Head of Security

Security at NPL is changing. Driven by the changes to the global threat landscape, the geopolitics of science and technology, NPL’s profile of activity and the opportunity to win more security and defence business, we are strengthening the profile and oversight of security. Whilst we are committed to remaining open and collaborative for much of our work, aspects of our activity require stronger risk controls to protect NPL and the UK national interest. We are therefore adopting a more segmented, flexible approach to security.

This role will be a member of the senior leadership team, responsible for leading the definition and delivery of NPL’s security strategy. The role-holder will work in close collaboration with other leaders at NPL to define and deliver security across all its dimensions; including physical, personnel, technical and information security at a level proportionate to the risks assessed and suitably compartmented. The role-holder will report to the COO but will have Board-level visibility and will work with the BIST sponsorship team and engage closely with other parts of government including Cabinet Office and Security Services. In doing so, the Head of Security will support high-quality scientific and engineering delivery while managing and mitigating security risks to an appropriate level. The focus is on enabling sustainable business performance and safeguarding NPL’s responsibilities and reputation as a national laboratory.

You will be an experienced and credible security leader with the strategic judgement, resilience and collaborative approach needed to operate in a complex, high-profile environment. Comfortable engaging at Board and government level, you will combine deep security expertise with a pragmatic, business-focused mindset, enabling NPL’s mission while safeguarding its people, assets, information and reputation.

What we are looking for:

• Lead NPL’s organisation-wide security strategy, coordinating with a range of colleagues to assess and manage evolving threats, strengthen resilience and support business needs.
• Experienced in developing and implementing Security strategies, providing a professional service that aligns security requirements with business needs and taking a pro-active approach to identifying trends and anticipating risks.
• Comfortable with collaboration, coordination and influencing, recognising that the role has strategic accountability for Security whilst delivery responsibilities are across several functions.
• Ensure compliance with appropriate internal and external governance including quality, health, safety, security and environmental legislation minimising risk to the business and enhancing NPL’s reputation.
• Experienced driving continuous improvement, ensuring efficient and effective operational delivery.
• Strategic relationship builder - partnering with national security agencies, supply chains and internal customers that will enhance NPL’s ability to deliver its mission, its reputation and remain sustainable.
• An inspirational leader - aligning to NPL’s mission, strategy and plans are articulated and understood inside and outside the organisation, that employees and partners are excited by, engaged with and focussed on its successful delivery to maximise impact and growth.
• Demonstrated success in developing performance and potential of employees and external consultants.