MGS - Ministry of Defence Guard Service - Security Supervisor Shift Worker - Royal Citadel

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.

This position is advertised at 43 hours per week.

Job description

Key Responsibilities

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.

Excellent communication and organisational skills are required, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

This role involves patrolling large areas, standing for periods, staying alert and responding quickly when needed, so a good level of physical fitness is essential.

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. One of the elements of the Foundation Course is Emergency First Aid at Work, where you will learn key life skills in emergency first aid.

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.

Please also take the time to read the MGS candidate pack attached as a supporting document to this advert.

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 [email removed]

Person specification

What We’re Looking For

There’s no single background that makes someone right for the Ministry of Defence Guard Service. Our officers come from a variety of careers including security, military, retail, hospitality, care, logistics, teaching, customer service, or after a career break.

What matters is how you work, not where you’ve worked.

We’re looking for people who can:

• Remain calm, polite and respectful in busy situations
• Pay attention to detail and report anything unusual
• Follow procedures consistently
• Learn quickly and adapt to changing circumstances
• Communicate clearly with people from all backgrounds
• Be reliable, punctual and professional
• Support colleagues and work well as part of a team

You don’t need previous security experience; however Supervisory Experience would be desirable— full training and uniform are provided.

How to Apply

Your CV should clearly demonstrate:

• Previous roles and key responsibilities
• Skills relevant to this role outlining any supervisory experience
• Examples of reliability, communication, teamwork and following procedures
• Any relevant training, qualifications or transferable experience

Your CV will be used to assess your suitability, so make sure it is clear, accurate and up to date.

Essential Licences:

Full UK Driving Licence

Licences

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Managing a Quality Service
• Communicating and Influencing

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your applicati