MGS - Guard Service - Shift Supervisor Porton Down

About the Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS)

The Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS) safeguards the UK’s Defence estate, protecting personnel, assets and critical locations from crime, terrorism, espionage and sabotage. The Gold Standard Security Service is built on professionalism, trust and excellence – and we are looking for dedicated Security Officers to join us.

Our Security Supervisor is responsible for supervising all MGS Security Officers at the unit, ensuring the overall protection of people, property, information and assets from damage, destruction or unauthorised removal.

• 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 that 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 responders to manage incidents effectively and following procedure.
• 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.

• Ensure site safety and security – Protect Defence personnel, visitors and property.
• Conduct patrols – Monitor designated areas on foot or by vehicle, ensuring compliance with security protocols.
• Control access – Check credentials, issue passes and escort visitors as required.
• Perform searches – Conduct thorough security checks on vehicles, baggage and personnel.
• Respond to incidents – Identify risks, manage security breaches and escalates as needed.
• Assist employees and visitors – Provide professional and courteous support on‑site.
• Monitor security systems – Operate CCTV, alarms and communication devices.
• Manage traffic and parking – Control vehicle movement and ensure safe site access.
• Report and document – Maintain security logs and complete detailed incident reports.

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.

New starters will complete a mandatory two‑week residential Foundation Course, and a one‑week residential Supervisors Course, followed by structured on‑the‑job training. 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.

You will be assessed against the following behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service
• Communicating and…