Overview
Full‑time permanent opportunity based on site at the Science Campus in South Mimms, Hertfordshire. This role can only be performed in the UK.
Division and Departments
Infrastructure and Laboratory Services (ILS) is part of the Corporate Group and delivers a safe working environment for staff in specialist scientific facilities. The Division has three departments:
- Facilities & Laboratory Services – day to day running & support of sites, laboratories and other specialised facilities, security, catering, cleaning, waste and 10SC liaison for 10th Floor
- 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 – Capital programme including building alterations, lab refurbs, acquisition, installation and commissioning of new plant, equipment and digital IT and special programmes
Responsibilities
- The post holder is responsible for managing the Security Team covering physical security at all Agency sites; ensuring effective delivery of Site Physical Security, secure CAD drawings, cleaning and catering services, contract management of a large number of suppliers, planned preventive maintenance (PPM), calibration and repair of a variety of security and other equipment to support the Agency and in particular the South Mimms site, which comprises state‑of‑the‑art facilities and infrastructure specialised to deliver MHRA’s statutory functions, including high containment and clean room facilities.
- Responsible for the provision of physical security across the sites, secure access to Agency sites and assets, a secure CAD drawing service, security clearances, cleaning and catering services including contract management of the various physical security contracts.
- Accountable for undertaking risk and threat assessments and operational requirements, implementing and maintaining suitable barriers and controls to protect Agency staff and assets. Regular testing should be carried out to assure that the systems and controls are working and if required action taken to improve them.
- Accountable for the planned preventive maintenance program for specialised security equipment and systems across the South Mimms Site, ensuring all security systems and equipment are maintained, fit for use.
- Investigate, analyse and resolve faults, incidents and breaches on specialist security plant, equipment and systems as they occur and on a priority basis, such that the SMS continues to function safely and securely and senior management are aware as required.
Qualifications and Experience
- In depth understanding of physical security protocols, procedures and operational requirements, conducting risk assessments and site vulnerability analyses, emergency response and incident investigations.
- Proficient in the use and maintenance of security equipment and technology (CCTV, access control, intruder).
- Well documented experience involving an understanding of physical security requirements, including LPS1175 Security Rated products.
- Experience working with the Police or Counter Terrorism Advisors.
- Relevant technical background or knowledge, to include a degree or equivalent in criminal justice, security management, business administration or similar.
- Other certifications such as CPP (certified protection professional), PSP (physical security professional) or CPO (certified protection officer) would be an advantage.
- Relevant staff management and contract management background or knowledge.
- Role‑model commitment and satisfaction with role, recognising and praising achievements of others, managing conflict, misconduct and non‑inclusive behaviour, and raising issues with senior managers where appropriate.
- Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and basic personnel security standard checks.
Nationality and Immigration
Applicants must be UK nationals, nationals of the Republic of Ireland, nationals of Commonwealth countries with the right to work in the UK, nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein with settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS), or individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain eligible for EUSS. Turkish nationals and certain family members of Turkish nationals with accrued right to work in the Civil Service are also eligible.
Health and Vaccination Requirements
Certain roles within the MHRA require the post holder to have vaccinations and, in some circumstances, routine health surveillance. These roles include laboratory‑based roles working directly with known pathogens, maintenance roles in laboratory settings, roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required and roles requiring travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required.
Application Process
Online application form – completed responses are mandatory; CV blind format. Interview(s) will include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles. Shortlisting will be from 19 January 2026. Interviews on 02 February 2026. Successful candidates will be contacted within a week of the sift and the interviews completed.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition and run a Disability Confident Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. For further information see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
Benefits
- Annual leave: 25 days on entry, rising by one day for each completed year to a maximum of 30 days and pro‑rata for part‑time staff. PLUS 8 bank holidays.
- Privilege leave: 1 day.
- Hours of work: 37 hours (net) per week for full‑time staff.
- Occupational Sick Pay: One month full pay/one month half pay on entry, rising by one month for each completed year to a maximum of five months full pay / five months half pay.
- Mobility clause in contracts allowing staff to be mobile across the Civil Service.
- Participation in the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme (13,372 £ contribution).
- Flexible working to ensure staff maintain a healthy work‑life balance.
- Interest free season ticket loan or bike loan.
- Employee Assistance Services and access to the Civil Service Benevolent Fund.
- Eligibility to join the Civil Service Motoring Association (CSMA).
- Variety of staff and Civil Service clubs.
- Ongoing learning and development.