Head of Security Operations

Head of Security Operations

Overview

Lead, protect, influence, transform. As Head of Security Operations, you will provide strategic leadership for operational security activities across a highly regulated and mission‑critical environment. You will shape security strategy, develop future capability, and ensure the protection of nationally important assets while maintaining the highest standards of assurance. The position is located at RG74PR between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking. Salary ranges from £95,000 to £110,000 (depending on suitability, qualifications and experience) plus a 10% bonus and a 9‑day working fortnight.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the operational security function, creating a high‑performing, engaged and future‑focused team.
• Shape security strategy and ensure alignment with organisational objectives and risk appetite.
• Interpret and apply MOD security policy and other relevant standards across a complex operational environment.
• Direct security risk assessment, mitigation planning and assurance activities.
• Author and continuously improve security policies, processes and standards.
• Provide security leadership for major programmes and projects, ensuring security requirements are effectively embedded from the outset.
• Lead security investigations and support insider threat management activities in partnership with HR, government agencies and senior stakeholders.
• Champion a strong security culture and foster shared ownership of security across the organisation.
• Represent security at executive and senior leadership forums.
• Oversee operational training activities and ensure future capability requirements are understood and delivered.
• Manage budgets, resources and business reporting to ensure efficient and cost‑effective delivery.

Qualifications

• A degree in a security‑related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Membership of a recognised professional body such as The Security Institute, Nuclear Institute, CIIS, ISACA or World Institute for Nuclear Security (WINS).
• Significant experience leading operational security within Defence, Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) or similarly complex environments.
• Strong experience in security risk management, insider threat mitigation and security culture development.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and executive teams.
• A passion for building capable, engaged and high‑performing teams.
• The vision and determination to modernise and evolve security operations for the future.

Benefits

• 9‑day working fortnight – every other Friday off, plus 270 hours of annual leave.
• Market‑leading contributory pension scheme (9%–13% of pensionable pay based on contributions).
• Family‑friendly policies: Maternity Leave – 39weeks full pay; Paternity Leave – 4weeks full pay.
• Professional career development opportunities, including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
• Life Assurance (4×annual salary).
• Discounts on savings across a wide range of everyday spending.
• Special leave policy with paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.

Eligibility & Location

To be considered for this role you must be a British citizen and have resided in the UK for the past five years (ten years for DV clearance). You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role; this will be funded by AWE. Due to the classified nature of the role, you will be expected to work on site at Aldermaston regularly. The position is located at RG74PR between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking.

Diversity & Inclusion

We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. All information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV.