Main purpose of job:

The British Government’s Consulate General New York and UK Mission to the United Nations in New York is offering an exciting opportunity to join the Security Team as a Security Officer. This is a meaningful role which supports and further develops the special relationship between the UK and the US – contributing to work shaping international diplomacy to make a real difference globally.

The US Network offers a unique, career-enhancing opportunity and is committed to supporting its staff through a comprehensive benefits package- including generous leave, competitive insurance options, a top-tier 401(k) programme, and access to world-class learning and development resources. 

In this function, you will be part of a dynamic international environment spanning the British Government’s extensive network across the United States and the United Kingdom, which includes the Embassy in Washington, the UK Mission to the United Nations, multiple Consulates, and other Government Offices—comprising over 900 staff and supporting the work of approximately 30 UK government departments and agencies.

As a Security Officer, you will play a critical role in protecting the people, information, assets and premises of the British Consulate General and UK Mission. You will help maintain a safe, secure and welcoming environment for staff and visitors, while supporting the delivery of UK Government objectives in New York. Your work will directly contribute to the effective operation of one of the UK’s largest overseas diplomatic networks.

As the first and last point of contact for visitors, you will combine excellent customer service with strong security awareness to represent His Majesty’s Government professionally at all times. During business hours, you will deliver a welcoming visitor experience, manage access control procedures and respond to security-related enquiries. Outside normal operating hours, you will monitor and protect the premises, ensuring the continued security of personnel, information and physical assets.

Successful candidates will demonstrate professionalism, sound judgement, attention to detail, integrity and resilience. They will be effective communicators, remain calm under pressure, and take a proactive approach to maintaining a secure environment while delivering excellent customer service.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Act as the first point of contact for staff, visitors and contractors, providing a professional, welcoming and customer-focused reception service.
• Manage visitor access procedures, including greeting visitors, verifying identification, issuing visitor passes, responding to enquiries and coordinating access with colleagues.
• Operate and enforce security screening and access control measures to maintain the safety and security of the office, its personnel and visitors.
• Conduct regular security patrols of office premises and monitor security systems, including closed-circuit television (CCTV), alarms and communications equipment.
• Secure the premises by carrying out opening and closing procedures, maintaining security logs, managing keys and access credentials, and responding appropriately to security incidents or emergencies.
• Escort contractors, delivery personnel and visitors when required, ensuring compliance with security procedures and site regulations.
• Support the safe handling and screening of incoming mail, deliveries and freight entering the premises.
• Assist with the delivery of health and safety activities, including emergency preparedness arrangements, fire drills, equipment checks, safety inspections and the maintenance of safety signage and records.
• Support the wider Corporate Services team by contributing to facilities-related tasks and maintaining a safe, secure and efficient working environment.
• Provide security support for official events, meetings and visits, including occasional duties at official residences
• Maintain accurate records and complete administrative tasks associated with security, health and safety, and facilities management responsibilities.
• Undertake other duties within the scope of the role as directed by the Post Security Manager or Corporate Services Managers.

Language requirements: Proficient in English

Essential on arrival: 

• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to engage confidently and professionally with members of the public, visitors and colleagues.
• Experience working in a customer-facing, reception, front-of-house or office environment.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to deal tactfully and effectively with a wide range of people.
• Ability to represent the UK Government professionally and maintain high standards of conduct, discretion and integrity at all times.
• A flexible and proactive approach to work, with the ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and use sound judgement when responding to unexpected situations.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a small team, supporting colleagues and contributing to shared objectives.
• Good attention to detail and the ability to follow procedures consistently and accurately.
• Demonstrates excellent timekeeping, reliability and dependability, with a consistent record of attending work punctually and maintaining operational coverage as required.
• Competent user of Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word and Excel, and willing to learn specialist security and access-control systems.