Head of Security & Safety Officer

Job Location:      Selhurst Park Stadium, SE25 6PU

Contract Type:   Full-time

Salary/ ROP:       Competitive

Deadline:           31st December 2025

Who we are:

We are Crystal Palace Football Club, a Premier League Football Club with more than 160 years of proud history. Spread across three different sites - brand new main offices at Selhurst Park Stadium, our London office, and our Training Ground/Academy, we offer the best atmosphere and culture for our fans and our employees. 

We strive for excellence in the workplace with a philosophy of high standards, professionalism, and a strong work ethic from our employees. We are constantly trying to grow, diversify and build with not only our team on the pitch, but also our team in the offices and on the ground.

About this role:

Crystal Palace Football Club are looking for Head of Security and Safety to oversee and manage the delivery of the Security provision across all CPFC sites and be responsible for the management of match day stewarding. This will include liaising with the relevant regulatory bodies such as local authorities and ensuring the development and completion of all associated policy and documentation. We are looking for somebody to ensure a first-class service is provided by the Security and stewarding team whilst ensuring all legal and regulatory requirements are met.

Responsibilities:

• Compiling and communicating detailed assignment instructions to the Security team.
• Ensuring all security issues are dealt with in a systematic and consistent manor and all incidents are reported.
• Line Manager for the Health & Safety and Compliance Officer, Security Manager and Deputy Safety Officers.
• Liaising with other departments as necessary to ensure all relevant issues are communicated and dealt with effectively.
• Assisting in discharging responsibilities on behalf of the Club and Chairman for the provisions of the Safety Certificate issued by the LB of Croydon.
• Acting as a representative of the Club in regular consultations with senior members of the Metropolitan Police, local fire brigade, local ambulance NHS trust and local authority on matters associated with the safety and security of spectators. 
• Representing the interests of the Club and attend the Safety Advisory Group meetings of the Local Authority. 
• Represent the Club at Premier League Safety Officer meetings, share best practice and report to the Chief Operations Officer changes in policy and procedures. 
• Acting as one of the Club Liaison Officer's with all the emergency services in the event of any unforeseen incident, ensuring that the Chief Operations Officer is kept fully informed of any developments. 
• Co-ordinating, monitoring and advising upon all security matters affecting the Stadium and associated facilities. 
• Maintaining a close liaison with the local Fire and Safety Officer regarding the fire safety of the Stadium and associated facilities and ensure that fire safety instructions are adhered to.  Fire drills and inspections will be in accordance with the Fire Officer’s recommendations. 
• Being aware of the requirements of all Security and Safety at Sports Grounds legislation, the “Green Guide” and other advisory documents, the Safety Certificate, the licence issued by the Football Licensing Authority and ensure compliance. 
• Taking responsibility and ensure all relevant training for competence is completed in being the Safety Officer with regard to events held at the Club, e.g., sporting, concerts and any other event. 
• Assisting the Chief Operations Officer/Club Chairman of the Club for the joint Statement of Intent with Metropolitan Police. 
• Ensuring all conditions of the Safety Certificate are fully complied with.  In the event of any non-compliance for any reason the Safety Officer will inform the Chief Operations Officer as soon as possible. 
• Ensuring all compliance of the Safety Certificates and Security standards, ensuring policies are up to date and consistently implemented across the organisation.
• Lead and oversee the Club’s accreditation system, ensuring robust access control procedures are in place and that all users, departments, and events are appropriately supported and compliant.

Matchdays responsibilities

• Ensure match day security are trained and there are sufficient personnel as prescribed in Safety Certificate 
• Responsible for Briefing all Stand managers on Matchdays
• Evaluating the performance of the Deputy Safety Officers, Stand Managers, Senior Stewards, Stewards and any specialist Stewards and initiate any remedial or other action that may be required. 
• Inspect stand prior to match day to ensure that it is functional and safe for all guests and visitors 
• Ensuring that all medical support and first aid rooms are ready and in place for match day 
• Working as Match Day Safety Officer from the Control Room and handle any issues and occurrences in compliance with the local authority 
• Monitoring stewarding levels on a match day to ensure effective equitable distribution of staff commensurate with the Safety Certificate. 
• Other duties and responsibilities as required by line manager.
• Upholding and promoting the Club’s policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.

Experience, Skills and Qualifications:

• A qualification in relevant discipline  
• At least 3 years’ experience managing a team of Security Officers across multiple sites 
• NVQ Level 4 in Spectator Safety 
• Event Safety Management First Aid at Work (certification valid) 
• Minimum of 3 year experience within a stadium environment in a Supervisory or management role 
• Experience in a Safety Officer or deputy for a venue capacity of more than 5000 
• Health and Safety Training Certificate  
• Able to interpret and provide authoritative advice on Security issues and make recommendations regarding best practice and corrective action. 
• IT literate  
• An excellent communicator both orally and written 
• An excellent timekeeper 
• Passionate about personal development  

Benefits:

• Complimentary match day ticket

• Reward and Discount Scheme through our Tech Scheme and Simple Health app

• Health and Wellbeing benefit scheme

• 20% Discount in our Retail Stores

• Discounts in various gyms through GymFlex

• Volunteering Day - 1 Workday off to support a charity of your choice.

• Travel Season Ticket loan

• Holiday allowance: 25 Days 

Our commitment to Equality

At Crystal Palace Football Club, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is spirited and continues to grow due to the working environment, which makes all staff feel appreciated and welcomed. Crystal Palace Football Club do this by encouraging good relations and practices towards different groups and are committed to promoting employment opportunities that celebrate diversity.

We are committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining the most talented candidates and the club intends to ensure that everyone who wishes to engage with the club, whether as matchday fans, staff, players, board members, participants in Foundation programmes and any other person engaged with the club's activities, has a real and equal opportunity to do so.

Reasonable Adjustment

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer. We guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role, ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone.

If you require disability-related adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact DLO@cpfc.co.uk (DLO inbox is for disability-related queries only, if you wish to gain further information regarding this vacancy, please contact cpfc.recruitment@cpfc.co.uk). We are here to help you through the whole recruitment process including trying to apply for a vacancy, getting in touch with us through the process, and/or helping with access in case you are required to come in for an interview.

Safeguarding

Crystal Palace Football Club is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare and protection of children and vulnerable people and expects all staff to share this commitment. As such, the post holder will be required to undergo any relevant security checks, including a comprehensive background check, Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure the safety and protection of children and vulnerable individuals.