- Company Name
- National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
- Job Title
- Head of Security
- Job Description
-
**Job Title:** Head of Security
**Role Summary:**
Senior leader responsible for defining and executing the organization’s security strategy, safeguarding people, assets, information, and reputation. Provides expert advice, ensures compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations, and leads coordinated risk management across the enterprise in a national laboratory setting.
**Expectations:**
- Develop and maintain a forward‑looking security strategy aligned with business objectives and evolving geopolitical risks.
- Lead and inspire internal security teams, external consultants, and contractors to deliver high‑performance, customer‑focused services.
- Build and sustain strategic relationships with national security agencies, supply‑chain partners, and internal stakeholders.
- Ensure continuous compliance with security, health‑safety, quality, and environmental legislation.
- Act as a brand ambassador, enhancing the organization’s external reputation and stakeholder trust.
- Obtain and maintain Security Check (SC) clearance (or ability to secure it).
**Key Responsibilities:**
- Define, implement, and continuously improve the organization’s security strategy and policies.
- Coordinate with Cyber Security and Trusted Research functions for an integrated risk‑management approach.
- Identify emerging threats, conduct proactive risk assessments, and lead mitigation initiatives.
- Oversee statutory and regulatory compliance, including reporting to national bodies.
- Lead incident response, investigations, and post‑incident reviews.
- Manage performance, development, and motivation of security personnel and contracted providers.
- Foster collaboration across scientific and operational units to embed security in all processes.
- Represent the organization in external forums, liaising with government security agencies and industry partners.
**Required Skills:**
- Proven experience developing and executing enterprise‑wide security strategies.
- Strong leadership and people‑management abilities; experience building high‑performing teams.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills at senior executive level.
- Deep understanding of physical security, personnel security, information security, and risk management frameworks.
- Ability to interpret and apply relevant legislation, standards (e.g., ISO 27001, ISO 22301), and government directives.
- Analytical mindset with capability to anticipate trends and assess complex security risks.
- High integrity, discretion, and ability to handle sensitive information.
**Required Education & Certifications:**
- Bachelor’s degree in Security Management, Risk Management, Criminal Justice, Engineering, or a related discipline (Master’s preferred).
- Professional security certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CPP, or ISO 27001 Lead Implementer/Lead Auditor.
- Valid UK Security Check (SC) clearance (or eligibility to obtain one).
Teddington, United kingdom
On site
29-01-2026