A career built through opportunity and growth 

When people think about career progression in security, they often picture a traditional route through operational roles. While operational experience has certainly played an important part in this journey, progression is rarely defined by job titles alone. It is shaped by learning, embracing opportunities and continually looking for ways to develop. 

We spoke with Paul Rodriguez, Regional Director for Central London, about his career journey from his first role in security to leading a portfolio of some of London’s most prestigious corporate, residential and mixed-use developments. 

My current role

As Regional Director for Central London, I am responsible for the strategic leadership, operational performance and commercial success of a portfolio of high-profile security contracts across some of the capital’s most prestigious corporate, residential and mixed-use developments. 

My role involves leading teams of Regional Operations Managers and security professionals to ensure exceptional service delivery, maintaining strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, and ensuring services are delivered safely, compliantly and in line with expectations. 

Alongside overall accountability for contract performance, profitability, business growth and people development, I work closely with clients to provide advice on security risks, resilience and protective measures. Every day presents different challenges, but at its heart the role is about supporting people, building strong relationships and delivering consistently high standards. 

Starting out in security 

My career in security began in 2011 when I joined a business as a Security Team Leader. The role focused on loss prevention, customer engagement, staff security checks and CCTV monitoring. Looking back, it was a valuable introduction to the fundamentals of security and leadership. It taught me the importance of professionalism, accountability and how small actions can make a big difference. 

In 2012, I was promoted to Surveillance Team Officer. Working as part of an undercover surveillance team, I supported efforts to tackle organised crime, including credit card fraud and smash and grab offences, often working closely with police units and luxury retail partners. 

Connected to more than 35 high end boutiques through a dedicated radio network, we proactively identified suspicious activity, shared intelligence and delivered security awareness training to retail staff. It was a role that strengthened my communication skills and reinforced the importance of teamwork and proactive security measures. 

Taking the next step 

In 2014, I was promoted to Operations Manager, taking responsibility for officers working across the luxury retail portfolio, the surveillance team and a break cover team. 

For the first time, my focus shifted from delivering security services myself to managing and supporting others to deliver them. My responsibilities included staffing, performance management, auditing, compliance and operational delivery across multiple locations. It was a significant step in my career and provided valuable experience in leadership, accountability and client management. 

Two years later, the business was acquired and I transferred under TUPE as an Operations Manager. While many of the responsibilities remained the same, the portfolio expanded to include corporate environments. 

This required a different approach. Unlike retail security, corporate sites introduced new systems and requirements around access control, building management systems, patrol technology and performance reporting. Adapting to those different environments broadened my understanding of the industry and helped me become a more rounded manager. 

Progressing through leadership 

In 2018, following an acquisition by Churchill Group and subsequent rebrand, I was promoted to Regional Manager. This brought increased responsibility, a larger portfolio and greater exposure to different sectors and clients. 

In 2020, I progressed into the role of Senior Regional Manager before being appointed Regional Director in 2023. 

Looking back, there was no single defining moment. Progression came from consistently delivering results, learning from challenges, taking on additional responsibility and being prepared to step outside of my comfort zone when opportunities arose. 

Opportunities to learn and grow 

One of the things I value most about my career journey has been the opportunities provided to support my development. 

Throughout my time with the business, I have gained exposure to different departments, built relationships across the organisation and developed a wider understanding of how the business operates. 

Formal development opportunities have also played an important role, including achieving IOSH certification and participating in the Own Your Future programme. These experiences strengthened my leadership, operational and safety management capabilities while broadening my commercial awareness. 

Attending business presentations and strategic meetings also provided valuable insight into organisational priorities, challenges and future growth plans. Those opportunities helped build the confidence and knowledge needed to continue progressing into more senior roles. 

The people who made a difference 

While there was no single defining moment in my career, there were several people whose advice and guidance had a lasting impact. Early in my career, a former manager shared a simple piece of advice that has stayed with me ever since: “Paul, as long as you look and act the part, everything else will come with time.” 

Another influential figure was Darren Read, who encouraged me to think differently about leadership. “You have the ability to influence the mood in a room depending on how you choose to.” 

That advice helped me become less emotionally led and more measured in my approach. It taught me the value of calm leadership and showed me that treating people with kindness and respect often achieves far more than confrontation ever could. 

Being managed by Andrew Redman was another important part of my development. During a period of significant growth and change, he provided calm direction and valuable guidance as I took on greater responsibility. 

Meeting Serena Lowe was another moment that has stayed with me. After taking the time to understand my role and background, she simply said: “You’re good, you are.” 

Coming from someone with such extensive industry experience, those words meant a great deal. They reinforced the belief that the hard work, challenges and sacrifices along the way had been recognised.

What excites me about the future 

What excites me most about working here is the people. I can work alongside talented individuals who challenge, inspire and support one another every day. Being part of a business that encourages development and creates opportunities for growth is something I genuinely value. 

I enjoy taking on new challenges, helping shape the future of the business and contributing to a culture where people can thrive and succeed. 

Another aspect that particularly excites me is being part of an Employee Ownership Trust. Reaching Financial Freedom Day and hearing the conversations taking place across the business, especially among frontline colleagues, has been fantastic to see. 

Knowing that employees have a genuine stake in the success of the business creates a unique culture and reinforces the feeling that we are all working together towards a shared goal. 

My advice

My advice to anyone looking to develop their career at Amulet is simple: Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Seek them out and challenge yourself. 

Go the extra mile, learn independently and show your worth. Career progression rarely happens by accident. It is often the result of consistency, curiosity and a willingness to embrace opportunities when they arise. 

Looking back on my own journey, from managing a team of three officers in a retail store to leading a major regional portfolio, the biggest lesson has been that growth comes from being open to learning, accepting new challenges and making the most of every opportunity. Sometimes you do not realise how far you have come until you take the time to look back.