Defence Security & Compliance Officer in Kidlington

The Defence Security & Compliance Officer ensures the company adheres to strict regulations, such as export controls (e.g., ITAR/EAR), and manages security protocols for sensitive defence information and systems. The role manages security vetting (BPSS), protects personnel and technical assets, and ensures compliance with UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) and customer standards.

What you will do:

• Implement security standards: develop, implement, and maintain security policies, standards, and procedures across the organisation, aligned with Def‑Stan 05‑0138 and GovS 007.
• Security assurance and audit: establish and support security auditing, monitoring, and assessment capabilities to ensure data systems and business areas comply with legal and regulatory requirements (e.g., DPIAs, SyOPs).
• Risk management: identify, manage, and mitigate security risks, including those arising from third‑party suppliers, delivery partners, and supply chains.
• Incident response: ensure correct procedures and delegations are in place to respond to security incidents and breaches and assist with investigations.
• Training and awareness: promote best practices by developing training and engagement activities related to data protection and security.
• Leadership and governance: provide leadership on operational security matters, often involving cross‑divisional collaboration.

Key Skills and Experience:

• Regulatory knowledge: deep understanding of HMG security policies and standards (GovS 007 & Def‑Stan 05‑0138).
• Technical expertise: knowledge of security auditing, risk assessment, and data protection mechanisms.
• Stakeholder management: ability to engage with various business areas and external suppliers.

About You:

• Strong working knowledge of UK GovS 007 and how it applies to a defence contractor environment.
• Experience leading a security function covering personnel, physical, information, and contract security.
• Confidence operating as a senior security point of contact with government and external agencies and reporting to the Senior Leadership Team.
• Ability to interpret and advise on emerging threats, geopolitical developments and defence sector risks.
• Experience delivering security training and awareness, including inductions and briefings.
• Experience planning and managing international visits.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to manage, develop and motivate.
• Demonstrated leadership potential alongside effective communication skills.
• Support programme management requirements and business development/strategy requirements within the defence sector.
• Must be able to achieve and maintain Base Level Security Clearance (BPSS) for this role.
• Ability to travel outside the UK.

What is in it for you?

• Bonus scheme
• Aviva pension
• Group life assurance
• Group income protection
• Electric car scheme
• Health cash plan
• Employee assistance programme
• Private medical insurance
• 26 days holiday plus public holidays and the opportunity to purchase an additional 5 days per year
• Childcare benefits
• Free on‑site gym access and discounted national memberships

Fortescue celebrates individual strengths and team members are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. Our global workforce drives and promotes an inclusive culture, both within our organisation and throughout the communities we interact with. Diverse backgrounds include First Nations Peoples, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ community, gender, neurodiverse, cultural diversity, all age groups, and those with an intersectional or multiple diverse characteristics. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.