Security Lead - Actuation Systems UK

Safran; Wolverhampton; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Safran in Wolverhampton is seeking a Security Lead for Actuation Systems UK. The role oversees Physical, Cyber, Governance, Risk & Compliance, and Supplier Security across UK operations, building and leading a high-performing security team.

You will drive security assurance, regulatory compliance and IS management programmes as CRP for EASA Part-IS. You will collaborate with HR, legal and executive leadership to embed a strong security culture, manage incidents, and ensure protective measures

Qualifications

• Experience managing multi-site security operations in a highly regulated industry.
• SC or above clearance eligibility.
• Proven leadership in security across physical, cyber, governance and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain physical security systems (access control, CCTV, perimeter protection).
• Lead security operations across locations including engineering, manufacturing, and offices.
• Develop and enforce personnel security policies (background checks, clearances, visitor management).
• Lead cyber security governance and information security program in line with strategic priorities.
• Ensure supplier security requirements flow down the supply chain.
• Manage security incidents and lead crisis response efforts.
• Ensure compliance with security standards (EASA Part-IS, GDPR, ISO 27001).

Skills

Security leadership

Regulatory compliance

Cyber security governance

Incident management

Stakeholder engagement

Board communication

Policy development

Risk assessment

Crisis management

Threat intelligence

Tools

CISSP

CISM

CRISC

CCSP

Job description

Security Lead - Actuation Systems UK

Location: Wolverhampton

Safran – Here, we craft excellence together.

At Safran, excellence is a journey – and we'd love you to be a part of it. As a trusted global leader in aerospace, defence, and space, we are proud to be a company where diversity, innovation, and opportunity come together to shape a sustainable future where we can all succeed together through a shared vision.

Our UK Actuation business brings together engineering excellence, advanced manufacturing capability and a proud heritage within the aerospace sector. Whether supporting major global programmes or developing the next generation of actuation technologies, our people are at the heart of everything we do.

Your Role

Reporting to the Safran Actuation Global CISO, the Security Lead will provide strategic leadership across Physical Security, Cyber Security, Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC), and Supplier Security. You will be responsible for building, developing and leading a high-performing security team, safeguarding the organisation's people, facilities and information assets across UK operations. The role leads security assurance, regulatory compliance and the Information Security Management Programme, while acting as the Common Responsible Person (CRP) for EASA Part-IS and driving a strong security culture across the business.

Key Responsibilities:

Physical Security

• Design, implement, and maintain physical security systems including access control, surveillance (CCTV), perimeter protection, and intrusion detection.
• Oversee security operations across operational locations, such as engineering and manufacturing and corporate offices.

Personnel Security

• Develop and enforce personnel security policies including background checks, security clearances, and visitor management.
• Collaborate with HR and legal teams to address insider threats, misconduct investigations, and employee terminations.

Cyber Security

• Implement and lead the cyber and information security governance framework that aligns with strategic priorities and objectives.
• Ensures the management of cybersecurity within the Actuation Systems Facilities (including Approved Organisations), supervises and sets the guidelines and actions aimed at protecting the Organisations Information Systems against cyber threats, responds to digital compliance risks and encourages a company-wide culture of cybersecurity.

Supply Chain Assurance

• Working in conjunction with the Supplier Management and Contracts teams, ensuring that contractual and regulatory security requirements are understood and flown down through the supply chain.

Incident Management & Crisis Response

• Is the escalation and leads response efforts for security incidents.

Security Governance Compliance & Reporting

• Ensures compliance with all applicable security standards (internal policies, regulations including EASA Part-IS and customer contractual clauses).

What You'll Bring:

• Experience managing multi-site security operations in a highly regulated industry.
• Ability to balance operational efficiency with rigorous security controls.
• Skilled in conflict resolution, investigations, and employee engagement.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence across departments.
• Experience with working with Board and Executive level management
• Ability to develop compelling and impactful business cases and presentations
• Ability to develop and deliver security strategies ideally in the environment of Aerospace and Defence.
• Ability to adapt to an ever-changing threat landscape and keep pace with latest thinking and new security technologies.
• Proven experience in physical and personnel security leadership, preferably in aerospace, defence, or high-tech manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of access control systems, surveillance technologies, and emergency response protocols.
• Proven experience in security leadership roles, with a background in law enforcement, military, corporate security, or intelligence operations.
• Strong knowledge of security principles, practices, and methodologies, including physical security, cybersecurity, risk management, and crisis management.
• Experience working within and securing O/T environments would be beneficial.
• Familiarity with relevant laws, regulations, standards, and frameworks governing security, privacy, data protection, and compliance (e.g., GDPR, ISO 27001).
• Familiarity with aviation and defence industries regulations and export control laws.

Physical Security

• Certifications such as CPP (Certified Protection Professional), PSP (Physical Security Professional), or equivalent.

Personnel Security

• Must hold or be eligible for SC or above clearance.

Cyber Security

• Experience with EASA Part-IS, AirCyber, Cyber Essentials, ISO 27001/2 (or BSI equivalent) standards desirable
• Experience with UK MOD and US Defence standards and certifications (DEFSTAN 05-138, DFARS 252.204-7012)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
• Cyber Incident Planning & Response (CIPR)
• CompTIA Security+, A+, Network +