Professional Security Career Progression: Jason Maksimovic’s Journey

May 15, 2026

Calculating...

At Professional Security, we’re proud to celebrate the people who make our business what it is. This week, we’re shining a spotlight on Jason Maksimovic, our Operations Manager for Wales, whose journey in the industry spans nearly three decades.

Starting Out in the Industry

Jason’s introduction to hospitality security began in 1996 in Ystrad Rhondda, South Wales. From his very first shift, he was drawn to the fast-paced, unpredictable nature of the role – something that clearly stuck, as he remained at the same venue for nearly nine years.

Alongside his hospitality work, Jason also served in the Prison Service, where he developed the discipline, structure, and professionalism that continue to define his leadership style today.

As his experience grew, so did his responsibilities. Jason progressed into senior operational management roles, spending 13 years as an Operations Manager overseeing major Cardiff city centre venues and large hospitality teams. During this period, he built a strong reputation for leadership, high standards, and operational delivery across some of the busiest environments in Wales.

Joining Professional Security

By the time Jason joined Professional Security in March 2018 as an Area Manager, he had already achieved significant success within the industry. However, after many years operating at senior management level, he found himself reassessing what he wanted from the next stage of his career.

Although joining as an Area Manager represented a step back in seniority and responsibility compared to previous roles, the move ultimately helped Jason reconnect with the part of the industry he enjoyed most – developing people, building strong teams, and supporting others to progress.

What started as a fresh challenge soon reignited his passion for the industry.

Over the following years, Jason progressed into his current role as Operations Manager for Wales, where he now oversees a wide range of hospitality operations alongside public sector council and HMO contracts across the region.

A Role Built on Leadership and Standards

Today, Jason leads from the front, overseeing four experienced Area Managers and ensuring consistently high standards are delivered across Wales.

His days often begin early, reviewing overnight reports from 24-hour council sites before shifting focus to staffing, scheduling, operational planning, and supporting busy hospitality deployments ahead of weekends and major events.

It’s a role that demands organisation, adaptability, and strong leadership – all of which Jason brings in abundance.

However, for Jason, the role has become about far more than simply delivering a service.

His motivation has shifted towards mentoring and developing the next generation of Door Supervisors entering the industry. He takes particular pride in helping new team members build confidence, develop professionally, and progress in their careers.

Many of the people he supported early on are still part of his teams more than a decade later – something he considers one of his proudest achievements.

What Makes It All Worthwhile

For Jason, the most rewarding part of the role is simple – people.

From personally welcoming every new applicant to fostering a culture built on trust, accountability, and professionalism, he believes strong relationships are the foundation of long-term success.

With nearly 100 years of combined experience across the Welsh management team, that shared knowledge and loyalty are reflected in the consistently high standards delivered across the region.

Advice for the Next Generation

Jason is passionate about guiding those starting out in the industry, and his advice is clear:

Take pride in your standards – be early, be presentable, be reliable
Master communication – the best Door Supervisors resolve situations, not escalate them
Never stop learning – every shift is an opportunity to improve

As Jason puts it:

“People notice reliability long before they notice talent.”

Overcoming the Biggest Challenges

Like many within the industry, Jason faced one of his biggest professional challenges during COVID-19.

In a matter of days, the hospitality landscape changed completely. Jason quickly adapted, shifting operational focus towards retail security and coordinating large-scale deployments across multiple sites.

It was a high-pressure period that demanded resilience, adaptability, and rapid decision-making – and one where his leadership ensured teams continued delivering when it mattered most.

A Story of Strength and Resilience

In 2022, Jason faced his toughest personal challenge yet when he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer – nasopharyngeal cancer.

Following intensive treatment, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, it became an incredibly difficult period both physically and mentally.

Throughout it all, the support from his colleagues and the wider Professional Security team played a huge role in helping him stay positive.

Today, Jason is proud to be three years in remission – a milestone that reflects his resilience, strength, and determination.

More Than Just a Career

Jason’s journey is a powerful reminder that a career in security is about much more than the role itself.

It’s about growth, resilience, leadership, and the people you meet along the way.

And if you ever notice his hair looking darker than expected… don’t worry – he’s quick to confirm he doesn’t dye it. The beard, however, tells a different story.