Security Project Manager

Leonardo UK Ltd; Caddington; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Time to Recharge: up to 12 flexi-days

Pension scheme with up to 15% employer

Private healthcare and lifestyle perks

Job summary

Leonardo UK Ltd is seeking a Security Project Manager to oversee all security aspects for the FCA Portfolio Office, coordinating across Sectors. The role requires strong organisation, clear communication, and a solid understanding of defence security processes.

You will advise programmes, manage incidents, and ensure compliance with government regulations. The ideal candidate has experience with defence sectors or armed forces and can build partnerships across teams while maintaining strict

Qualifications

• Previous experience in defence industry or armed forces preferred.
• Experience with HMG classified material at various levels is desirable.
• Pro-active, dynamic with ability to build stakeholder relationships at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Own and maintain the portfolio security management framework across programmes.
• Lead personnel security activities including read-on, clearances and access eligibility.
• Provide security guidance ensuring compliance with policies and government regulations.
• Record and manage security incidents, identify root causes and drive improvements.
• Lead and facilitate Portfolio Security Forum with experts for best practice.
• Monitor risks and conduct audits to identify vulnerabilities and mitigations.
• Interface with customers, authorities and internal security functions; support inspections and security training.

Skills

Defence security processes

Stakeholder management

Strong communicator

Organisational skills

Education

Engineering or Science degree

Job description

Job Description:

Your Impact:

We have an exciting opportunity for a Security Project Manager within our Future Combat Air (FCA) team. This role covers all project security aspects for the Portfolio Office (FPO) across both Sectors and you will be the focal point for all security related matters, supporting multiple programme areas. We are looking for a well organised strong communicator to work in a highly collaborative environment with good knowledge of defence security processes.

• Own and maintain the portfolio security management framework, ensuring security requirements are effectively implemented across all programmes and projects.
• Lead and coordinate personnel security activities, including the read-on process, verification of security clearances, nationality restrictions and access eligibility requirements.
• Provide security advice and guidance to programme teams, ensuring compliance with organisational policies, customer requirements and relevant government regulations.
• Record, investigate and manage security incidents and breaches, identifying root causes, implementing corrective actions and promoting continuous improvement.
• Understand and lead the implementation of evolving contractual security compliance guidance
• Lead and Facilitate the Portfolio Security Forum working with subject matter experts to ensure best practice
• Monitor security risks and compliance across the portfolio, conducting assessments, audits and reviews to identify vulnerabilities and ensure appropriate mitigation measures are in place.
• Act as the primary interface with customers, government authorities and internal security functions, supporting inspections, assurance activities and the successful delivery of contractual security obligations. Deliver security awareness and training activities to promote a strong security culture across the portfolio.
• Maintain security records, reporting and performance metrics, providing visibility of compliance status, risks and emerging issues to programme leadership.
• Support business growth activities by ensuring security considerations are incorporated into new bids, partnerships and programme mobilisation activities.

What You'll Bring:

• • Previous experience in defence industry or armed forces preferred
  • Experience working with HMG classified material at a range of levels
  • Strong understanding of defence security processes
  • Degree qualified in a technical field (e.g. engineering, science) or equivalent practical experience is desirable, however if you do not have a degree but you have relevant experience, we are interested in hearing from you
  • Pro-active, dynamic individual who can work collaboratively and is able to recognise, develop and maintain strong stakeholder relationships at all levels of the business
  • Great organisational skills and strong communicator with the ability to self-manage

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit Security and Vetting | Leonardo UK

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Primary Location:

GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300

Additional Locations:

GB - Lincoln

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hybrid Working:

Hybrid