Port Security Officer (SGL)
Date: 25 Aug 2026
Location: Southampton, GB
Company: ABP
We’re the UK's largest ports operator with a network of 21 ports around Britain. We handle around one quarter of the UK's seaborne trade and contribute £7.5 billion to our economy every year.
It’s a story we’re proud of but it doesn’t end there. We’re transforming our business and embracing the future.
We offer a vast range of roles spanning the UK, all rooted in a culture that welcomes diversity, fosters talent, encourages internal movement and progression, and places safety as our number one priority.
The Role: Security Officer – Solent Gateway
Purpose:
To provide safe, efficient, and service focused delivery of 24/7/365 security operations at ABP Solent Gateway Limited (SGL).
The Security Officer is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff, visitors, and property. This role involves monitoring premises, responding to incidents, enforcing site rules, and providing a visible security presence to deter unwanted behaviour.
Accountabilities:
- Patrol and Surveillance: Conduct regular patrols of buildings, grounds, and access points to ensure safety and detect signs of intrusion or hazards.
- Access Control: Monitor entry and exit points, verify identification, and ensure only authorised individuals access restricted areas.
- Incident Response: Respond promptly to alarms, disturbances, and security breaches; take appropriate action to resolve issues safely.
- Reporting: Complete accurate incident reports, daily activity logs, and documentation of any irregularities.
- Customer Service: Provide assistance to staff and visitors at the main reception, issuing permits and passes in accordance with policy, offering clear communication and a professional presence.
- Safety Compliance: Enforce site policies, health and safety procedures, and legal requirements.
- CCTV Monitoring: Operate and monitor security cameras and alarm systems where required.
- Emergency response: Act as first responder to emergencies such as oil spills or traffic accidents. Assist with evacuations, first aid (if trained), and coordinate with emergency services.
- Searching: of vehicles, persons and their effects as required
About you:
You will have a proactive and collaborative approach to solving problems with excellent people skills and ability to engage positively with customers. Yours is a ‘can do’ attitude, someone who is capable of making decisions under pressure.
However, the real key to success in this role is communication; it is essential you can lead, motivate and deliver in an exciting but challenging environment.
Skills, Experience & Qualifications
Essential
- Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a small team.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills.
- Basic computer literacy for report writing and system monitoring.
- Ability to remain calm and make decisions under pressure.
- Physical fitness suitable for patrolling and responding to incidents.
- Strong observational and problem solving skills.
- Able and prepared to gain relevant UK Government Security Clearance.
- Must be able to work a 24/7/365 shift pattern, consisting of 12-hour shifts, which will include unsocial hours
Ideal
- Understanding of port and maritime security.
- Experience in Security/Military/Law enforcement or related field
- Hold a full, clean driving licence
Want to see what it’s like to work for the UK’s largest port operator? Our virtual work experience programme gives you an inside look at trade, sustainability, safety, and careers in one of the UK’s most vital indutries- https://www.talentxp.co.uk/track/e2e029cd
Additional Information:
When joining ABP you will find an environment that is both welcoming and challenging. We reward our employees well and offer a generous remuneration package, employer pension, private health insurance and a range of other benefits.
Please note that ABP undertake random screening for substance abuse and operate a zero-tolerance policy. A medical will be required before starting this position also.
We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their background, which helps us to provide a diverse and inclusive working environment.
As part of our recruitment process, all successful candidates will be subject to pre-employment screening to Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Please note your consent will be required and further information on this check can be found using the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels