Main purpose of job:

The Post Security and Crisis Manager is responsible for delivering effective, compliant security at the British Embassy and associated residences. The role provides authoritative advice on security risk; leads the response to security incidents, emergencies, and crises; and drives the development and implementation of high standards for the management of physical, technical, and personnel security.

Reporting to the Head of Corporate Services, the Post Security and Crisis Manager in Lima manages the Embassy’s Security Team and plays an integral role in delivering security strategy and operations to reduce and mitigate risk. The role supports the Regional Security Adviser (based in Buenos Aires) in overseeing and implementing security policies, processes, and physical and technical security measures at Post.

The role holder is the first point of contact and subject matter expert on security-related matters for a wide range of stakeholders and has responsibility for managing the Embassy’s contracted guard force. In addition, the role acts as the Embassy’s Transport Manager, with strategic responsibility for driver schedules, line management of Embassy drivers, oversight of the vehicle fleet, delivery of the Transport Policy, and management of contracts with corporate taxi providers.

The role holder must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and a high degree of independence in managing a small team, while maintaining effective working relationships with contractors, suppliers, internal stakeholders, and external partners.

    
Roles and Responsibilities:

Security Leadership and Management (45%)

• Actively monitor the local security environment, identifying threats, risks, and emerging issues; coordinate with the Regional Security Adviser (RSA), Post Security Officer (PSO), and local authorities to implement appropriate risk mitigation strategies and Post States of Vigilance (SOV).
• Act as the first point of contact within the Embassy for all security-related concerns, providing expert guidance to staff, stakeholders, and senior leadership, and proactively drafting security briefings.
• Lead the management, investigation, and reporting of security incidents, breaches, and near misses.
• Act as the primary security liaison for events and meetings, including VVIP security arrangements, visiting dignitaries, and King’s Messengers, coordinating with local law enforcement and other diplomatic missions as required.
• Maintain effective liaison with local and regional police and security authorities.
• Lead the implementation of security policies, procedures, and drills, ensuring compliance with FCDO standards and relevant local regulations.
• Oversee the Embassy’s overall security posture, including the development, review, and maintenance of Post Security Regulations and incident response protocols.
• Ensure the effective operation of technical security systems including CCTV, access control, alarms, and radios; conduct and formally record weekly and monthly testing of security and emergency response systems.
• Maintain accurate security documentation, incident records, and inventories; identify, escalate, and track remedial actions relating to security vulnerabilities.
• Manage visitor and contractor access; conduct security induction briefings for new staff and accompanying family members; support vetting and personnel security processes in line with FCDO policy.

Guard Force, Contract Management, and Access Control (20%)

• Manage the contracted guard force, ensuring the effective delivery of manned guarding services and adherence to Embassy security policies.
• Maintain robust standing orders, guard rosters, and supervision arrangements, supported by regular training and performance monitoring.
• Supervise the guard force (currently eight guards), ensuring effective delivery of access control, patrolling, surveillance, incident response, and appropriate customer service.
• Act as the primary point of contact for the guarding contractor; monitor performance against KPIs, address performance or compliance issues promptly, and ensure appropriate standards of welfare and duty of care are maintained.
• Ensure effective access control measures, searches, patrols, and incident response arrangements are consistently applied.
• Manage physical, technical, and personnel security arrangements, including access control systems, CCTV, security equipment, mail handling, building security, vetting processes, and the conduct of periodic checks and patrols.

Crisis and Emergency Response Management (20%)

• Coordinate the Embassy’s immediate response to emergencies, including incidents occurring outside normal working hours.
• Lead all aspects of emergency response on the estate, including fire safety and seismic preparedness, policy development, and compliance with FCDO and local standards; play a leading role in Crisis, Health and Safety, and Security Committees.
• Ensure crisis management arrangements, escalation routes, and emergency contact lists are current, regularly tested, and clearly understood.
• Draft timely and accurate incident reports and Situation Reports (SITREPs) for senior stakeholders.
• Take a lead role in Embassy crisis coordination, working closely with the PSO on crisis planning, preparedness activities, and the delivery of quarterly Crisis Committees.
• Plan and coordinate emergency response and crisis exercises; organise crisis training sessions (delivered by others), maintain crisis equipment, and promote crisis awareness across the Embassy.
• During a crisis, assume the role of Crisis Security Manager.

Transport and Fleet Management (15%)

• Act as the Embassy’s Transport Manager, with strategic responsibility for transport provision, oversight of the official vehicle fleet, and line management of two drivers.
• Develop and manage driver schedules and transport provision; ensure vehicle documentation, servicing, and maintenance are up to date; and manage corporate taxi accounts.
• Lead on the Embassy’s Transport Policy, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant transport operations, and manage contracts and relationships related to corporate transport accounts.

Wider Team Support (5%)

• Provide general administrative and operational support to the Corporate Services Team as required.

These responsibilities will be reviewed on an ongoing basis in line with the changing needs of the Embassy. The above outline is indicative and not exhaustive. The FCDO operates an agile workforce; to support this, the post holder may be required to undertake additional duties from time to time, as reasonably required.

Resources managed: 

Learning and development opportunities:

• Management of a team of 2 direct managees:1 Drivers and 1 Security and Driver.
• Management of the Embassy guard force made up of 8 guards, as well as management of the security contract (worth £82.5K), including liaison with the contracted Supervisor and management board. As well as responsibility for raising security related POS and Bids.

Language requirements: 

Language:  Expert – English and Spanish

Essential on arrival :

• A minimum of five years’ relevant security experience, with an expert understanding of the Peruvian security context.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions under pressure and to provide clear, credible advice to senior leaders.
• Strong operational credibility with police, military, and other security partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to brief senior audiences on technical and policy-related issues.
• High standards of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
• Proven experience using Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach, with experience managing diverse relationships and teams.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to work independently and unsupervised while maintaining strategic awareness.