Head of Physical Security Advisory

House of Commons; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

House of Commons is seeking a Head of Physical Security Advisory to lead Parliament's security advisory team, delivering risk-based security guidance and overseeing risk assessments for major estate programmes.

You will collaborate with senior stakeholders to design effective security solutions, drive capability, and contribute to Parliament's strategic security direction. Hybrid role with 60% office presence.

Qualifications

• Membership of the Register of Security Engineers and Specialists (RSES) or Chartered Security Professional (CSyP) or equivalent.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development with an up-to-date CPD record.
• Significant experience providing protective security advice in complex estate environments, ideally public sector.
• Proven ability to lead high-performing teams, drive change and foster inclusion.
• Strong critical thinking to assess information and support strategic decisions.
• Ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels and influence outcomes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for clear technical explanations.
• Strong planning and organisational skills to manage competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead Parliament's physical security advisory team delivering risk-based security guidance.
• Oversee security risk assessments, develop standards and guidance.
• Advise on major estate programmes and high-profile projects.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders across Parliament and partners to design solutions.
• Develop capability, drive continuous improvement and respond to threats and tech.
• Contribute to the wider strategic direction of security services across Parliament.

Skills

RSES/CSyP membership

CPD evidence

Security advisory

Leadership

Critical thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Planning & prioritisation

Job description

As Head of Physical Security Advisory, you'll lead Parliament's physical security advisory team, ensuring the delivery of expert, risk-based security advice that helps keep Parliament safe and operational. You'll oversee security risk assessments, develop security standards and guidance, and act as the senior adviser on major estate programmes and projects, including high-profile transformation initiatives.

You’ll work closely with senior stakeholders across Parliament, government departments, security partners and project teams to identify risks, design effective security solutions and support informed decision-making. Leading a team of security professionals, you'll build capability, drive continuous improvement and ensure Parliament's approach to physical security remains responsive to emerging threats, technologies and best practice.

As a member of the Parliamentary Security Department's Senior Leadership Team, you'll also contribute to the wider strategic direction of security services across Parliament.

This role is offered on a hybrid working basis, with an expectation of you spending 60% of your time in the office.

Find out more about working at the House of Commons.

Why Join us?

In addition to your salary, we offer

an attractive range of benefits including but not limited to:

Generous annual leave starting at 30 days and increasing to 35 after one full working year.

Enrolment in the excellent

Civil Service pension scheme with an average employer contribution of 28.97%

Flexible working options that help you find a balance including enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption leave, caring leave and alternative working patterns.

What we're looking for

Professional Qualifications

Principal or Ordinary member of the Register of Security Engineers and Specialists (RSES), Chartered Security Professional (CSyP), or equivalent demonstrable expertise.

Commitment to ongoing professional development, supported by an up-to-date CPD record.

Security Expertise -

Significant experience providing protective security advice within complex estate environments, ideally within the public sector.

Leadership & People Management -

Proven ability to lead high-performing teams, drive change, and create an inclusive environment that supports development and success.

Analysis & Decision-Making -

Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to assess complex information, challenge assumptions, and make sound strategic and operational decisions.

Stakeholder Engagement -

Ability to build credibility quickly, develop effective relationships, and influence, persuade and challenge stakeholders at all levels.

Communication -

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical issues clearly to a range of audiences.

Organisation & Prioritisation -

Strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, delegate effectively, and make timely decisions.