Security Manager

MHRA; England; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A health regulatory agency in the UK is seeking a Security Manager to oversee physical security across sites. The role requires in-depth knowledge of security protocols, staff management, and contract oversight. Ideally, candidates should have a relevant degree and experience with CCTV and access control systems. This full-time position is based onsite in South Mimms, offering a competitive environment for improving security and risk management practices.

Qualifications

• Depth understanding of physical security protocols and operational requirements.
• Experienced in staff and contract management.
• Relevant technical background with certifications like CPP or PSP.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Security Team and oversee physical security across sites.
• Conduct risk and threat assessments and implement security measures.
• Maintain preventative maintenance for security equipment.

Skills

Understanding of physical security protocols

Experience with CCTV systems

Knowledge of risk assessments

Staff management experience

Education

Degree in criminal justice or security management

Tools

CCTV

Access control systems

Job description

We are currently looking for a Security Manager to join our Infrastructure and Laboratory Services within the Corporate group.

This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be based onsite at our Science Campus in South Mimms, Hertfordshire, and can only be worked in the UK.

Who are we?

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) enhances and improves the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research.

Infrastructure and Laboratory Services (ILS) are part of the Corporate Group and provide engineering and specialist staff to deliver a safe working environment for staff, particularly in specialist scientific facilities. ILS supports the Agency work through funded programmes that maintain infrastructure, facilities and equipment, invest in unique scientific facilities, and centralise support to deliver efficiencies, savings and value for money. The Division has three departments:

• Facilities & Laboratory Services – day-to-day running and support of sites, laboratories and other specialised facilities, security, catering, cleaning, waste and 10SC liaison
• Engineering – management of engineeringly complex buildings and infrastructure, adhering to critical health and safety requirements and responding to alarms 24/7
• Specialist Project & Programme Management – of the Capital programme, providing project management/engineering for building alterations, lab refurbs (including high containment), acquisition, installation and commissioning of new plant, equipment and digital IT and special programmes

What’s the role?

The post holder is responsible for managing the Security Team covering physical security at all Agency sites; ensuring delivery of site physical security, secure CAD drawings, cleaning and catering services, and contract management of suppliers. The role includes preventative maintenance, calibration and repair of security equipment, and specialised support for the South Mimms site, which hosts state-of-the-art high containment and clean‑room facilities.

Key responsibilities

• Provide physical security across sites, secure access, CAD drawing service, security clearances, cleaning and catering, and manage security contracts. Oversee Security Team staff and formal management tasks.
• Conduct risk and threat assessments, implement and maintain barriers and controls, test systems, and take corrective action to improve security.
• Maintain the preventative maintenance programme for specialised security equipment across South Mimms. Manage contracts for CCTV, access control, intruder systems and other core systems to ensure 24/7 operation.
• Investigate, analyse and resolve faults, incidents and breaches on security plant and equipment, prioritising safe and secure operation of the SMS, and keep senior management informed.

Who are we looking for?

Oursuccessful candidate will have:

• Depth understanding of physical security protocols, procedures and operational requirements, risk assessments, site vulnerability analyses, emergency response and incident investigations. Proficient in the use and maintenance of CCTV, access control, intruder systems, likely from a secure laboratory or similar environment.
• Well documented experience with physical security requirements, including LPS1175 Security Rated products, and experience working with Police or Counter Terrorism Advisors.
• Relevant technical background (degree or equivalent in criminal justice, security management, business administration or similar) or equivalent experience. Additional certifications such as CPP, PSP or CPO are an advantage.
• Experience in staff management and contract management.
• Commitment to role modelling, recognising achievements, managing conflict, misconduct and non‑inclusive behaviour, and raising issues with senior managers as appropriate.

Person Specification

Method of assessment: A = Application, I = Interview

Behaviour Criteria

• Seeing the Big Picture (I)
• Leadership (I)
• Making Effective Decisions (I)

Experience Criteria

• In‑depth understanding of physical security protocols, procedures and operational requirements, risk assessments, site vulnerability analyses and incident investigations, plus experience in staff and contract management, and working with Police or Counter Terrorism Advisors (A, I).
• Experience with LPS1175 Security Rated products and staff/contract management (A, I).

Technical Criteria

• Relevant technical background or equivalent experience, plus certifications such as CPP, PSP or CPO (A).
• Experience in staff and contract management (A).

Strengths Criteria

• Analytical (I)
• Responsible (I)
• Team Leader (I)

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification!

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The selection process

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates.

• Online application form, including questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV‑blind, and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application.
• Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.

In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of in‑depth understanding of physical security protocols, procedures and operational requirements, risk assessments, site vulnerability analyses, and emergency response.

Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the competency‑based answers provided. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description.

Use of AI in Job Applications

Applicants must ensure that anything submitted is factually accurate and truthful. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own.

If you require any disability‑related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact [e-mail] as soon as possible.

Closing date: 16 January 2026

Shortlisting date: From 19 January 2026

Interview date: 02 February 2026

Candidates will be contacted within a week of the sift and the interviews completed to inform them of the outcome.

If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact [e-mail]

Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here.

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro‑life activism checks. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.

Certain roles within the MHRA require vaccination and routine health surveillance, including laboratory‑based roles, maintenance roles in laboratory settings, roles that involve visiting establishments where vaccination is required, and roles that involve overseas travel where specific vaccination may be required.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre‑employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. Appropriate employment decisions will be made based on the results.

Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax‑Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here.

Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews depending on role requirements. If you have any queries, please contact [e-mail].

In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles, our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should first contact Florentina Oyelami, Head of Talent Acquisition at [e-mail]. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk. For further inquiries, contact [e-mail].

Civil Service Commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ.