Security Controller

Role Overview

The Security Controller is responsible for the management and oversight of all security matters within the organisation. As the organisation’s primary security professional, the role is responsible for protecting personnel, information, facilities, and operations in accordance with UK government and defence security requirements.

The Security Controller develops, implements, and maintains the organisation’s security policies and procedures, manages personnel security and vetting requirements, and provides operational security support to projects and activities. The role also supports personnel travelling or operating in higher-risk environments and acts as the focal point for security incidents and risk management.

The position requires the ability to operate independently, provide professional security advice to senior leadership, and ensure the organisation maintains compliance with government and contractual security obligations.

Key Responsibilities

Security Governance & Leadership

• Act as the organisation’s lead for all security matters.
• Develop, implement, and maintain organisational security policies, procedures, and guidance.
• Advise senior management on security risks affecting the organisation, its personnel, and its operations.
• Ensure the organisation maintains appropriate protective security measures.

Personnel Security & Vetting

• Manage personnel security processes, including sponsorship and administration of security clearances through UK Security Vetting.
• Maintain personnel security records and ensure compliance with vetting requirements.
• Support pre-employment screening and security briefings for staff.
• Promote security awareness across the organisation.

Information & Protective Security

• Ensure the appropriate handling and protection of sensitive or classified information in line with the HMG Security Policy Framework.
• Oversee information security practices relating to physical and operational security.
• Maintain procedures for secure document handling, storage, and disposal.

Operational & Travel Security

• Provide security advice and risk assessments for organisational activities, projects, and travel.
• Support personnel travelling or working in higher-risk environments through risk assessments, briefings, and tracking arrangements.
• Maintain situational awareness of security developments that may affect staff or operations.

Incident Management

• Act as the focal point for security incidents affecting personnel, facilities, information, or operations.
• Maintain incident reporting processes and records.
• Escalate and manage incidents in coordination with senior leadership as required.

Risk Management & Reporting

• Identify and assess security risks relevant to organisational activities.
• Maintain security risk registers and mitigation plans.
• Produce security reports and updates for senior management.

Compliance & Assurance

• Ensure compliance with contractual and government security requirements.
• Support security audits, inspections, and compliance reviews.
• Maintain documentation required for regulatory or customer security requirements.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience in security management within defence, government, law enforcement, or a related environment.
• Good understanding of protective security principles and risk management.
• Ability to operate independently and manage security responsibilities across an organisation.
• Strong analytical, organisational, and communication skills.
• High level of integrity and discretion when handling sensitive information.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working with UK government security frameworks such as the HMG Security Policy Framework.
• Experience supporting government security clearance processes through UK Security Vetting.
• Military, government, or defence industry background.
• Experience supporting operations or travel in higher-risk environments.

Security Requirements

• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain Security Check (SC) clearance or Developed Vetting (DV) clearance.
• Ability to handle sensitive and classified information appropriately.