.
Important Application Warning
Applications must contain truthful and factually accurate information based on the applicant’s own experience.
AI may be used as a support tool, but applicants must not present AI-generated examples or experiences as their own.
Location Preference
Applicants can select only one location preference.
Choose a location you are genuinely prepared to travel to.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be maintained for up to 12 months, although placement on the list does not guarantee a job offer.
Reasonable Adjustments
Applicants requiring reasonable adjustments should contact the Government Recruitment Service before the closing date and indicate their requirements in the application form.
Who Is This Job Suitable For?
This opportunity may suit candidates with experience in:
- Security supervision
- Security guarding
- Physical security
- Access control
- Control room operations
- CCTV monitoring
- Alarm monitoring
- Incident management
- Security administration
- Team supervision
- Security operations
- Public-facing security
- Emergency response
Experience supervising security teams or managing staff rosters would be advantageous.
Key Points at a Glance
Position: Operational Security Supervisor
Employer: Home Office
Location: Croydon
Basic Salary: £34,920
AHA: £16,452.69
Potential Total: £51,372.69
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time
Working Pattern: 24/7 rotating shifts
Grade: Administrative Officer
Vacancies: 2
Reference: 475487
Closing Date: 3 September 2026 at 11:55 pm
Interview: From 28 September 2026
Remote: No – workplace attendance required
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through the official Civil Service Jobs recruitment system.
Reference number: 475487
Contact Information
Job Contact: Home Office Resourcing Centre – Corporate Enablers
Email: HORCCampaignTeamCorporateEnablers@homeoffice.gov.uk
Recruitment Team: HOrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
When contacting the recruitment team, quote vacancy reference 475487.
Final Reminder
This is a permanent Home Office security position in Croydon offering a basic salary of £34,920, plus an annualised-hours allowance of £16,452.69.
The role requires 24/7 shift flexibility, physical readiness, security supervision experience and regular attendance at the designated workplace.
If you meet the requirements, complete the online tests and application before 3 September 2026 at 11:55 pm.
Always verify the latest vacancy details, eligibility requirements and closing date on the official Civil Service Jobs listing before applying.