Head Of Security

Copello; Swindon; On-site; GBP 72,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Copello is recruiting for a Head of Security (Cyber and Physical) to lead a growing Defence and Advanced Technology organisation in Bristol. You will define security strategy, own compliance with UK Defence requirements, and act as the trusted advisor to senior leadership and government stakeholders.

This senior role covers physical, information and cyber security, leading accreditations, audits and incident response, and shaping the security culture to enable growth while protecting people,

Qualifications

• Senior security experience within Defence, Aerospace, Government or related sector.
• Strong knowledge of defence security compliance and classified environments.
• Proven experience in risk management and incident response.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, growing organisation.
• The confidence to engage with executives, customers and government bodies.
• Military/intelligence/defence industry experience advantageous; R&D, manufacturing or flight/test operations beneficial.
• Professional security qualifications such as CPP, CSyP or CSMP desirable.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the organisation's security strategy and culture.
• Own compliance with UK Defence and Government security requirements, including MOD JSPs and NCSC guidance.
• Act as a trusted security advisor to senior leadership, customers and government stakeholders.
• Lead facility and programme accreditations, audits and inspections.
• Oversee personnel security, vetting, clearances and insider risk.
• Provide governance across physical, information and cyber security.
• Lead security incident response, investigations and business continuity.
• Identify and manage security risks across operations, programmes and the supply chain.
• Ensure appropriate security controls are embedded across suppliers, partners and contractors.

Skills

Senior security experience

Defence/Aerospace/Government sector

Security compliance

Incident response

Risk management

Executive engagement

Education

CPP/CSyP/CSMP desirable

Job description

Head of Security- Cyber and Physical-Bristol- up to £120,000 plus excellent benefits package

Lead security. Enable growth. Protect what matters.

Join a rapidly growing Defence and Advanced Technology organisation developing cutting-edge solutions across autonomous systems, AI, aerospace and security.

We're looking for a dynamic, energetic and experienced Head of Security / Senior Security Manager to build and lead a scalable security function, protecting people, assets, information and operations while enabling continued growth and delivery to government and defence customers.

The Role

You’ll:

• Define and lead the organisation's security strategy and culture.
• Own compliance with UK Defence and Government security requirements, including MOD JSPs and NCSC guidance.
• Act as a trusted security advisor to senior leadership, customers and government stakeholders.
• Lead facility and programme accreditations, audits and inspections.
• Oversee personnel security, vetting, clearances and insider risk.
• Provide governance across physical, information and cyber security.
• Lead security incident response, investigations and business continuity.
• Identify and manage security risks across operations, programmes and the supply chain.
• Ensure appropriate security controls are embedded across suppliers, partners and contractors.

About You

You’ll bring:

• Senior security experience within Defence, Aerospace, Government or a related sector.
• Strong knowledge of defence security compliance and classified environments.
• Proven experience in risk management and incident response.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, growing organisation.
• The confidence to engage with executives, customers and government bodies.

Military, intelligence, law enforcement or defence industry experience would be highly advantageous, as would experience across R&D, manufacturing or flight/test operations.

Professional security qualifications such as CPP, CSyP or CSMP are desirable.

Why Join?

• Senior leadership role with genuine influence- your chance to own a security function
• Shape the security function of a rapidly growing technology business.
• Work at the intersection of Defence, AI, aerospace and autonomous technology.
• Help protect technology and operations that have real-world impact.
• Competitive salary based on experience.