Senior UK Security Leader for Defence Tech

Shield AI; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 101,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Total rewards package

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a Senior Manager, UK Security to establish and lead the UK industrial security capability for defence programmes. You will oversee FSC/IPSA readiness, governance, and liaison with MoD authorities while aligning with Shield AI's global framework.

In this role, you will build and run UK security operations, policies, and risk management, ensuring compliance, security controls, and incident response. UK work authorization is required.

Qualifications

• Eight+ years in industrial, government, defence security leadership.
• Experience as UK Facility Security Controller or equivalent senior role.
• Practical FSC/IPSA readiness and government inspection experience.
• Strong knowledge of UK policy framework and MoD security requirements.
• Legal authorization to work in the United Kingdom.

Responsibilities

• Establish and manage Shield AI's UK security programme across personnel, physical, information, cyber, and operations.
• Lead FSC and IPSA readiness, including gap assessments, evidence, corrective actions, and continuing assurance.
• Interface with MoD contracting authorities, ISAC, UKSV, customers, and prime contractors.
• Administer the authorised national security vetting process through NSVS, including role validation and transfers.
• Identify positions requiring BPSS, SC, DV, or other directed vetting based on contracts.
• Advise on Security Aspects Letters, classifications, costs, schedules, and risks.
• Develop UK company security policies, risk assessments, appointment letters, and inspection-ready records.
• Lead secure-facility and classified-asset controls, including access, storage, and visitor management.
• Coordinate with Cybersecurity and IT on secure systems and remote-working controls.
• Work with product security, engineering, and programmes to capture UK customer security requirements and Secure by Design.
• Manage UK security incidents, aftercare reporting, and government notifications.
• Build budgets, vendors, and the UK security team as the business grows; support travel.
• Maintain a UK security risk register and track cyber risks; elevate material risks to leadership.

Skills

UK security program management

FSC/IPS A experience

Security governance & leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

Security-related degree or certification

Job description

Shield AI is seeking a Senior Manager, UK Security to establish and lead the UK industrial security capability for defence programmes. You will oversee FSC/IPSA readiness, governance, and liaison with MoD authorities while aligning with Shield AI's global framework.

In this role, you will build and run UK security operations, policies, and risk management, ensuring compliance, security controls, and incident response. UK work authorization is required.