Site Security Officer Jim’s journey at Serco highlights what’s possible with the right mix of determination, experience, and a commitment to growth.
Today, he works across two defence sites in Wiltshire, overseeing teams that keep sensitive facilities secure. Jim has followed his own unique path – and his story is a great example of how varied experiences can shape a fulfilling career.
Jim’s background is rooted in the security industry, where he’s worked everything from nightclub security to close protection for high-profile clients.
In 2011, he moved from London to Wiltshire and joined the police force, gaining valuable experience before re-entering the security sector with Serco in 2019. Initially hired as a security guard on the Skynet contract, Jim quickly stood out, drawing on his mix of hands-on skills and management experience.
Within a year, he was placed on a fast-track succession plan to prepare for his current role, including training, shadowing, and developing other team members too. “It was all things I’d done previously, just in a new environment,” Jim reflects. “Joining from other sectors, you bring in different elements from your previous experiences, which can really help the contract and the team.
Since stepping into his leadership role, Jim has focused on making the day-to-day operations smoother for his team of 24 guards. He’s digitised paperwork, streamlined procedures, and ensured that his team feels supported with regular training and check-ins. “I like to think that the way I run things makes life easier for the team,” he says, showing how his leadership is all about helping others perform at their best.
For Jim, growth doesn’t stop at his current role. He’s recently enrolled in a Serco-funded Level 5 apprenticeship in management and is considering a degree in security management, saying, “Progression is open to everybody here. We’ve had guards move into operational roles, and one is now the FM Soft Services Manager. Serco offers plenty of positions if you’re open to growth.”
Outside work, Jim coaches youth rugby and balances family life. Coaching, he says, has taught him to “be empathetic and understanding” – skills that have made him a stronger leader.
His story is a reminder of the value of diverse experiences and the importance of creating a supportive environment where people can thrive. For anyone considering a career here, he encourages them to “go for it and give it your all – progression is there for those who work for it.”
Interested in joining us in Defence? Explore Defence careers at Serco.