Lee Sinclair – Operations Director

Briefly explain your role

Overseeing all Operations throughout the UK for our Guarding Solutions unit.

What do you love about your job?

Absolutely everything! The daily challenges, the variety, the trials and tribulations but most of all, the people (colleagues, clients and end service users).

What made you decide to start a career in the security sector?

I kind of fell into the industry after a failed football career but have always had a passion for protecting people and their assets.

How does KST support you in your role?

KGS empowers me by affording me autonomy and backing the changes needed to progress the operations and our service standards. There are rarely any barriers to the innovation/changes we need to implement and everything can be done quickly.

Has there been any significant barriers to progression in your career within the security profession?

How has your previous work experience prepared you for your role in security?

I’ve worked on the ground and gradually up through the ranks. I know first hand the challenges that my colleagues on the ground face which puts me in the unique position of being very understanding, but able to effect change.

What’s your most memorable moment in your career so far?

There have been many throughout my career but being promoted to Operations Director in October 2022 is now the standout as it’s something I’ve always aspired to be since I embarked on this journey in the Security Industry.

What opportunities do you feel the security profession offers?

I think if you work in a growing company, with the right culture, the opportunities could be endless. The leadership team in any organisation should be always thinking about the next generation of leaders and should be constantly coaching and guiding them until they are positioned ideally for the next opportunity that comes along. The industry is so diverse that there are many different sectors, specialities and levels which in turn offer opportunity for progression.

What do you do at work on a daily basis?

Naturally this varies, but my primary responsibility is ensuring our Operations Team deliver. I could be collating and analysing the outputs of the Ops team in terms of recruitment/retention, performance of our partners, how the welfare of our officers is, site visits, assisting our clients, strategy planning, overseeing new contract mobilisations, mentoring the Ops team to ensure better outcomes, the list is endless……!

What advice would you give for someone new starting in the industry?

Don’t worry about things that you can’t control and only focus on the things you can influence. Self-reflect daily if you can; what could you have done better and what did work well. Above anything else, when decision making, do the right thing for the right reasons.