Ross Sell msyl
Copthorne,West Sussex
Summary
Accomplished Senior Security Operations Manager with more than a decade of experience leading high-risk, complex security operations at one of the world’s busiest and most iconic entertainment venues, The O2, London. Specialist in 24/7 security leadership, Security Operations Control Centre (SOCC) management, and counter-terrorism strategy. Proven expertise delivering security for international, VIP, and high-profile events including the BRIT Awards, Barack Obama appearances, UFC, National Television Awards (NTAs), and NBA events. Experienced in Behavioural Detection Officer (BDO) programmes and collaborative multi-agency operations. Recognised for calm and decisive leadership during critical incidents, strong stakeholder management, and the ability to deliver safe, resilient, and commercially aligned security operations in dynamic environments. Played a key operational role in planning and delivering the UK’s largest multi-agency emergency services training exercise, enhancing interoperability across police, fire, ambulance, and venue command systems.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Security Operations Manager
The O2
London
01.2013 - Current
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Security Operations Manager
The O2, London
2013 – Present
Leadership & Operational Command
- Lead operational security for one of Europe’s busiest indoor arenas, ensuring the safety of millions of visitors annually.
- Manage 24/7 Security Operations Control Centre (SOCC), overseeing live operations, incident response, and stakeholder communication.
- Provide strategic leadership to large, diverse security teams, including Supervisors, BDOs, and contracted personnel.
- Act as Gold/Silver command during major events and incidents.
High-Profile & Complex Events
- Directed security for globally recognised events such as:
- BRIT Awards
- Barack Obama appearances
- UFC events
- National Television Awards (NTAs)
- NBA games
- Planned and executed integrated security plans tailored to VIP movements, red carpets, and complex production requirements.
Counter-Terrorism & Behavioural Detection
- Oversaw deployment, training, and performance management of Behavioural Detection Officers (BDOs).
- Delivered CT-focused operational plans aligned with national threat levels and venue risk assessments.
- Ensured screening and search technologies (X-Ray, ION scanners, Evolv) were effectively deployed and maintained.
Critical Incident & Emergency Response
- Trusted incident commander for high-risk situations requiring calm decision-making under pressure.
- Played a pivotal role in delivering the UK’s largest multi-agency emergency response exercise, enhancing interoperability between emergency services and venue command.
- Led mass-casualty readiness planning, including 10-second triage protocol implementation.
Stakeholder & Commercial Management
- Collaborated closely with venue management, promoters, police, emergency services, and external agencies.
- Ensured security operations aligned with commercial objectives while maintaining exceptional safety standards.
- Delivered operational insights to senior leadership and contributed to ongoing security strategy development.
Education
NVQ Level 3 -
Nebosh Health & Safety
Level 5 Diploma In Security Management
The Security Institute
Security Industry Authority
Skills
- 24/7 Security Operations Leadership
- SOCC Management
- Counter-Terrorism Strategy
- Behavioural Detection
- Major Incident Command
- Emergency Response
- Multi-Agency Coordination
- High-Profile Event Security
- VIP Event Security
- Operational Planning
- Risk Mitigation
- Crisis Management
- Decision-Making
- Team Leadership
- Training
- Performance Management
- Threat Assessment
- Vulnerability Assessment
- Mass Casualty Response
- Triage
- X-Ray Systems
- ION Systems
- Evolv Search Systems
- Screening Systems
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Detail-oriented
- Critical Thinking
- Resilience
- Calm under Pressure
- Interpersonal Communication
- Commercial Awareness
- Flexible Leadership
- Adaptable Leadership
Additional Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite proficient
- Detail-oriented and strong critical thinker
- Resilient and calm under pressure
- Strong interpersonal communication
- High commercial awareness
- Flexible and adaptable leadership style
- Fluent English
References
Available on request.
Timeline
Senior Security Operations Manager
The O2
01.2013 - Current
NVQ Level 3 -
Nebosh Health & Safety
Level 5 Diploma In Security Management
The Security Institute
Security Industry Authority