Security Project Manager - Defence - Perm

Sanderson Government & Defence; Farnborough; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence consultancy in Farnborough is seeking a skilled Security Project Manager to oversee security governance within critical ERP programmes. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in security governance and a solid understanding of MOD frameworks. This role offers a competitive salary ranging from £60,000 to £75,000, with hybrid working options available.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in security governance within MOD or UK Government programmes.
• Strong understanding of Secure by Design and Defence Digital frameworks.
• Familiarity with JSP 440 and JSP 604.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain governance aligned with Secure by Design principles.
• Embed security governance into acquisition programme milestones.
• Act as the governance interface between DE&S, Defence Digital, and industry partners.

Skills

Security governance

Stakeholder engagement

Delivery assurance

Compliance

Risk management

Education

CISSP or CISM certification

PRINCE2 or AgilePM qualification

Job description

Overview

Security Project Manager - Defence - Permanent

This role requires active SC or DV clearance/eligibility to attain DV

• Location: Farnborough
• Type: Hybrid
• Salary: £60,000 - £75,000 + Benefits
• Clearance: Must be eligible for DV Clearance (Sole British National)

An exciting opportunity has emerged with an SME supplying into the Defence sectors. They have broad technical solutions that span Cyber Security, Software Development and Infrastructure.

They are looking for a proactive and experienced Security Project Manager to lead governance activities within a critical Secure by Design ERP programme supporting MOD capability delivery. This role ensures that security is embedded throughout the acquisition lifecycle, enabling secure, resilient systems that meet Defence operational needs.

You will be responsible for coordinating governance across delivery teams, Defence Digital stakeholders, and suppliers, ensuring compliance with MOD security standards and assurance frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

• Governance Leadership: Develop and maintain programme-level governance aligned with Secure by Design principles and MOD policy.
• Delivery Assurance: Embed security governance into acquisition programme milestones, ensuring traceability and accountability across all phases.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Act as the governance interface between DE&S, Defence Digital, NCSC, and industry partners.
• Risk & Compliance Oversight: Lead the identification, assessment, and mitigation of security risks across delivery workstreams.
• Policy Integration: Ensure alignment with JSP 440, JSP 604, and relevant Defence Digital and NCSC guidance.
• Reporting & Assurance: Produce governance artefacts, assurance reports, and dashboards for senior stakeholders and programme boards.
• Audit & Accreditation Support: Facilitate security accreditation processes and support internal/external audits.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in security governance within MOD or UK Government programmes.
• Strong understanding of Secure by Design, Defence Digital frameworks, and MOD acquisition processes.
• Familiarity with JSP 440, JSP 604, and MOD assurance and accreditation standards.
• Experience managing security risk, compliance, and delivery assurance in complex programmes.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, including cross-functional coordination.

Desirable Qualifications

• CISSP, CISM, or equivalent security certification.
• PRINCE2, APM PMQ, or AgilePM project management qualification.
• Experience working with Defence Digital, DE&S delivery teams.
• Understanding of Cyber Resilience, Zero Trust, and Security Architecture principles.

If you're interested in the above - apply or reach out to [e-mail]

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

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