Head of Security

Rolls-Royce SMR; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 86,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus up to 20%

Pension scheme

New-joiner payment

Flexible/hybrid working

Job summary

Rolls‑Royce SMR is seeking a Head of Security to lead a nuclear security team and ensure delivery of security activities to the highest standard. You will shape security policy, support the engineering design, and coordinate training while aligning with UK regulations and ONR requirements.

This hybrid role is based from Derby, Manchester or Warrington with potential international travel and close collaboration with the Executive Director for Security.

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant subject or equivalent qualification or experience.
• Experience in nuclear or similarly regulated industries is required.
• Proven ability to manage teams and influence stakeholders.
• Knowledge of UK regulatory requirements and ONR guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a security team delivering physical and personnel security.
• Define and implement Security Policy for the business.
• Oversee the Business Security Plan aligning with NISR 2003 as Duty Holder.
• Provide security input to engineering design for secure products.
• Coordinate Security Training for staff and contractors.
• Engage with ONR as primary security contact for GDA.

Skills

People management

Interpersonal skills

Security policy

Vulnerability assessments

Regulatory knowledge

Cyber security awareness

Communication

Education

Degree in relevant subject or equivalent qualification/experience

Job description

Role: Head of Security

Location: Hybrid, based from one of our offices in Derby, Manchester or Warrington

About Us

Rolls‑Royce SMR is here to transform how nuclear energy is delivered—cleaner, faster and at global scale. Our teams are developing one of the world’s most advanced small modular reactors, helping secure affordable, low‑carbon energy for generations to come.

We’re doing something that’s never been done before. We’re revolutionising an industry. That’s a once-in-a-career opportunity for those excited by such a challenge. This is more than just a job; this is a legacy.

Role Purpose

As Head of Security, you will be responsible for ensuring that all security activities that support our business and Customers within Rolls-Royce SMR Ltd are delivered to a world class standard. This is a chance for you to lead a team of nuclear security specialists in the development and delivery of security associated arrangements to the highest standard in line with business objectives, and represents a unique opportunity to bring fresh and innovative ideas to the security design at an early stage to have real impact on not only the security of our product but crucially safety and cost as well.

What we’ll need you to do

• Be accountable to the Executive Director responsible for matters on Security

• Define and implement Security Policy for the business

• Develop, implement and maintain our Business Security Plan that meets the requirements of UK regulation, specifically Nuclear Industry Security Regulation (NISR) 2003 in our role as Duty Holder

• Oversight of all technical security work in line with the requirements of the business mission

• Responsible for security support to the engineering design team, in the development of an inherently secure product and the product’s Integrated Security Solution, incorporating both its physical and cyber aspects

• Responsible for ensuring security requirements are understood within both the wider E3S team and the Engineering teams.

• Responsible for the security delivery within the Generic Design Assessment process

• Leadership and management of a security team that delivers corporate functional security, including all physical and personnel security arrangements

• Responsible for security input on customer bids and contracts

• Provision of internal security support and infrastructure upgrades to meet growing business requirements, both in the UK and abroad

• Defines, owns and co-ordinates the delivery of Security Training to Rolls‑Royce SMR Ltd permanent and contracted staff

• Be the point of contact for GDA and functional security related matters between Rolls‑Royce SMR Ltd and ONR

• Represent Rolls‑Royce SMR Ltd with external stakeholders including customers and suppliers

• Management and oversight of the technical aspects of contractor deliverables on security related tasks

• Support the Chief Information Security Officer in the development and implementation of enterprise Cyber Security across the business and our suppliers

• Delivery of GDA Security submissions in line with the agreed programme

• Delivery of security requirements as defined in customer contracts

• Protection of classified information and compliance with requirements as a NISR Reg. 22 Duty Holder.

What we’re looking for

• Degree in relevant subject or equivalent qualification or experience

• Experience in the nuclear or similar highly regulated industry is required

• Experienced people manager with strong interpersonal, influencing and communication skills

• Knowledge and understanding of UK and International traditional and non-traditional threats and risks

• Delivery and experience of undertaking complex vulnerability assessments to security critical assets and information

• Knowledge of the security controls associated for the protection of security critical assets and information

• Demonstration of the delivery of a pragmatic, risk based and cost saving security solutions that meets to current and evolving threats

• Understanding of all ONR publications including the Security Assessment Principles (SyAPs)

• Understanding of ONR List-N accreditation and Regulatory expectations for the protection of Sensitive Nuclear Information, commercially sensitive information and Intellectual Property

• Understanding of the control and management of the Government Security Classification Scheme.

• Understanding of the security requirements for classified IT networks and systems

Location & Ways of Working

This role can be based in Derby, Manchester or Warrington, with flexibility to work between home and the office depending on business needs. There may be some international travel required on an ad hoc basis.

What’s in It for You

A salary between £85,600 - £114,400, £8,500 benefit allowance, Up to 20% bonus opportunity plus 15% long term incentive cash plan, Pension: Standard Rolls‑Royce SMR pension 12%, 6x pensionable life assurance, 50% income protection, 28 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, and a £250 new‑joiner payment—alongside opportunities for development and progression.

Selection Process

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a competency‑based interview and may be asked to provide evidence of document management capability. This role requires BPSS checks as part of our onboarding process.

Inclusion & Accessibility

We’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. If you meet around 75% of the criteria, we’d still love to hear from you. We’re happy to discuss reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and offer flexible or part‑time working where possible.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is important to us, and as a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. But we'll let you in on a secret: there's no such thing as a 'perfect' candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you.

Also, if you are considering a career move or a sector-jump, please get in touch – we welcome applications from people with transferable skills.

Pay Range

Pay Range: £85,600.00 - £112,350.00

Why Join Us?

You’ll be joining a forward-thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation. We offer:

• A flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
• Opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business.
• A culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning.

Our Application Process

Due to the safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening. These are:

• Obtaining Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance
• Satisfactory completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Satisfactory completion of a basic financial probity check