GDMS-UK Security Controller in Hastings

Location: Castleham Rd, Hastings, Saint Leonards-on-sea TN38, UK.

Employment Type: Permanent.

Company Description: General Dynamics Mission Systems engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of more than 13,000 top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defence and scientific arenas. In the UK, we are leading the way in avionics and communication systems.

Job Description: The role of Security Controller is a senior, proactive leadership role responsible for directing and overseeing all aspects of physical and personnel security across GDMS-UK's defence programmes and facilities, ensuring full compliance with mandatory, regulatory, and legislative security requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as the company's Security Controller in accordance with applicable MOD/UK Government standards, serving as the primary point of contact with MOD security authorities, the UK National Authority for Counter-Eavesdropping (NACE), and the UK National Protective Security Authority (NPSA).
• Serve as Crypto Custodian, safeguarding digital and cryptographic assets in alignment with cryptographic security standards.
• Maintain compliance with Facilities Security Clearance (FSC) UK Government accreditation.
• Lead and manage Security Department resources and provide expert support to the GDUK Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) on all physical and personnel security matters.
• Develop, implement, and maintain robust security policies, procedures, and classified material handling protocols in alignment with HMG, MOD, and organisational requirements.
• Oversee physical security measures including access control systems, perimeter security, CCTV, and alarm monitoring.
• Manage and oversee vetting processes for all staff and contractors in line with BPSS, SC, and DV requirements.
• Conduct security risk assessments and audits to identify vulnerabilities and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Lead coordination of security incident response activities and investigate breaches, liaising with external agencies as required.
• Represent GDMS-UK at customer, UK Government, and industry security forums, building networks with defence sector peers.
• Serve as delegated authority during the CISO absence.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in a Security Controller, Security Manager, or similar role within the UK Defence, Aerospace, or UK Government contracting sector is required.
• In-depth knowledge of UK Government security regulations and international standards, e.g. GovS007 and ISO/IEC 27001.
• Experience managing FSC or Defence Classified contracts.
• Strong understanding of personnel security vetting (BPSS, SC, DV).
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills at all levels.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and security projects effectively.
• MOD or Government Security Controller training (desirable).

Additional Information:

This role has a salary of between 62,400 and 78,000 plus our flexible benefits package. We are open to this role being spent with time working from home and in the office (hybrid - typically minimum 3 days working in office) on a weekly basis or fully in our offices.

We pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose, offering impressive benefits:

• A compressed nine-day fortnight and compressed hours - which means every other Friday off.
• A personalized career development plan, alongside regular progress reviews - supporting and valuing your progression within the Company.
• A flexible working environment where your contributions are recognized and rewarded with flexible benefits.

We believe in maintaining a diverse workplace - inclusive of beliefs, cultural background, job experiences, thoughts and ideas. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we welcome you to join our inclusive team! Our success is fuelled by our colleagues and the wide variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills they bring to the Company.

We are a Disability Confident Employer, as such we offer an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job. Please email disabilityconfident@gd-ms.uk if you would like your application to be considered under the DC Scheme.

All successful/appointed applicants must be able to obtain a level of UK Security clearance that is appropriate for the role and undertake suitable Right to work checks. Every application matters to us. We want you to know that each application we receive is reviewed by a real person not just an algorithm. Our screening questions are also carefully considered to help us understand your experience and fit for the role. We appreciate the time you take to apply.