Physical Security Advisor

UK Health Security Agency; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 56,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

A public health organization is seeking a Physical Security Advisor to lead the security workstream for the UK Health Security Campus Programme. The role involves managing security risks, collaborating with various stakeholders, and embedding security design principles. Ideal candidates will have a relevant degree and significant experience in security and risk management within high-risk environments. This hybrid role is based in London, offering a competitive salary and attractive benefits.

Benefits

Defined Benefit pension scheme

Cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme

Flexible working patterns

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level in security and risk management or related field.
• Experience managing contracts and supplier relationships.
• Proven ability to define requirements for security controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead the security workstream for the UK Health Security Campus Programme.
• Provide assurance that security risks are identified and mitigated.
• Collaborate to transform the security operating model.

Skills

Security and risk management

Cyber security

Physical security

Personnel security

Technology knowledge

Education

Degree in security and risk management or equivalent experience

Job description

We are looking for a Physical Security Advisor to help shape the direction of the estate for the future. The UK Health Security Campus Programme aims to deliver modern, fit‑for‑purpose science facilities, creating a hub for advanced health security capabilities across the UK.

Job Overview

The programme has a small civil service core team and partnerships to deliver high‑value, complex capital projects. It leads, directs, manages and controls day‑to‑day work for the new National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, replacing existing facilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the security workstream for the UK Health Security Campus Programme and embed security design principles.
• Collaborate with UKHSA and others to transform the security operating model for the programme and Harlow campus.
• Provide assurance to the Programme Director that security risks are identified, managed and mitigated.
• Embed standard industry security principles across all programme aspects, from information assurance to construction security.
• Work with APHA, National Technical Authorities, Counter Terrorism Security Advisor and suppliers to develop high‑level physical and cyber security designs.
• Assure supplier delivery against contractual schedules and security management plans.
• Develop a transition roadmap with corporate services, using short‑term security controls to mitigate risk.
• Drive a strong security culture across infrastructure, digital, and business services.
• Develop, maintain and report on the programme's Security Management System.
• Report security risks and updates to programmes and UKHSA Boards.
• Embed industry good practice security principles across the programme and UKHSA.
• Understand business and information risk context for physical, personnel and cyber threats.
• Model Civil Service values and develop the team's professional capability.
• Lead continuous improvement of Threat Vulnerability Risk Analysis and Operating Requirements with UKHSA stakeholders.
• Provide operational management, continuous improvement and direction for the programme security function.
• Lead and guide the security team, building capacity and capability, and contribute to the Senior Leadership Team.

Application Process

• Complete an application form ('Employer / Activity history' section) and submit a 1200‑word supporting statement.
• Longlisting will be based on:
  • Meets all essential criteria
  • Meets some essential criteria
  • Meets no essential criteria
• Shortlisting criteria:
  • Demonstrable experience in security and risk management, cyber security, physical security, personnel security, or technology fields.
• Interview stage: remote interview with behavioural and technical assessment and a 5‑10 minute presentation.
• Behaviours assessed: Leadership, Working Together, Changing & Improving, Delivering at Pace.
• Artificial Intelligence may be used to support the application; all statements must be truthful and original.

Eligibility & Nationality

• UK nationals
• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries with the right to work in the UK
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, and family members with settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (or those who have made a valid application for that status)
• Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Qualifications & Experience

• Educated to degree level in security and risk management or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrable experience in security and risk management, cyber security, physical security, personnel security, or technology.
• Experience working in the Civil Service or a large corporate environment within a high‑risk industry.
• Experience managing contracts and supplier relationships.
• Experience in security, compliance, business continuity or incident management roles.
• Proven ability to define requirements and high‑level design criteria for physical or cyber security controls.
• Ability to anticipate future risks and strategically plan mitigation.
• Ability to work across organisational boundaries and collaborate with stakeholders.
• Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Security Clearance

• Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) is minimum; willingness to work toward Security Check (SC) clearance.
• Applicants should normally have been resident in the UK for the last 5 years to obtain SC clearance.
• Short‑term or long‑term International Police Checks may be required for those who have spent more than 6 months abroad in the last 3 years.
• The role may require redeployment in emergencies as required by the Civil Contingencies Act.

Location & Working Arrangements

This role is offered on a hybrid basis based at any of our core HQs in Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool or London (Canary Wharf). You are expected to spend a minimum of 60 % of working hours in one core HQ.

Pay & Benefits

• Grade 7: £56,185‑£66,581 (National); £58,340‑£68,574 (Outer London); £60,494‑£70,566 (Inner London). Includes public holidays and one privilege day for the King's birthday.
• Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions.
• Cycle‑to‑work salary sacrifice scheme, season ticket advances and payroll giving.
• Access to a retail discounts and cashback site.
• Flexible working patterns (part‑time, job‑share, condensed hours) and generous maternity/paternity/adoption leave package.

Equality & Diversity

Everyone Matters and actively encourages applications from all, including under‑represented groups. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. All applications are assessed on merit.

Late applications will unfortunately not be considered.