Security & Information Officer

Security Clearance

• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain SC and/or DV Clearance
• Join Us in Protecting Critical Defence Operations

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Security & Information Officer to lead the security and information assurance agenda across our Defence, Marine & Aerospace business.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in safeguarding sensitive information, personnel, systems, and assets while ensuring compliance with government, military, customer, and contractual security requirements.

Reporting to the Business Process & Governance Director and working closely with the UK&I Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), you will act as the primary security focal point across a diverse portfolio of defence operations.

You will help drive a strong security culture, deliver governance excellence, and support business growth in a highly regulated environment.

What You'll Be Doing

As Security & Information Officer, you will

• Lead and coordinate information security activities across Defence, Marine & Aerospace operations.
• Manage and maintain security accreditation programmes including Cyber Essentials Plus, Secure by Design (SBD) and other relevant frameworks.
• Monitor compliance with security policies, contractual obligations, and government regulations.
• Investigate security incidents, coordinate responses, and drive corrective actions and continuous improvement.
• Provide expert security advice and guidance to operational and corporate teams.
• Act as the key liaison with the MOD, DIO, Top-Level Budget Holders (TLBs), and other government security stakeholders.
• Support the implementation and ongoing management of Security Aspects Letters (SALs) and customer-specific security requirements.
• Prepare the business for audits, inspections, accreditations, and assurance reviews.
• Coordinate personnel security processes, including vetting activities, onboarding, and offboarding requirements.
• Develop and deliver engaging security awareness campaigns, training programmes, and communications.
• Support bid, mobilisation, and contract transition activities from a security perspective.
• Promote a culture of security, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the organisation.

What We're Looking For

• Experience in information security, security governance, assurance, compliance, or risk management within a defence, government, or highly regulated environment.
• Strong understanding of UK Government security requirements and information assurance principles.
• Knowledge of cyber security standards, frameworks, and accreditation requirements.
• Experience managing security incidents, investigations, and corrective actions.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across operational and corporate functions.
• Professional security qualifications such as

CISSP, CISM, ISO 27001 Lead Implementer/Auditor , or equivalent.

• Previous experience working with the

MOD, DIO, defence infrastructure projects, or government contractors .

• Knowledge of

JSP 440, DEFCON 76, Secure by Design, Cyber Essentials Plus, ISO 27001, and NIST frameworks .

Key Attributes

We're looking for someone who demonstrates

• Integrity, professionalism, and discretion.
• Strong risk awareness and sound judgement.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and a proactive mindset.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement capabilities.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to make a genuine impact within a business supporting some of the UK's most important defence, marine, and aerospace programmes.

You'll work alongside security and operational leaders, influence critical security decisions, and help shape a robust security culture that protects people, assets, information, and services.

If you're passionate about security, governance, and supporting defence operations in a highly regulated environment, we'd love to hear from you.

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and My Learning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

About Us

Part of Compass Group UK&I, ESS is the Defence, Government, and Energy services sector of Compass Group UK & Ireland.

We support 250+ UK military establishments, high profile police, secure environments and government sites, along with a range of onshore and offshore facilities including platforms, drilling rigs, floatels and offices for the energy sector.

We know that a friendly face makes all the difference, so we look for people who are passionate about delivering excellent customer service, at all levels, to join our teams.

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers.

We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members.

We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!