Security Officer

Overview

This is a permanent, full-time security position based in Reading. The role follows a 4-on, 4-off rota with day shifts from 07:00 to 19:00 and night shifts from 19:00 to 07:00. The pay rate is £14.40 per hour.

Role summary

You will help maintain a safe, secure, and professional environment for employees, visitors, and site assets. The role suits someone who stays alert, works well under pressure, communicates clearly, and handles incidents in a calm, professional manner.

Key duties

• Greet staff and visitors while helping create a secure and professional first impression.
• Carry out regular site patrols and watch over the premises to reduce the risk of unauthorised entry, theft, or damage.
• Oversee entry points, CCTV, and day-to-day security procedures.
• React quickly to alarms, emergencies, and security incidents, taking the right action as required.
• Prepare accurate written logs covering daily activity, incidents, and any concerns.
• Support emergency response activities, including evacuations and first aid assistance where needed.
• Adapt to different client sites and changing day-to-day priorities.
• Respond to issues confidently and calmly.
• Work collaboratively within a diverse and supportive team.

What we are looking for

• A current DS SIA Licence.
• Previous experience in security or a closely related role.
• Strong awareness and observation skills to spot and respond to potential threats.
• Good communication and people skills for dealing with staff, visitors, and authorities.
• The ability to stay composed and make decisions in high-pressure situations.
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and public holidays.

Benefits

• 5.6 weeks of annual leave.
• Lifestyle support, including mortgage and financial advice, plus vouchers for shopping and food outlets.
• Employee referral scheme.
• Learning and development opportunities, including eLearning, on-site progression support, apprenticeships, and in-house training.
• Health and wellbeing support, including life assurance and access to mental health specialists.
• Online GP access for you and your dependents.
• Financial support.
• Discounts across hundreds of retail websites.
• Career progression opportunities, including routes into senior and site management roles.
• Welcoming and respectful team culture.
• Uniform and full induction provided.
• Cycle to Work scheme.

Additional information

This is a permanent role in Reading, Berkshire. The workplace address includes Pincents Lane, Reading, Berkshire, UK, RG31 4. The employer notes that vacancies may be closed early if a strong volume of applications is received. The organisation is an equal opportunities employer and considers applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, sex, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or age. A criminal conviction will not automatically prevent employment; each case is reviewed individually.

About the employer

Wilson James has been operating for more than 30 years, delivering services across security, construction logistics, aviation, and technology. The company has around 5,000 employees and works across more than 300 client sites in the UK. It positions itself as a managed service provider focused on safety, efficiency, and customer service.

Internal applicants

The company supports internal career progression and mobility, with opportunities to move into new roles and develop skills further. If an applicant is currently employed under TUPE terms and conditions, a successful appointment to this role will be on Wilson James standard terms and conditions.