At a Glance
- Tasks: Protect critical water assets and ensure compliance with security standards.
- Company: Join South Staffs Water, a leader in essential services security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension contributions, and 24/7 remote GP access.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the security and resilience of vital water services.
- Qualifications: Diploma or experience in security, emergency planning, or resilience roles.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
If you’re motivated by purpose, thrive in operational environments, and want to make a real impact on the security and resilience of essential services, this role offers a unique opportunity. As a Security Specialist with South Staffs Water, you’ll help protect some of the UK’s most critical water assets, ensuring our sites remain secure, compliant, and resilient against evolving threats. Whether you’re already in the water sector or bring transferable experience from another regulated or critical infrastructure environment, this is a chance to step into a role where your expertise truly matters.
The Role
We’re looking for a Security Specialist to support the protection and resilience of our operational sites across the South Staffs and Cambridge regions. You’ll ensure compliance with government and regulatory security requirements, manage security risks and audits (including CNI), and provide expert advice across operational, IT, and OT environments. Working within our Security & Resilience team, you’ll play a vital role in maintaining the safety, continuity, and integrity of our water services.
Responsibilities
- Ensure all company sites meet required government and DEFRA security standards.
- Complete Security Risk Assessments and Operational Requirement Documents across all sites, including CNI locations.
- Manage and deliver recommendations from security audits and surveys.
- Oversee site access control, authorised access, alarms, and key management.
- Support compliance with the Security Emergency Measures Directive (SEMD) and the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.
- Participate in and deliver security exercises.
- Work closely with IT and OT teams to support delivery of NIS Regulations.
- Act as a point of contact for security advice across the business.
- Liaise with Local Resilience Forums (LRFs) and attend relevant meetings and sub‑groups.
- Manage security maintenance contractors, ensuring safe, effective, and cost‑efficient delivery.
- Support annual DWI security reporting.
- Coordinate security clearance processes and ensure clearances remain valid.
Essential - What You’ll Need
- Diploma in Emergency Planning & Management, Security, or related discipline OR proven experience in a security, emergency planning, or resilience role.
- Experience contributing to or managing projects.
- Broad understanding of operational environments and processes.
- Good knowledge of SEMD and the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.
- Ability to develop plans and strategies to manage incidents and security risks.
- Strong IT skills and confidence using data and security systems.
- Full, valid UK driving licence.
Desirable
- Degree in Emergency Planning, Security, or related discipline.
- Experience within the water sector, utilities, or other critical national infrastructure.
- Exposure to IT/OT security environments or regulated frameworks such as NIS.
- Experience working with external regulators or emergency response organisations.
What You’ll Get In Return
- A competitive salary plus benefits.
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays.
- Company pension with employer contributions.
- 24‑hour helpline providing free and confidential advice to you and your family on financial, legal, marital, and health matters.
- Eyecare vouchers – via Specsavers.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
- 24/7 remote GP access.
Security Specialist in Cambridge employer: South Staffs Water
At South Staffs Water, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values purpose and impact. As a Security Specialist in Cambridge, you'll enjoy competitive benefits, including generous holiday allowances and a supportive Employee Assistance Programme, all while contributing to the security of vital water services. We are committed to your professional growth, providing opportunities to enhance your skills in a collaborative environment focused on resilience and compliance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Security Specialist in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the security and water sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and engage in discussions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of SEMD and the Civil Contingencies Act. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role. We want you to shine and show them why you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that resonate with your values. Check out our website for openings at South Staffs Water. Tailor your approach to highlight how you can contribute to their mission of securing essential services.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the best candidate for the job!
We think you need these skills to ace Security Specialist in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Security Specialist role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in security and resilience, and don’t forget to mention any specific projects you've managed that align with our needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about security and how your skills can help us protect essential services. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Skills:We want to see your skills in action! Be sure to include examples of how you've handled security risks or compliance issues in the past. This will show us you’ve got what it takes to thrive in this role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Staffs Water
✨Know Your Security Standards
Familiarise yourself with the government and DEFRA security standards relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure compliance across various sites, as this will show your understanding of the critical nature of the job.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Whether you have a diploma or proven experience, be ready to share specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to manage security risks and audits. Highlight any projects you've contributed to that align with the responsibilities listed in the job description.
✨Understand the Operational Environment
Brush up on your knowledge of operational environments, especially within the water sector or other critical infrastructure. Being able to discuss how you can apply your skills in these settings will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific security incidents or compliance challenges. Think through potential scenarios and your strategies for managing them, as this will demonstrate your proactive approach and problem-solving skills.