Ensuring your CV captures the multifaceted expertise and leadership skills required for a security manager role can be a daunting task. Our guide offers tailored advice and structured examples to help you articulate your experiences effectively, showcasing your capabilities to potential employers.
In this Enhancv security manager CV guide, you'll find out more about how to:
- Answer job requirements with your security manager CV and experience;
- Curate your academic background and certificates, following industry-leading CV examples;
- Select from +10 niche skills to match the ideal candidate profile
- Write a more succinct experience section that consists of all the right details.
Do you need more specific insights into writing your security manager CV? Our guides focus on unique insights for each individual role:
Resume examples for security manager
Explore additional security manager cv samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Senior Security Operations Manager
- Strong Leadership in SecOps - Matilda Hunter's CV showcases exceptional leadership abilities through her experience of leading a 10-member team in Deloitte's SecOps department. Her ability to foster a culture of continuous improvement and cultivate new business opportunities highlights her strategic thinking and capability in driving a team towards achieving impactful results.
- Comprehensive Career Progression - Over 8 years, Matilda has demonstrated a clear upward trajectory in her career, advancing from a Cyber Security Consultant at Accenture to a Senior SecOps Consultant at Deloitte. Her role evolution reflects significant professional growth and increased responsibility, illustrating her ability to perform and excel in more challenging roles within the cybersecurity sector.
- Specialization in Advanced Cybersecurity Tools - The CV outlines Matilda's expertise in niche tools like SIEM and SOAR, which are critical in modern cybersecurity operations. Her achievements in automation and threat detection emphasize her technical acumen and ability to apply cutting-edge technologies to enhance business security posture significantly.
Assistant Security Manager
- Structured and Comprehensive Presentation - The CV is organized with a clear structure, guiding the reader seamlessly through James Lewis's qualifications, professional experiences, education, and skills. Each section is concisely articulated, ensuring key information is accessible and impactful without overwhelming details.
- Progressive Career Growth - James Lewis demonstrates a strong career trajectory, advancing from an Operations Supervisor to an Assistant Central Support Manager within two well-regarded organizations. This progression highlights his commitment to professional growth and adaptability across different roles and industries.
- Impactful Achievements with Tangible Business Relevance - The CV effectively showcases James's success in improving customer retention by 15% and reducing complaints by 25%. These achievements are not just numerical but reflect a profound understanding of customer relations, contributing to the overall business growth and client satisfaction.
Security Manager Trainee
- Structured and Clear Content Presentation - The CV is well-organized, starting with a succinct summary that effectively introduces Mia Ward's expertise and achievements. Key sections like experience, education, skills, and achievements are clearly delineated, making it easy for readers to identify relevant information quickly. The use of bullet points under experience further aids in presenting a concise, yet comprehensive view of her professional journey.
- Significant Career Growth and Industry Expertise - Mia’s career trajectory demonstrates consistent upward mobility, from a Security Systems Training Coordinator to a Commercial Fire and Security Training Manager. Her roles reflect a deepening focus within the fire and security industry, showcasing not only her growth but also her deepening expertise in niche areas like CCTV, access control, and fire detection systems.
- Demonstration of Leadership and Soft Skills - In addition to technical competencies, Mia demonstrates strong leadership and mentoring skills. Overseeing a team of 10 trainers and introducing mentorship initiatives highlight her ability to lead and develop talent. Her public speaking at national conferences further underscores her communication prowess, while her passion for mentorship shows a dedication to personal and professional development.
Entry-Level Security Manager
- Comprehensive Career Development - The CV charts a clear trajectory from Security Supervisor through to Protective Security Service Manager. Each role highlights increased responsibility, showcasing Harry's capacity to lead and develop security teams, resulting in improved security metrics and service levels, indicative of a successful career growth path.
- Strategic Achievements with Direct Impact - The CV emphasizes measurable achievements that have a direct impact on organizational security. From reducing security incidents by 30% to enhancing contractor performance by 25%, these milestones underscore Harry’s consistent ability to produce tangible improvements in security operations.
- Technical and Industry-Specific Expertise - Harry demonstrates depth in security management using specialized tools and methodologies such as Risk Assessment and Security System Design. This focus echoes a robust understanding of both technical and strategic aspects of security essential for advancing safety standards in protective services.
Principal Security Manager
- Strategic Presentation of Experience - The CV is structured to highlight progressively senior roles, showing a natural career evolution. The positions listed begin with a focus on hands-on technical skills and culminate in complex project leadership and strategic security guidance, demonstrating both depth in technical expertise and breadth in leadership capabilities.
- Industry-Specific Tools and Proficiency - Ivy Ward's proficiency in specific industry tools like PowerShell, Service Now, and Beyond Trust PAM is clearly articulated, showcasing her in-depth knowledge of essential security technologies. This aligns with her role as a Principal Security Engineer, affirming her capability to tackle intricate IT infrastructure challenges.
- Emphasis on Achievements with Business Impact - The inclusion of achievements directly related to improvements in security compliance, reductions in vulnerability exposure, and resolution of unauthorized access incidents concretely demonstrates her ability to positively influence business security metrics and overall operational resilience.
Security Manager (Part-Time)
- Effective Content Presentation - The CV utilizes a clear and structured layout that concisely presents Sophia's professional journey. Key highlights include distinct sections for experience, education, and achievements, each with bullet points that succinctly convey her impact and role contributions, making it accessible and easy to navigate for recruiters.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - Sophia's career advancement from a Safety Officer to a Health Safety & Security Manager demonstrates her growth within the HSS sector. This trajectory underscores her increasing responsibility and expertise, moving from operational roles to strategic leadership within renowned companies in the leisure industry.
- Industry-Specific Methodologies - The CV dives into unique industry standards and tools, such as NEBOSH, ISO 45001:2018, and advanced HSS management systems. By detailing her specialization in these areas, Sophia effectively conveys her technical depth and readiness to manage sophisticated safety protocols.
Junior Security Manager
- Focused Presentation and Structure - Ethan Palmer's CV is well-organized with clear headers and concise bullet points, allowing for easy navigation through his qualifications, skills, work experience, and achievements. This structure effectively communicates his career highlights and relevant information to potential employers.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - Starting as a Security Intern and advancing to a Security Officer role demonstrates a clear progression in Ethan's security career. His upward movement within the industry, particularly transitioning from an intern to a full-time role, illustrates growth and increasing responsibility.
- Sector-Specific Achievements with Real-world Impact - The CV details Ethan's achievements with quantifiable results, such as a 20% reduction in security breaches, proving his efforts in enhancing site safety and customer satisfaction. These achievements are not only numerical but showcase the tangible impact of his contributions to security operations.
By Role
Information Systems Security Manager
- Clear and Concise Content Presentation - This CV is structured with a well-organized format that enhances readability. Each section is clearly delineated and concise, allowing the hiring manager to quickly grasp the candidate’s qualifications and experiences. The bullet points provide succinct yet detailed explanations of key achievements and responsibilities.
- Strong Career Trajectory in Digital Security - Joshua's career progression demonstrates a clear growth path in the cybersecurity sector, transitioning from an analyst role to a strategic leadership position. His advancement to leading AI and cybersecurity initiatives at NHS Digital emphasizes his increasing responsibility and expertise within the industry.
- Impactful Achievements with Business Relevance - The CV highlights quantifiable achievements such as improving operational efficiency by 30% and decreasing cybersecurity incidents by 25%. These metrics demonstrate Joshua's ability to deliver tangible benefits to organizations, underscoring his proficiency in implementing effective digital strategies and cybersecurity measures.
Corporate Security Manager
- Structured and comprehensive presentation - The CV is well-organized, providing a clear overview of Isaac Scott's career. Each section is logically ordered, allowing a reader to easily follow his professional journey from education through to his latest role. The concise bullet points in the experience section highlight key achievements and responsibilities, ensuring clarity and focus.
- Diverse and strategic career trajectory - Isaac Scott has shown consistent growth in his career, starting as a Customer Service Manager and progressing to Corporate Services Delivery Manager. This trajectory reflects a strategic shift into more complex and impactful roles, indicating his ambition and capacity for leadership within corporate service management and change implementation.
- Effective implementation of change management tools - Isaac's expertise with change management methodologies is apparent through his certifications and the successful application of these strategies in real-world projects. This focus on utilizing established frameworks like those from APMG International and the Institute of Risk Management adds depth to his profile, indicating a strong foundation in these industry-specific tools.
Security Compliance Manager
- Comprehensive Structure and Clarity - The CV is meticulously structured, which makes it easy to digest the wealth of information presented. Each section is neatly categorized, from experience to education, skills, and achievements, allowing the reader to quickly assess the candidate's strengths and qualifications without being overwhelmed by data.
- Dynamic Career Progression - Isabella Watson's career trajectory demonstrates a clear path of progression and expertise within the facilities management sector. Her advancements from Maintenance Coordinator to Compliance Manager reveal her readiness to take on more complex responsibilities and leadership roles, aligning perfectly with her current managerial position.
- Emphasis on Tangible Achievements - The CV effectively communicates Watson's impact on business operations by focusing on measurable achievements. By providing specific percentages and improvements in various aspects of compliance and client management, it underscores her ability to drive substantial business improvements and client satisfaction.
Physical Security Manager
- Strong Structure and Clarity - The CV is well-structured, beginning with a concise summary that effectively encapsulates the candidate's career focus and expertise. Each section follows a logical order, which enhances readability. The use of bullet points in the experience section aids in clarity, allowing for quick assimilation of key achievements and responsibilities.
- Demonstrates Career Advancement and Specialization - Isaac Scott’s career trajectory shows a clear path of growth within the nuclear security sector. Starting as a Security Specialist and advancing to roles such as Security Manager and Senior Security Consultant, it reflects promotions and increased responsibilities, emphasizing his dedication and specialization in nuclear security and risk mitigation.
- Industry-Relevant Expertise and Certifications - The CV stands out with its emphasis on industry-specific skills and qualifications, such as nuclear security regulations and advanced security risk management. The inclusion of certifications like the Nuclear Industry Security Certification and specific achievements related to NISR 2003 regulations demonstrate deep technical proficiency that is crucial for roles in nuclear security management.
Network Security Manager
- Impressive Career Growth - Freya Richardson's career trajectory is marked by consistent growth and increasing responsibility, transitioning from a Security Coordinator to a Security Manager in less than a decade. This trajectory showcases her capability to lead larger teams and handle more complex security challenges, reflecting her competence and dedication to the field.
- Strong Leadership and Soft Skills - The CV highlights Richardson's leadership ability, evidenced by her successful management of teams ranging from 20 to over 30 personnel. Her capacity to optimize team performance and reduce emergency response times demonstrates her effective soft skills and leadership style, essential for a Security Manager's role.
- Use of Advanced Security Technologies - Richardson’s expertise in integrating advanced technologies like CCTV and digital security systems underscores her technical proficiency. Her ability to implement these tools to improve threat response time and situational awareness illustrates a forward-thinking approach essential for modern security operations.
Security Program Manager
- Structured and Concise Presentation - The CV is neatly organized, beginning with a clear summary that succinctly outlines the candidate's expertise in security systems and program management. Each section—from experience to achievements—is concise yet informative, allowing hiring managers to quickly grasp key qualifications and successes.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - Finley Robinson showcases a steady career climb within the security management field, progressing from a Security Systems Coordinator to a Senior Program Manager. This reflects maturity and dedication in his professional development, alongside an expanding scope of responsibilities and impact.
- Specialized Skill in Security Management - The CV is rich with industry-specific elements that highlight Finley's deep technical knowledge and methodological expertise, such as implementing advanced risk management, integrating cutting-edge technologies, and mastering regulatory compliance—all critical in his field.
Security Incident Manager
- Progressive Career Development - The CV exhibits a clear career trajectory from an IT Security Specialist to an Incident Response Manager, highlighting a steady advancement through roles of increasing responsibility within renowned companies in the energy sector. This progression underscores the candidate's ambition and capability to grow within the industry.
- Strategic Incident Management Expertise - Reflecting a deep understanding of industry-specific methodologies, the CV emphasizes expertise in incident management frameworks and threat intelligence. This technical depth is complemented by the candidate’s ability to implement innovative security processes, showcasing a robust command over complex security environments.
- Strong Leadership and Mentoring Skills - The CV effectively highlights the candidate's ability to lead teams and mentor junior analysts with documented improvements in their performance metrics. This focus on professional development, alongside providing strategic guidance, illustrates the candidate's capacity for fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented team culture.
Retail Security Manager
- Content Presentation and Structure - The CV is presented with clarity and a logical structure, making it easy to follow. Each section is clearly demarcated, ensuring that the reader can quickly locate the most pertinent information. The use of concise language helps in conveying Oliver Smith's professional journey without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary details.
- Steady Career Growth and Industry Focus - Oliver's career trajectory shows a clear focus on the security industry, with a steady progression from a Loss Prevention Associate to a Security Monitoring Coordinator and subsequently a Security Officer. This path highlights a commitment to the industry and reflects a trajectory of increasing responsibility and expertise.
- Achievements Highlighting Business Impact - The CV effectively incorporates Oliver’s achievements, underscoring their direct impact on business outcomes. For instance, a 30% decrease in theft incidents and a 95% customer satisfaction rate are quantifiable results that demonstrate Oliver's capability to implement effective security protocols and deliver excellent customer service.
Hospital Security Manager
- Clear and Structured Presentation - The CV effectively organizes Sophia Foster's professional experience and qualifications with concise, well-defined sections. Each section is clearly labeled, making it easy to identify her skills, achievements, and career history, ensuring that potential employers can quickly understand her credentials and accomplishments.
- Impressive Career Trajectory - Sophia’s career path shows significant growth from a Security Officer to a Security Manager in a span of five years. Her continuous progression within the security industry, moving from Mitie to Securitas, and ultimately to a managerial position at G4S, highlights her ability to take on increasing levels of responsibility and her dedication to professional development.
- Achievements with Business Impact - The CV emphasizes not just numeric achievements but also their relevance to broader business goals. For instance, her leadership in reducing security incidents by 30% and improving operational efficiency by 25% are accomplishments that underline her direct contribution to company objectives, showcasing her as a valuable asset in enhancing organizational safety and efficiency.
Hotel Security Manager
- Structured and Clearly Organized Content - The CV is well-organized and easy to read, with clear sections that logically present Theodore Green's career progression, skills, education, and achievements. Each job entry is brief yet informative, allowing for quick comprehension of key responsibilities and outcomes.
- Progressive Career Advancement - Theodore Green's career trajectory is marked by consistent advancement in responsibility and roles within the security management domain. Starting as a Security Supervisor and advancing to a Security Manager role, he demonstrates significant growth and an expansion of skill sets tailored to each position.
- Proficient Use of Industry-Specific Tools - The CV highlights the application of specialized security tools and technologies such as Knowcross and advanced CCTV systems. This technical depth is crucial in the hospitality industry for enhancing safety, demonstrating his ability to integrate complex systems effectively.
Security Project Manager
- Structured and Concise Presentation - The CV is exceptionally well-organized, with each section clearly delineated and easy to navigate. Bullet points in the experience section help maintain clarity and conciseness, ensuring that each key responsibility and achievement is highlighted and easily digestible.
- Clear Career Progression - The document showcases Charlotte's growth within the Fire & Security industry, illustrating a steady career trajectory from an Installation Manager to a Senior Project Manager. This progression highlights her ability to take on increasing levels of responsibility and complexity in her roles.
- Industry-Specific Expertise and Tools - Charlotte’s expertise in fire alarms, CCTV, and risk management is complemented by specific tools and methodologies like PAVA Systems and Fieldwire, demonstrating her technical depth and industry-specific know-how, which are crucial for a role in Project Management within the Fire & Security sector.
Structuring your security manager CV layout: four factors to keep in mind
There are plenty of best practices out there for your CV layout and design. At the end of the day, a clear format and concise CV message should be your top priority. Use your CV design to enhance separate sections, bringing them to the forefront of recruiters' attention. At the same time, you can write content that:
- Follows the reverse chronological order in the experience section by first listing your most recent jobs;
- Incorporates your contact information in the header, but do skip out on the CV photo for roles in the UK;
- Is spotlighted in the most important sections of your CV, e.g. the summary or objective, experience, education, etc. to show just how you meet the job requirements;
- Is no longer than two-pages. Often, the one-page format can be optimal for your security manager CV.
Before submitting your CV, you may wonder whether to export it in Doc or PDF. With the PDF format, your information and layout stay intact. This is quite useful when your CV is assessed by the Applicant Tracker System (or the ATS) . The ATS is a software that scans your profile for all relevant information and can easily understand latest study on the ATS , which looks at your CV columns, design, and so much more.
PRO TIP
For certain fields, consider including infographics or visual elements to represent skills or achievements, but ensure they are simple, professional, and enhance rather than clutter the information.
The top sections on a security manager CV
- Professional Summary showcases the candidate's overall security expertise.
- Relevant Security Experience highlights specific work history in security management.
- Security Clearances outline any government or industry-specific clearances held.
- Risk Assessment & Management underlines the ability to evaluate and mitigate risks.
- Technology Proficiency details knowledge of security-related hardware and software.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight your expertise in risk assessment and mitigation by providing concrete examples of how you've effectively managed potential threats and secured assets, demonstrating your proactive approach to security management.
- Emphasise your experience with security protocols and technology, detailing your proficiency with the latest security systems and your ability to integrate technology solutions to enhance overall safety.
- Focus on your leadership and communication skills, explaining how you've led cross-functional teams and conducted security training sessions to cultivate a security-aware culture within an organisation.
- Showcase your knowledge of legal and regulatory compliance, including your experience with data protection laws, and industry-specific security standards, to present yourself as a well-informed and responsible security manager.
- Include any relevant certifications such as Certified Protection Professional (CPP) or Chartered Security Professional (CSyP), as this demonstrates your commitment to professional development and your expertise within the security field.
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Our checklist for the must-have information in your security manager CV header
Right at the very top of your security manager CV is where you'd find the header section or the space for your contact details, headline, and professional photo. Wondering how to present your the name of the city you live in and the country abbreviation as your address;
- are tailored to the role you're applying for by integrating key job skills and requirements;
- showcase what your unique value is, most often in the form of your most noteworthy accomplishment;
- select your relevant qualifications, skills, or current role to pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. Still not sure how to write your CV headline? Our examples below showcase best practices on creating effective headlines:
Examples of good CV headlines for security manager:
- Head of Cybersecurity | CISSP Certified | Risk Management Expert | 10+ Years of Progressive Leadership Experience
- Information Security Manager | Data Protection Specialist | GDPR Compliance | Strategic Planning | 8 Years in Sector
- Corporate Security Director | Physical Security Integration | Crisis Response Leader | CPP Holder | 15 Years' Experience
- IT Security Manager | Network Defence Architect | Cloud Security Solutions | CEH | 12 Years' Expertise
- Senior Security Consultant | Fraud Prevention & Investigations | Financial Sector Specialist | CISM Certified | 9 Years
- Security Operations Manager | Access Control Systems | Event Security Coordination | SIA Licensed | 7 Years Field Leadership
Your security manager CV introduction: selecting between a summary and an objective
security manager candidates often wonder how to start writing their resumes. More specifically, how exactly can they use their opening statements to build a connection with recruiters, showcase their relevant skills, and spotlight job alignment. A tricky situation, we know. When crafting you security manager CV select between:
- A summary - to show an overview of your career so far, including your most significant achievements.
- An objective - to show a conscise overview of your career dreams and aspirations.
Find out more examples and ultimately, decide which type of opening statement will fit your profile in the next section of our guide:
CV summaries for a security manager job:
- Seasoned Security Manager with over a decade of experience in safeguarding corporate assets, leading cross-functional security teams, and developing resilient security architectures. Expertise in cyber threat intelligence and incident response strategies. Successfully reduced security breaches by 40% at a Fortune 500 company through innovative security solutions.
- Dedicated Security Supervisor with 8 years of front-line experience, specialising in implementing comprehensive security protocols in high-threat environments. Proficient in risk assessment and security operations management. Spearheaded a 30% improvement in security efficiency within a global financial institution.
- Former Law Enforcement Officer transitioning to Corporate Security Management with 5 years of experience in crime prevention and investigative work. Proven analytical and emergency response skills, with a commitment to translating public safety experience to a corporate setting, aiming to enhance organisational security measures.
- Accomplished IT Professional with 12 years in network systems administration, pivoting into Security Management. Deep understanding of digital infrastructure vulnerabilities and certifications in network security. Eager to apply robust technical background to protect against emerging cyber threats and ensure data integrity.
- Aspiring to pivot my 4-year professional experience in customer service management into Security Management. With strong communication skills and a talent for crisis management, I aim to learn rapidly and contribute to the safety and security operations of a dynamic organisation.
- Seeking to leverage my degree in Criminology and passion for technology to embark on a career in Security Management. Keen to develop practical skills in security strategy and incident analysis, and contribute to upholding the highest standards of safety and security within a fast-paced environment.
How to meet job requirements with your security manager CV experience
We've now reached the essence of your actual CV - your experience section. This is the space where you can list your career roles and on-the-job successes. Many candidates tend to underestimate just how much time and effort they should put into writing this CV section. Your experience shouldn't be a random list of your responsibilities, but instead:
- Match the job description with your skills, values, and accomplishments;
- Start each bullet with a strong action verb, followed up with one key skill and your outcome of applying this skill;
- Spotlight parts of your career history that are relevant to the job you're applying for.
Before we move on, make sure to check out some professional CV experience sections.
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Developed and implemented comprehensive security policies, procedures, and protocols to mitigate risks and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Led a team of security professionals, providing training, direction, and performance evaluations to maintain high levels of efficiency and effectiveness in security operations.
- Conducted regular risk assessments and audits to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities, formulating strategic plans to address discovered gaps in security.
- Managed the installation and maintenance of security systems, including CCTV, access control, and alarm systems, ensuring optimal functionality and coverage.
- Communicated effectively with internal and external stakeholders on security matters, fostering collaboration and understanding of security requirements and initiatives.
- Responded to emergency situations and security incidents with decisiveness, coordinating with law enforcement and emergency services when necessary for resolution and reporting.
- Oversaw the budget for security operations, ensuring the efficient allocation of resources and cost-effective deployment of security measures and personnel.
- Stayed abreast of the latest security trends and technologies, evaluating and advocating for the adoption of new solutions that could enhance organisational security posture.
- Handled the investigation of security breaches and violations, documenting incidents and providing recommendations for preventing future occurrences.
Work Experience
Chief Security Manager
HSBC Holdings plc
01/2018-Ongoing
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive security strategy for a global financial institution, leading a team of 50 security professionals.
- Spearheaded the integration of advanced surveillance technology and cyber security measures resulting in a 30% decrease in security breaches annually.
- Conducted detailed risk assessments and security audits across various international branches, ensuring regulatory compliance and identifying critical improvement areas.
Work Experience
Retail Security Operations Manager
Tesco PLC
04/2014-12/2017
- Managed the security operations for all retail locations across the UK for a leading chain, culminating in a 25% reduction in shrinkage due to theft over 3 years.
- Orchestrated a successful security overhaul that included staff retraining, policy updates, and technological upgrades in surveillance systems.
- Established collaborative relationships with local law enforcement and community organizations to bolster security measures and emergency response protocols.
Work Experience
Data Centre Security Manager
Equinix, Inc
06/2011-03/2014
- Oversaw the security infrastructure for a foremost data centre provider, ensuring the physical and cyber protection of critical IT assets for over 100 corporate clients.
- Coordinated with IT departments to develop robust policies for data integrity and disaster recovery, significantly reducing potential downtime due to security incidents.
- Implemented employee security awareness training programmes, contributing to a highly vigilant workplace culture and lowering internal threats by 40%.
Work Experience
Hospitality Security Manager
InterContinental Hotels Group
09/2009-04/2011
- Directed the establishment of an end-to-end security protocol for a newly constructed luxury hotel, covering staff, guest safety, and asset protection.
- Negotiated contracts with security vendors for state-of-the-art monitoring equipment, ensuring coverage of all critical access points without compromising on aesthetics.
- Facilitated crisis management and emergency response drills regularly, greatly enhancing the preparedness of the hotel staff in various threat scenarios.
Work Experience
Industrial Security Manager
General Electric
11/2013-01/2018
- Led the strategic planning and execution of security systems for international manufacturing operations, focusing on both cyber and physical threats to the supply chain.
- Performed cross-functional team leadership, improving communication between departments and ensuring alignment of security protocols with production timelines.
- Drove the adoption of innovative security technologies, resulting in enhanced tracking and monitoring of sensitive materials.
Work Experience
Technical Security Manager
IBM
07/2016-11/2020
- Overhauled the security program for an established tech company, addressing emerging risks in information security and digital asset protection.
- Developed a comprehensive cyber resilience framework, significantly mitigating risks associated with cyber threats and safeguarding intellectual property.
- Cultivated a security-centric organizational culture by providing continuous staff training on security best practices and threat identification.
Work Experience
Corporate Security Manager
Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd
02/2012-08/2016
- Played a pivotal role in protecting the company’s assets and staff during a period of expansion by establishing security measures for 10+ new stores across the UK.
- Leveraged analytic tools to monitor security footage effectively, reducing false positives in theft detection by 50%, and recovering thousands of pounds in merchandise.
- Instituted loss prevention training for over 500 employees, greatly reducing the incidence of internal theft and enhancing overall security protocol compliance.
Work Experience
Infrastructure Security Manager
National Grid plc
05/2010-06/2015
- Managed security projects involving the safeguarding critical infrastructure, focusing on perimeter defence and access control for utilities facilities across the UK.
- Collaborated with government agencies on national security directives and ensured full compliance with stringent regulatory standards while maintaining operational efficiency.
- Initiated the redesign of incident response policies, which led to a 45% faster reaction time to security threats and a more resilient response framework.
Lacking professional expertise: how to write your CV to highlight your best talents
Don't count on your lucky stars when you're applying for a role, where you happen to have less (or almost none) professional experience. Recruiters sometimes do hire inexperienced candidates if they're able to present their unique value from the get-go. So, instead of opting for the traditional, CV experience section:
- List any applicable expertise you happen to have - no matter if it's a part-time job, internship, or volunteer work. This would hint to recruiters that your profile is relevant;
- Focus your CV on your transferrable skills or talents you've obtained thanks to your whole life and work experience. In effect, you'll be spotlighting your value as a candidate;
- Separate more space for your applicable academic background and certificates to show you have the technical know-how;
- Ensure that within your objective, you've defined why you'll like the job and how you'll be the perfect match for it. Always ensure you've tailored your CV to individual applications.
Looking for more good examples for your first job? We'll show you how other candidates, with less professional experience, have created their job-winning CVs.
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
Talk about any positive changes you helped bring about in your previous jobs, like improving a process or helping increase efficiency.
The CV skills' divide: between hard and soft skills
Of course, you may have read the job requirements plenty of times now, but it's key to note that there is a difference between technical and personal skills. Both are equally relevant to your job application. When writing about your skill set, ensure you've copy-pasted the precise skill from the job requirement. This would not only help you ensure you have the correct spelling, but also pass any Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessments.
- Hard skills show your technological capabilities. Or whether you'll be a good technical fit to the organisation. Ensure you've spotlighted your hard skills in various sections of your CV (e.g. skills section, projects, experience) by including the technology and what you've attained;
- Soft skills pinpoint your personality and people or communication skills, hinting at if you'll easily accomodate into the team or organisation. Quantify your soft skills in your CV achievements, strengths, summary/objective, and experience sections. Always support your soft skills with how they've helped you grow as a professional.
Top skills for your security manager CV:
HARD SKILLS
Risk Assessment
Security Protocols
Emergency Response Planning
Surveillance Systems
Access Control Systems
Physical Security
Investigation Techniques
Crisis Management
Cybersecurity Fundamentals
Regulatory Compliance
SOFT SKILLS
Leadership
Communication
Problem-Solving
Decision Making
Attention to Detail
Strategic Thinking
Teamwork
Adaptability
Integrity
Stress Management
PRO TIP
If there's a noticeable gap in your skillset for the role you're applying for, mention any steps you're taking to acquire these skills, such as online courses or self-study.
Listing your university education and certificates on your security manager CV
The best proof of your technical capabilities would be your education and certifications sections. Your education should list all of your relevant university degrees, followed up by their start and completion dates. Make sure to also include the name of the university/-ies you graduated from. If you happen to have less professional experience (or you deem it would be impressive and relevant to your application), spotlight in the education section:
- that you were awarded a "First" degree;
- industry-specific coursework and projects;
- extracurricular clubs, societies, and activities.
When selecting your certificates, first ask yourself how applicable they'd be to the role. Ater your initial assessment, write the certificate and institution name. Don't miss out on including the completion date. In the below panel, we've curated relevant examples of industry-leading certificates.
PRO TIP
If there's a noticeable gap in your skillset for the role you're applying for, mention any steps you're taking to acquire these skills, such as online courses or self-study.
Recommended reads:
Key takeaways
What matters most in your security manager CV-writing process is for you to create a personalised application. One that matches the role and also showcases your unique qualities and talents.
- Use the format to supplement the actual content, to stand out, and to ensure your CV experience is easy to comprehend and follows a logic;
- Invest time in building a succinct CV top one third. One that includes a header (with your contact details and headline), a summary or an objective statement (select the one that best fits your experience), and - potentially - a dedicated skills section or achievements (to fit both hard skills and soft skills requirements);
- Prioritise your most relevant (and senior) experience closer to the top of your CV. Always ensure you're following the "power verb, skill, and achievement" format for your bullets;
- Integrate both your technical and communication background across different sections of your CV to meet the job requirements;
- List your relevant education and certificates to fill in gaps in your CV history and prove to recrutiers you have relevant technical know-how.
