Security Officer (STRAPSO) - Stratford

About the job

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This is a critical and high-trust role responsible for safeguarding HMRC's most sensitive intelligence environments. As the STRAP Security Officer (STRAPSO), you will lead the implementation and oversight of STRAP security protocols, ensuring the protection of classified intelligence, operations, and systems in line with UK Intelligence Community (UKIC) standards.

You will act as the primary liaison between HMRC and UKIC partners, ensuring compliance, accreditation, and operational integrity across all STRAP enclaves.

Person specification

• Information Management
  • Manage STRAP reader requirements and liaise with Release Authorities, UKIC Accreditors, and STRAP Administration.
  • Develop and maintain local Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs); brief and train staff accordingly.
  • Maintain and regularly update STRAP Accreditation Documentation (SyOps, ConOps, SSI).
  • Provide out-of-hours emergency contact for STRAP-related issues.
• Information Security
  • Oversee the secure handling, storage, movement, and destruction of STRAP material.
  • Ensure STRAP material is accessed only by authorised personnel with verified credentials.
• Personnel Security
  • Determine and review staff access levels to STRAP material, including during changes in personal circumstances.
  • Conduct STRAP inductions and maintain up-to-date records of inducted staff.
  • Liaise with HMRC Security Vetting Team and notify other STRAP organisations of clearances and waivers.
• Physical Security
  • Ensure all STRAP enclaves are accredited and meet physical security standards.
  • Manage access control, CCTV, intruder detection, and emergency response procedures.
  • Coordinate with Estates, Building Security, and contractors for secure maintenance and inspections.
• Incident & Event Response
  • Lead incident investigations involving loss or compromise of STRAP material.
  • Assess and mitigate the impact of scheduled events (e.g., power outages) on STRAP security systems.
• Asset Management & Financial Assurance
  • Verify the annual SOC Equipment Audit.
  • Approve and validate the SOC "Community Cost Sharing for High Classification IT Services" documentation.
• Cross-Government Liaison
  • Act as HMRC's single point of contact (SPOC) for UKIC and other government agencies.
  • Represent HMRC at inter-agency meetings, seminars, and conferences.
• Specialist Advice
  • Advise on the security implications of changes to IT, telephony, or infrastructure.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external accreditors to implement mitigations.
• New Facility Support
  • Provide expert guidance on STRAP implementation in new HMRC regional buildings.
  • Liaise with Estates, CDIO, and UKIC to define and meet security requirements.
• Inter-Agency Access Negotiation
  • Coordinate HMRC access to STRAP facilities at other government departments (e.g., NCA, Home Office).
  • Negotiate mutual access and disaster recovery arrangements with partner agencies.
• Cryptographic Custodianship
  • Manage GCHQ and HMRC cryptographic material, including annual musters and key administration.
  • Serve as SPOC for the Departmental Crypto Officer.
• Line Management
  • Lead a small team of personnel, ensuring effective coverage of the HMRC estate and adherence to security protocols.
  • Coordinate daily operations across the team.
  • Provide guidance and support to team members, including task allocation and quality assurance.
  • Monitor team performance and conduct regular evaluations, offering feedback and training to maintain high standards of service delivery.

Essential Criteria

• Proven experience in information or physical security, ideally within a government or intelligence context.
• Strong understanding of classified material handling and secure facility management.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Proven experience in managing a team, with a track record of effective leadership, coordination, and performance oversight.
• Ability to manage sensitive incidents with discretion and professionalism.
• Familiarity with UKIC protocols and STRAP accreditation processes.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working with UKIC or other intelligence agencies.
• Project management or risk assessment qualifications.

Working Pattern

Due to operational needs, these posts are full-time; however, applicants who need to work a more flexible arrangement are welcome to apply. We can't guarantee that we can meet all requests to work flexibly as any agreement will be subject to business ability to accommodate.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Managing a Quality Service
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £50,686, HM Revenue and Customs contributes £14,683 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

HMRC operates both Flexible and Hybrid Working policies, allowing you to balance your work and personal commitments. We welcome applications from those who need to work a more flexible arrangement and will agree to requests where possible, considering our operational and customer service needs.

We offer a generous leave allowance, starting at 25 days and increasing by a day for every year of qualifying service up to a maximum of 30 days.

Pension - We make contributions to our colleagues' Alpha pension equal to at least 28.97% of their salary. Family friendly policies. Personal support. Coaching and development.