Security Project Manager

Leonardo S.p.A.; Luton; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Private healthcare

Bonus scheme

Flexible benefits up to £500

Job summary

Leonardo is seeking a Security Project Manager to oversee security across the Future Combat Air (FCA) Portfolio Office, coordinating multi-programme security requirements and acting as the primary security advisor to programme teams.

The role requires knowledge of defence security processes, experience with classified material, and strong stakeholder engagement. This is a hybrid UK role with potential for security clearances.

Qualifications

• Experience in defence industry or armed forces preferred.
• Experience working with HM Government classified material at a range of levels.
• Strong understanding of defence security processes.
• Pro-active, dynamic and able to manage stakeholder relationships at all levels.
• Organised and excellent at self-management.

Responsibilities

• Own and maintain the portfolio security management framework across programmes.
• Lead and coordinate personnel security activities and clearances.
• Provide security advice and guidance to programme teams and ensure policy compliance.
• Record, investigate and manage security incidents and breaches and drive improvements.
• Monitor security risks, conduct assessments and audits and mitigate vulnerabilities.
• Interface with customers, government authorities and internal security functions.
• Deliver security awareness and training to promote a strong security culture.
• Maintain security records, reporting and performance metrics for leadership.

Skills

Defence industry

Security processes

Stakeholder management

Strong communicator

Self-management

Education

Engineering/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: 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

Primary Location

GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300

Additional Locations

GB - Lincoln

Contract & Working Preferences

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid International, multicultural, innovative, technological: this is Leonardo. The company’s passionate and talented team is strongly influenced by STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) expertise, with a diverse range of experience that enables colleagues to share knowledge and know‑how across the generations. Leonardo always wants to expand its talent pool, here you can find the right opportunity for you!