Security / Client Liaison Manager

Zaizi; Cheltenham; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded certifications (AWS, GCP,

£500 Personal Choice fund

Volunteering days

Job summary

Zaizi is expanding its secure government footprint and seeks a Security Controller to manage day-to-day security and List X compliance. You will oversee vetting, visitor control, and incident response while advising senior leadership on security implications for new contracts and office moves.

You will collaborate with IT and HR to align physical and cyber security measures, and you will support the bid team with security capability statements for tenders requiring facility clearances.

Qualifications

• British National citizenship required.
• Experience managing a secure facility in a List X or similar national security environment.
• Deep knowledge of SPF, Cabinet Office security controls, and List X requirements; active eDV vetting.
• Meticulous record-keeping of muster logs, visitor logs and classified document registers.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary liaison with secure government partners to expand Zaizi's National Security footprint.
• Oversee UKSV clearances lifecycle and staff/vetting processes; ensure compliance with SPF and OSA.
• Operate Security Controller duties; manage asset protection and audit readiness.
• Advise Board on security implications of contracts, moves, or ownership changes.
• Aid bid teams with security statements for tenders requiring facility clearances.

Skills

Security management

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder liaison

Risk assessment

Record-keeping

Education

BTEC Level 3 in Security Management

Job description

Zaizi is a software consultancy specialising in building bespoke digital solutions for central government and national security agencies. As part of developing our secure government footprint, we are increasing our focus on national security clients and establishing a secure facility to support our client work.

Key Responsibilities

Client Liaison

• Operate as the primary client liaison with secure government partners to develop Zaizi's footprint in the National Security space
• Raise awareness of Zaizi's secure digital services and capabilities within secure government organisations, identifying key stakeholders and business development opportunities
• Facilitate client contact across secure government sites and Zaizi corporate facilities
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with client security teams

Personnel Security (Vetting)

• Clearance Management: Oversee the lifecycle of United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) clearances and those of adjacent organisations for all staff and associates
• Aftercare & Training: Conduct initial security briefings for new hires and through-life aftercare
• Ensure all staff understand their personal responsibilities under the Official Secrets Act (OSA) and the Security Policy Framework
• Provide coaching and guidance on client security culture, conducting risk assessments and sharing security best practice within the company.
• Insider Risk: Monitor the Zaizi internal security posture, conducting risk assessments and maintaining close liaison with HR and line management.

Secure Facility Management & Compliance

• Mandatory Oversight: Operate as Security Controller responsible to the Board for all day-to-day security aspects
• Asset Protection: Manage the receipt, storage, distribution, and disposal of classified documents and assets in accordance with government standards
• Inspections & Audits: Prepare for and manage external audits to meet secure government accreditation requirements.
• Maintain the Security Risk Management and Company Security Instructions
• Visitor Control: Manage strict access control systems for the facility, including the vetting and escorting of visitors, contractors, and international guests in compliance with IVCO (International Visits Control Office) protocols

Strategic Security Liaison

• Government Interface: Serve as the primary point of contact for secure government security organisations
• Incident Response: Lead the investigation and reporting of any security breaches or incidents to the relevant Contracting Authority and the Industry Security Assurance Centre (ISAC)
• Advisory: Advise the Board and Senior Leadership Team on security implications of new contracts, office moves, or changes in company ownership/structure

Integrated Security Support

• Collaborate with the IT Manager (responsible for ISO 27001/Cyber Essentials Plus) to ensure physical and cyber security measures are aligned
• Demonstrate experience of segregated security environments
• Support the bid team by providing security capability statements for tenders requiring facility clearances

Requirements

Essential:

• Citizenship: Must be a British National
• Experience: Demonstrable experience of managing a secure facility and client relationship, within a UK Defence or National Security "List X" environment
• Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of the Security Policy Framework (SPF), Cabinet Office security controls, and List X requirements (specifically FSA/iv)Vetting: Active eDV is essential
• Detail Oriented: Meticulous record-keeping skills for musters, visitor logs, and classified document registers

Desirable:

• DISA / SyI membership or equivalent professional security qualifications (e.g., BTEC Level 3 in Security Management)
• Experience liaising with the International Visits Control Office (IVCO) for overseas visits and classified exchanges
• Experience establishing a new List X facility from scratch

You don't meet all the requirements? Studies show that women and black, Asian and minority ethics people are less likely to apply for a job unless they meet every qualification. So if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with the job description, we'd love you to still apply. You might just be the perfect person for this role, or another role here at Zaizi.

We actively welcome applications from people of colour, the LGBTQ+ community, individuals with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, parents, carers, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

If you need any accommodations to support your specific situation, please feel free to let us know. For candidates who are neurodiverse or have disabilities, we are happy to make any adjustments needed throughout the interview process - just ask!

Benefits

Compensation

• Competitive Pay: Salaries reviewed annually to ensure they reflect your performance and market value
• Loyalty Pension: We invest in your future. Starting at a 5% employer contribution, we increase this by 0.5% every year after your third anniversary, up to a maximum of 8%
• Protection: Comprehensive Group Life Assurance for peace of mind

Purpose & Culture

• Real Impact: Work on mission-critical projects that secure and improve the UK's digital infrastructure
• Autonomy: A culture that empowers you to make decisions, prototype rapidly, and iterate towards success
• Service & Community: We support those who serve. 10 paid days for Reservist Military Service

Work / Life Balance

• Time Off: 25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays, with the flexibility to Buy/Sell additional days to suit your lifestyle
• Giving back: 2 paid volunteering days per year

Development & Growth

• Master Your Craft: Fully funded professional certifications (AWS, GCP, Agile, etc.) supported by 5 days paid study leave
• Expand Your Horizons: An additional £500 annual "Personal Choice" fund to learn whatever inspires you - work-related or not
• Support: Access to 1-2-1 professional coaching and team training to accelerate your career

Health & Balance

• Premium Health: Vitality Private Medical Insurance (includes Apple Watch, gym discounts, and rewards)
• Flexibility: Genuine hybrid working with a WFH equipment allowance to perfect your home setup
• Wellbeing: Cycle to Work scheme and a commitment to sustainable, healthy working practices

For further information contact: [e-mail]

Nat Hinds: Head of Talent

Kayla Kirby: Talent Acquisition Specialist