Security Controller (Defence)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Security Controller to join our Defence business in Bristol. The Defence Security Controller reports directly to the Defence Head of Security & Resilience (EMEA) and is the primary security point of contact in providing fundamental security support, advice and assurance to the UK Defence programmes, ensuring full security assurance of the protection of classified information processed within the UK Defence Sector.

The successful candidate will lead in protecting the company's defence license to operate as well as enabling the business to move fast and win programmes. The appointed candidate brings confidence, credibility and control:

• Confidence for customers and government
• Credibility at the most sensitive interfaces
• Control over risks that could otherwise end programmes

What you will be doing:

The Security Controller is specifically responsible for interpreting, implementing and monitoring security controls for the appropriate protection of government classified assets held on the contractor's site, by:

• Liaising within the company, and between the company and the DSO or security officials of the relevant Contracting Authority.
• Advising management on the interpretation and implementation of contractual and, where appropriate, legislative security controls.
• Preparing and implementing the Company Security Instructions, the Risk Management and Accreditation Document Set (RMADS) and making sure that they are made available to, and understood by all appropriate employees, updating them as necessary.
• Being readily available for consultation and giving security advice to the contractor's management and employees.
• Co-ordinating the planning of appropriate security controls for a new contract or for the alteration of buildings where classified assets are to be handled, stored or produced.
• Arranging for appropriate security education and awareness training, particularly for new, young or inexperienced employees, to ensure that they understand the scale, nature of the threats and protective security controls required.
• Ensuring that any breach of security is reported immediately to the respective Contracting Authority and, if appropriate, the regional police and that the circumstances are fully investigated, the outcome is recorded in the company breaches register and a full report and impact analysis is passed to the Contracting Authority.
• Ensuring that any security incident involving government classified information is reported to the contracting Authority. Security incidents involving MOD owned, processed or generated information is to be immediately reported to the MOD Defence Industry Warning, Advice and Reporting Point (WARP) in the Joint Security Co-ordination Centre (JSyCC).
• Overseeing and assuring the protection, operation, and compliance of all classified areas, ensuring alignment with UK Government, MOD, and allied security regulations, maintaining the integrity of personnel, physical, information, and technical security controls.

Position qualifications:

• Proven senior experience in defence, government, or defence-industry security, with demonstrable responsibility for the protection of classified information, assets, and facilities.
• In-depth knowledge of UK defence security policy and frameworks, including JSP 440, Government Security Classifications, and associated assurance regimes.
• In-depth experience with STaMP and UK MOD compliance.
• Experience overseeing classified environments, including physical, personnel, information, and technical security controls.
• Demonstrated ability to engage credibility with government security authorities, including the UK Ministry of Defence, Defence Security Function, and allied partners.
• Strong risk assessment and assurance capability, including threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments and audit readiness.
• Eligible for, or holding UK developed Vetting (DV) and able to maintain clearance throughout employment.
• Experience providing security education and governance to senior leadership.
• Proven leadership of security professionals and/or cross-functional teams.

Desirable:

• Previous appointment as a Defence Security Controller, Security Controller, or equivalent senior security role.
• Experience working on multinational or export-controlled defence programmes.
• Formal security risk management qualifications.
• High level personnel integrity, discretion, and sound judgement.
• Calm, authoritative decision-making under pressure.

This role will require you to hold a Developed Vetting (DV). To start, you will require a minimum Security Check (SC) clearance without any caveats to that clearance. Rolls-Royce will support the application for Security Clearance if you don’t currently already have this in place. Due to the nature of work the business conducts and the protection of certain assets, you must hold a UK nationality. Any dual nationals will require additional scrutiny and background checks prior to commencing work.

The Defence Security Controller acts as the single point of accountability for defence security governance, providing assurance to the business, defence leadership team, government customers, and regulators that classified assets, information, and environments are protected to the highest standards.

Our vision is to ensure that the excellence and ingenuity that shaped our history continues into our future. Our multi-year transformation programme aims to turn Rolls-Royce into a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing company. Join us, and it can be your future vision too.

Rolls-Royce are committed to being a respectful, inclusive, and non-discriminatory workplace where individuality is valued, diverse perspectives fuel innovation, and everyone can thrive.

As part of our selection process, candidates in certain locations may be asked to complete an online assessment, which can include cognitive and behavioural aptitude testing relevant to the role. If required, full instructions for the next steps will be provided.

Job Category: Security and Resilience

Posting Date: 11 Aug 2026; 00:08

Posting End Date: 05 Sept 2026

Location: Bristol

Type: Full time