People and Physical Security Adviser - SC Cleared - National Highways

We are seeking a highly experienced People & Physical Security Specialist to join a newly formed Security Operations & Intelligence function, supporting the development and integration of people security capabilities across a large and complex infrastructure organisation. The role will play a critical part in implementing and maturing people security controls, frameworks, and policies as part of a broader organisational transformation programme. This will include acting as a central point of expertise for personnel security, insider risk management, national security vetting, and integrated risk assessment activity. This position will work collaboratively across internal teams, delivery partners, and government stakeholders, ensuring the highest standards of people and physical security are applied consistently across projects and operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide subject matter expertise on personnel security and deliver capability improvements aligned with strategic security objectives.
• Serve as the organisational focal point for National Security Vetting (NSV), including decision-making, case management, and aftercare.
• Lead and support delivery of the insider risk programme, including awareness and mitigation activities.
• Develop, review, and maintain the organisation's People Security Framework, policies, guidance, and response procedures.
• Coordinate and conduct personnel and physical security investigations, including post-incident learning and continuous improvement.
• Support the integration of people security controls into business processes, supplier engagement, and security culture initiatives.
• Advise on commissioning, requirements capture, and assurance of people security services across internal and third-party suppliers.
• Contribute to physical security risk assessments and provide resilience support for the physical security advisor.
• Support CNI assessments and provide security input to resilience planning teams.
• Chair or contribute to internal security working groups and security governance forums.
• Act as secretariat for the Security Incident Management Group, ensuring cross-functional coordination and preparedness.
• Liaise with National Technical Authorities, government departments, and sector bodies to support policy alignment and collaboration.
• Own and maintain KPIs for people security activities and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Active SC clearance is required for this role.
• Demonstrable experience in delivering people and physical security outcomes in a change or transformation environment.
• In-depth knowledge of UK government vetting standards and the application of personnel security principles.
• Experience in applying physical and personnel security standards, including undertaking risk assessments and incident investigations.
• Ability to produce, update, and assure security policies, standards, and guidance documents.
• Skilled in influencing and negotiating security requirements across complex stakeholder environments.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, especially in the preparation of reports, assessments, and documentation.

Desirable Qualifications and Attributes

• Formal qualification in security or risk management (eg, SyI, CPP, PSP, or similar).
• Ability to travel to operational or remote infrastructure sites as required (a full UK driving licence is advantageous).
• Experience working with Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) or within a regulated public sector environment.