Security Operations Manager

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities. GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity set the industry standards, we’re inspired by opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to contribute to protecting the world’s democracies and are committed to sustainability, safeguarding our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries, serving over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers, and achieving sales of £3.35 bn in 2023, there are no limits to where you can take your career.

The Security Operations Manager (SOM) will be an integral part of the Central Security Team (CST), providing Governance & Assurance, Audit, Training & Awareness, and Operational support. The CST's primary goal is to protect GKN Aerospace’s People, Property, Assets, Information, and Reputation, ensuring compliance with contractual, legal, and regulatory obligations, meeting business needs, and maintaining the ‘License to Operate.’ The SOM will play a key role in achieving this.

The SOM should have a strong background and expertise in Security, capable of providing strategic guidance to senior leaders and operational support at manufacturing sites. Key areas of expertise include Personnel Security, Physical Security, Technical Security Systems, Physical Information Security, Travel Security, Events Security, and Crisis Management.

A significant part of the role involves supporting the integration of security functions across GKN Aerospace, implementing governance frameworks, conducting audits, delivering training, and advising Business Line Security Leads and Site Security Managers. Internal collaboration with stakeholders such as Business Line Chief Operating Officers, Security Leads, HR, Procurement, Export Control, and external partners like contracting authorities and third-party providers is crucial for fostering a security culture and adding value to the business.

US and Mexico Focus

Besides global responsibilities, the SOM will serve as the SME for all security activities in the US and Mexico, ensuring regional security challenges are addressed, policies are enforced, threats are monitored, and compliance is maintained through audits.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and implement security governance frameworks including policies, standards, and guidelines.
• Participate in audits, identify gaps, and support improvements.
• Deliver security awareness training through campaigns and incident-based sessions.
• Provide operational support to business lines and manufacturing sites.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders to understand and support security needs.
• Offer expertise in physical and technical security controls, personnel security (including US government security clearances), and physical information security.
• Guide crisis management planning, training, and response support.
• Conduct investigations when needed.

Job Qualifications

• US National; security clearance required.
• Proactive, team-oriented self-starter capable of managing multiple programs across geographies.
• Deep knowledge of security risk management and incident response.
• Experience with Threat, Vulnerability, and Risk Assessments (TVRA).
• Proven ability to develop and implement security plans, processes, and procedures.
• Knowledge of physical and technical security controls.
• Understanding of Physical Information Security risks and controls.
• Experience managing international travel security plans.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred qualifications include 5+ years in security risk management, experience in corporate security, academic qualifications in security management, military or law enforcement background, excellent communication skills, industry experience in aerospace manufacturing, investigations expertise, data protection knowledge, and budget management experience.

We offer exciting challenges and opportunities to be part of a leading organization committed to innovation and employee development. Join us and see how far you can go!

Our Culture

GKN values diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We foster a collaborative environment where everyone can contribute and feel valued. We are committed to accessible recruitment processes and encourage applicants requiring reasonable adjustments to contact us. Join us to shape the future of aerospace technology and innovation.