Security Adviser

National Physical Laboratory (NPL); Teddington; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) seeks a Security Advisor to bolster physical and procedural security within the Time & Frequency department. You will conduct risk assessments, support policy development, and ensure compliance with UK standards and security controls.

You will collaborate with internal teams, contribute to security training, and help develop strategic plans to counter evolving threats affecting national timing infrastructure. SC clearance is required for this role.

Qualifications

• Experience with GSCP and protective security measures.
• Familiarity with GovS standards is a plus.
• Ability to draft security reports for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Assist in security risk assessments and audits.
• Support development and maintenance of security policies and standards.
• Contribute to security training and awareness campaigns.
• Support supplier security documentation reviews and third-party risk management.
• Advise across the organisation on security requirements and processes.

Skills

Physical security

Risk management

Security audits

Security policy

Education

Security-related qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our world-leading Time & Frequency department seek a Security Advisor.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join the global authority in precision timing at a defining moment for UK digital infrastructure.

Backed by a government investment of £180 million in the National Timing Centre (NTC) programme, we are developing a world-first resilient time distribution capability that will provide industry with a robust complement to satellite systems (such as GPS) – which are increasingly vulnerable to disruption from solar storms, jamming and spoofing.

This will underpin essential services, including:

• Telecommunications,
• Online banking,
• Emergency response,
• Transport networks,
• Wider digital and data-driven operations.

Together, these services form the backbone of modern society – and your leadership will help ensure they remain secure, reliable and robust even if global navigation satellite systems fail.

Key responsibilities

• Assist in conducting (or conduct in solitude) security risk assessments, protective security audits, and physical security requirements.
• Support the development and maintenance of security policies, procedures and standards.
• Conduct or support security investigations; including root cause analysis, where required.
• Assist in developing security screening and vetting processes in line with UK legislative requirements.
• Contribute to security awareness training and internal communications campaigns.
• Support third party risk management and the assured supply chain by assisting in reviewing supplier security documentation.
• Provide pragmatic and appropriate guidance across the Organisation on security requirements, procedures, processes, and legislation.
• Assist in effecting a security culture change, utilising clear and robust security policies and processes to ensure NPL clearly manages all security aspects.
• Assist in developing strategic plans to address any gaps in security performance considering new threats and developing capabilities for new technologies.
• Stay informed on emerging security threats and trends to support proactive defence strategies.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have the following skills, experience, and qualifications:

Essential

• Substantial experience in physical and procedural security (or related discipline); such as risk management, protective security, technical or process management with a willingness to develop into a security role.
• Previous experience in working with the Government Security Classification Policy (GSCP) and implementation of control measures commensurate with classification.
• Previous experience of implementing the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) principles of protective security.

Desirable

• National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) Foundation Course qualification.
• Knowledge of security requirements and experience with Government Functional Standard GovS:007 Security.
• Experience working in a regulated environment (such as utilities, Government department, national infrastructure, etc.)
• An understanding of the cyber threat landscape and the interplay between cyber and physical security controls.
• The ability to communicate clearly and concisely, translating technical security issues into business terms. This includes the drafting of reports for wide ranging audiences.
• Membership of professional security bodies (such as The Security Institute (SyI) or Association of Security Consultants (ASC)).

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance. However, to work in this role, you will need to have an SC clearance with no restrictions, or you must have the ability to obtain an SC clearance.

About Us

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. Find out more about what it is like working here - The measure of us - Overview

NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on our Diversity & Inclusion page.

We are committed to the health and well‑being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work‑life balance, along with a broad range of rewards, benefits and recognition. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success.

To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process.