Security Lead - Actuation Systems UK

Safran

Wolverhampton

On-site

GBP 120,000 - 160,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonus and pay review

Private medical insurance

Comprehensive health cash plan

Flexible working options

Pension (10% employer contrib)

Job summary

Safran in the UK Actuation division seeks a Security Lead to provide strategic leadership across Physical Security, Cyber Security, GRC, and Supplier Security. You will build and lead a high-performing security team protecting people, facilities and information assets across UK operations.

The role oversees security assurance, regulatory compliance including EASA Part-IS, and drives a strong security culture.

Qualifications

Must have leadership experience managing multi-site security operations.
Ability to balance operational efficiency with stringent security controls.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence across departments.
Experience presenting to Board/Executive level management.
Proven ability to develop security strategies in aerospace/defense contexts.
Knowledge of GDPR, ISO 27001, and related security frameworks.

Responsibilities

Design, implement and oversee physical security systems across sites (access control, CCTV, perimeter protection).
Develop and enforce personnel security policies including background checks and visitor management.
Lead cyber and information security governance aligned with strategic priorities.
Ensure supply chain security requirements are understood and implemented downstream.
Oversee incident management and crisis response; lead escalation and remediation efforts.
Ensure governance, compliance and reporting with internal policies and external regulations (EASA Part-IS, customer clauses).

Skills

Security leadership

Cyber governance

Incident management

Physical security

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder engagement

Risk management

Board interaction

Crisis response

Education

CPP (Certified Protection Professional)

PSP (Physical Security Professional)

SC clearance or above

CISSP

CISM

CRISC

CCSP

Job description

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

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).

Qualifications & Experience

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.
Certifications such as CPP (Certified Protection Professional), PSP (Physical Security Professional), or equivalent.
Must hold or be eligible for SC or above clearance.
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 Position location

Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets. Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's ""World's Best Companies 2025"" ranking. Safran Electronics & Defense is an international company with more than 19,000 employees who bring together expertise and team spirit to design high-technology solutions for the aerospace, defense and space sectors. By combining human and technological intelligence, the company develops products and services for both civil and military customers, operating on land, at sea, in the air and in space., 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.

Why Safran?

A global presence: Be part of a global aerospace, defence & space business with over 100,000 Colleagues, across 300 sites in 30 countries.
Inclusive & empowering environment: We celebrate our differences and believe they make us stronger. We know that a fulfilling work environment is a key driver for innovative ideas and team success.
Innovation at the core: Join our mission to decarbonise aerospace and make the world a safer place. Your ambitions can take us further.
Mobility & training opportunities: We can support your ambitions with training, development, a personalised career plan and mobility opportunities. If you have big dreams, we'll support you to make them a reality.
A culture of excellence: Join a team that values collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement. Whatever your background, together we aim for excellence.

Looking after the people who make Safran great is our priority. We offer a range of flexible benefits designed to support you-both in and out of work, including: