Principal Security Adviser

www.clearedrecruitment.com.au; Canberra; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Leadership role

Professional development

Career growth

National security environment

Job summary

Cleared Recruitment is seeking a Principal Security Adviser in Canberra to join the national Protective Security Office on-site. You will lead a small team of security professionals, delivering protective security services across governance, risk and compliance, personnel, physical, information and technology security.

The role focuses on maintaining compliance with Australian Government and Defence security requirements, developing security policies, and mentoring staff while managing security

Qualifications

• 10+ years in Commonwealth Government or defence environments.
• Proven leadership of security teams.
• Knowledge of PSPF, DSPF, AGSVA processes.
• Experience with physical and personnel security administration.
• Strong risk management and compliance experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Stakeholder engagement and interpersonal skills.
• MS Office proficiency.
• Experience with security systems software.
• Engagement with defence and government partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of security advisers.
• Provide SME across governance, risk and compliance.
• Implement protective security measures per requirements.
• Maintain external licences and accreditations.
• Mentor and develop security team members.
• Develop and maintain security policies and procedures.
• Assist with budget preparation and expenditure management.
• Deliver high-quality security services to internal stakeholders.
• Manage security infrastructure and systems.
• Oversee CCTV, access control, alarms, and key systems.
• Build relationships with Defence and government agencies.
• Perform other duties as directed by leadership.

Skills

Governance

Risk management

Compliance

Personnel security

Physical security

Information security

Technology security

Team leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Education

Security qualifications

PV clearance

Driver license

Tools

Security software

Access control software

CCTV systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Principal Security Adviser

Location: Canberra, ACT
Working Arrangement: On-site
Clearance Required: Positive Vetting (PV)

Company Overview

Our client is a leading Australian Defence industry organisation delivering advanced technology, engineering and security solutions that support Australia's national security objectives. Operating in a highly regulated environment, the organisation is committed to maintaining the highest standards of protective security, governance, compliance and operational excellence.

Job Description

An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced Principal Security Adviser to join the national Protective Security Office in Canberra. Reporting to the Security Manager, this role is responsible for delivering protective security support services across a broad range of security disciplines while leading a small team of security professionals.

The successful candidate will provide expert advice on governance, risk and compliance, personnel security, physical security, information security and technology security. This position plays a critical role in maintaining compliance with Australian Government and Defence security requirements while ensuring the organisation's security frameworks, systems and processes remain effective and fit for purpose.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Senior Security Advisers and Security Advisers in the delivery of protective security services.
• Provide subject matter expertise across governance, risk and compliance, personnel, physical, information and technology security disciplines.
• Implement and maintain protective security measures in alignment with Commonwealth and Defence security requirements.
• Support the maintenance of external security licences, certifications and accreditations.
• Provide guidance, mentoring and professional development support to security team members.
• Develop, review and maintain internal security policies, procedures and work instructions.
• Assist with budget preparation and the effective management of security-related expenditure.
• Deliver high-quality security support services to internal stakeholders across the organisation.
• Manage assigned security infrastructure and systems to meet operational requirements.
• Oversee the operational status, maintenance and effectiveness of physical security systems, including:
  • Security alarm systems
  • Electronic access control systems
  • Closed circuit television (CCTV) systems
  • Security keys and lock management systems
  • Electronic key control systems
• Build and maintain productive relationships with Defence, government agencies, service providers and industry stakeholders.
• Perform other security-related duties as directed by senior security leadership.

Education/Certifications Required

• Relevant qualifications in Security, Risk Management, Government Security, Protective Security or a related discipline are desirable.
• Current Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) Positive Vetting (PV) clearance.
• Current Australian Class C Driver Licence.

Knowledge/Skills Required

• Minimum 10 years' experience within Commonwealth Government, Defence, Defence Industry or similar highly regulated environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading security teams and managing security operations.
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF)
  • Defence Security Principles Framework (DSPF)
  • AGSVA security clearance processes
• Experience in physical and personnel security administration.
• Strong understanding of security risk management and compliance frameworks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes in a dynamic operational environment.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience using security management and security systems software.
• Ability to effectively engage with Defence, government agencies and external security partners.

Employment Benefits

• Opportunity to work within a recognised leader in the Defence industry.
• Exposure to complex and high-profile national security programs.
• Leadership role within a professional and collaborative security team.
• Ongoing professional development and career growth opportunities.
• Stable, long-term career within a critical national security environment.

Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

Veterans

Defence and Federal Government industry experience is highly desirable. We strongly encourage veterans and individuals with Defence experience to apply. Your unique skills and background are highly valued, and we are committed to supporting your transition into this role.