Security Controller (Defence)

Rolls-Royce plc; West of England; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Rolls-Royce plc in Bristol is seeking an experienced Defence Security Controller (Management Level C) to lead security controls for UK defence programmes and ensure protection of classified information. The role reports to the Defence Head of Security & resilience and collaborates with security authorities to maintain accreditation and compliance.

You will develop and implement security instructions, RMADS, and staff training while maintaining DV/SC readiness and responding to threats and

Qualifications

• Proven senior experience in defence or government security.
• In-depth knowledge of UK defence security policy and JSP 440.
• Experience with STaMP and UK MOD compliance.
• Experience overseeing classified environments (physical, personnel, information, technical).
• Ability to engage credibility with government security authorities and senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Interpret, implement and monitor security controls for government classified assets.
• Coordinate with DSO, security officials and Contracting Authority.
• Prepare and implement Company Security Instructions and RMADS.
• Provide security advice to management and staff.
• Ensure breaches are reported and investigated; maintain breaches register.
• Oversee security governance for defence programmes and vetting processes.

Skills

Security governance

Risk assessment

Leadership

DV/SC clearance

Education

Security risk management qualifications

Job description

Job Description Defence Security Controller Bristol Management level C

Why join Rolls-Royce? At Rolls-Royce we are proud to be a business that has truly helped to shape the modern world and are committed to always being a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere.

By joining Rolls-Royce, you'll have the opportunity to work on world-class solutions, supported by a culture that believes individuality is our greatest strength, and all perspectives, experiences and backgrounds help us innovate and enable our high-performance culture.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Security Controller to join our Defence business in Bristol.

The Defence Security Controller reports directly to the Defence Head of Security & resilience (EMEA) and is the primary security point of contact in providing fundamental security support, advice and assurance to the UK Defence programmes, to ensure full security assurance of the protection of classified information processed within UK Defence Sector, partners with the Personnel Security Lead around the processing, recording and maintenance of security clearances, including aftercare, in accordance with UK Vetting policy.

The successful candidate will lead in protecting the companies defence license to operate as well as enabling the business to move fast and win programmes.

The appointed candidate brings confidence, credibility and control:

• Confidence for customers and government
• Credibility at the most sensitive interfaces
• Control over risks that could otherwise end programmes

What you will be doing:

The Security Controller is specifically responsible for interpreting, implementing and monitoring security controls for the appropriate protection of government classified assets held on the contractor's site, by:

• liaising within the company, and between the company and the DSO or security officials of the relevant Contracting Authority.
• advising management on the interpretation and implementation of contractual and, where appropriate, legislative security controls.
• preparing and implementing the Company Security Instructions, the Risk Management and Accreditation Document Set (RMADS) and making sure that they are made available to, and understood by all appropriate employees, updating them as necessary.
• being readily available for consultation and giving security advice to the contractor's management and employees.
• co‑ordinating the planning of appropriate security controls for a new contract or for the alteration of buildings where classified assets are to be handled, stored or produced.
• arranging for appropriate security education and awareness training, particularly for new, young or inexperienced employees, to ensure that they understand the scale, nature of the threats and protective security controls required.
• ensuring that any breach of security is reported immediately to the respective Contracting Authority and, if appropriate the regional police and that the circumstances are fully investigated, the outcome is recorded in the company breaches register and a full report and impact analysis is passed to the Contracting Authority.
• ensuring that any security incident involving government classified information is reported to the contracting Authority.
• Security incidents involving MOD owned, processed or generated information is to be immediately reported to the MOD Defence Industry Warning, Advice and Reporting Point (WARP) in the Joint Security Co‑ordination Centre (JSyCC) oversee and assure the protection, operation, and compliance of all classified areas, ensuring alignment with UK Government, MOD, and allied security regulations, maintain the integrity of personnel, physical, information, and technical security controls.

Position qualifications:

Proven senior experience in defence, government, or defence‑industry security, with demonstrable responsibility for the protection of classified information, assets, and facilities.

In depth knowledge of UK defence security policy and frameworks, including JSP 440, Government Security Classifications, and associated assurance regimes.

In‑depth experience with STaMP and UK MOD compliance.

Experience overseeing classified environments, including physical, personnel, information, and technical security controls.

Demonstrated ability to engage credibility with government security authorities, including the UK ministry of Defence, Defence Security Function, and allied partners.

Strong risk assessment and assurance capability, including threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments and audit readiness.

Eligible for, or holding UK developed Vetting (DV) and able to maintain clearance throughout employment.

Experience providing security education and governance to senior leadership.

Proven leadership of security professionals and / or cross functional teams.

Desirable Previous appointment as a Defence Security Controller, Security Controller, or equivalent senior security role.

Experience working on multinational or export‑controlled defence programmes.

Formal security risk management qualifications.

High level personnel integrity, discretion, and sound judgement.

Calm, authoritative decision‑making under pressure.

This role will require you to hold a Developed Vetting (DV). To start, you will require a minimum Security Check (SC) clearance without any caveats to that clearance. Rolls‑Royce will support the application for Security Clearance if you don’t currently already have this in place. Due to the nature of work the business conducts and the protection of certain assets, you must hold a UK nationality. Any dual nationals will require additional scrutiny and background checks prior to commencing work. Please be aware that the priority will be given to employees identified as being at high risk. The professional level and the salary of the position will be dependent on the skills and experience of the successful candidate. It is advised that you inform your current manager of your application for this role.

The Defence Security Controller acts as the single point of accountability for defence security governance, providing assurance to the business, defence leadership team, government customers, and regulators that classified assets, information, and environments are protected to the highest standards. Our vision is to ensure that the excellence and ingenuity that shaped our history continues into our future. Our multi‑year transformation programme aims to turn Rolls‑Royce into a high‑performing, competitive, resilient and growing company.

Join us, and it can be your future vision too. Rolls‑Royce are committed to being a respectful, inclusive, and non‑discriminatory workplace where individuality is valued, diverse perspectives fuel innovation, and everyone can thrive.

Grade: Management Level C

For further information please contact: Lizzie Moore - [e-mail]

Job Category Security and Resilience Posting Date 11 Aug 2026; 00:08 Posting End Date 05 Sept 2026

Rolls‑Royce pioneers cutting‑edge technologies that deliver the cleanest, safest and most competitive solutions to our planet’s vital power needs.