Security & Defence Administrator in Bedford

UTAC is a market-leading international group in digital & sustainable mobility, customisable testing solutions, defence and vehicle engineering, homologation, regulatory advice & expertise, certification, training, corporate events and classic & sportscars festivals. The Group provides services and test solutions to customers in the various sectors: mobility, transport, tyre, petrochemical, agriculture and defence industries. UTAC operates test centres and laboratories in France (including the official Euro NCAP facility), the UK, USA, Finland and Morocco; it has subsidiaries in China, Japan, South Korea, Italy & Romania. UTAC employs around 1300 people across its various locations.

We are seeking a highly organized, discrete and detail-oriented person to join our team. The ideal candidate will combine oversight of the physical and information security of the organization with the responsibility and smooth running of daily office operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in both security compliance and administrative management, with exceptional attention to detail, integrity, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Our core values of Expertise, Innovation and Integrity provide a clear daily guide to how we work together safely, as one team, helping each other to succeed.

Job Description

Reporting to – Senior Manager - Defence. This blended role provides essential administrative and operational support to ensure the efficient day-to-day functioning of the UTAC Defence office. The role requires a high level of professionalism, discretion, and adherence to security protocols. The postholder will coordinate office activities, manage documentation, and support personnel while maintaining strict confidentiality and compliance with organisational policies. In addition, the candidate will directly handle responsibilities of the Facility and Personnel Security Controller including implementation of National Security Vetting and aftercare within the company and any subordinate organisations that the company provides sponsorship for.

Role & Responsibilities

• Defence Team Support
  • Supporting Project Managers in planning and execution of Defence projects
  • Manage calendars, meetings, visitor access, travel arrangements and official correspondence
  • Raising purchase orders and supplier invoices, liaising with Finance
  • Maintaining KPIs tracking dashboards
  • Organise training under instruction from Defence senior leadership and maintain records
  • Coordinate office supplies, equipment, and facilities requirements
• Stakeholder Engagement
  • Manage stakeholder relationships with on-site customers
  • Liaise with internal departments, contractors, and external stakeholders
• Event Management
  • Oversee, and contribute to, planning for events hosted by UTAC Defence department. Varying from 10 to 60 people, this includes preparation, on-the-day delivery and stakeholder administration
  • Assist with event coordination, briefings, and official visits
• Security Controller – delegated from Defence Manager
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for all MOD-related security matters including physical access, information security protocols, and regulatory compliance
  • Handle classified and sensitive information in accordance with security procedures
  • Supporting the site Security Manager and Defence Senior Manager in application of relevant security controls
  • Arranging for appropriate security education and awareness training for staff
  • Ensuring that any breach of security is immediately reported to the respective Contracting Authority and recorded in the company breaches register
  • Overall responsibility for pre-vetting checks (BPSS) and the subsequent National Security Vetting process
  • Sitting on the Information Security Board (ISB) to support the wider Proving Ground activity, ensuring total compliance with required security processes
• Facility Management
  • Act as the primary liaison for building management, IT support, and supporting departments
  • Oversee daily office operations, including facilities management, supplies procurement, and coordination of maintenance services
  • Ensure health and safety compliance and maintain workplace policies and procedures
• Other
  • Act in accordance with the behaviours for UTAC staff at all times

Qualifications

Education

• Essential – Degree level or proven experience in administrative or office support roles

Experience

• Essential – One or more of the following: Security and Defence sector, Project delivery, Office management
• Desired – Engineering environment, Event management, Working with UK Government organisations, Managing contractors, consultants, and other advisors on infrastructure projects.

Knowledge

• Essential – Government Security protocols, Stakeholder engagement
• Desired – ISO27001 and ISO9001 familiarity

Skills

• Essential - Exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Problem solving mentality, an agent for change, establishing, driving, and embracing industry best practice, Ability to handle sensitive information with a high level of discretion. Actively seeks and promotes collaboration between stakeholders. MS Office suite (Word, Excel etc)
• Desired – Flexible attitude, Safety & Environmental management processes, Initiative to work for continuous improvement

Other/Personal Behaviours:

• Flexible and adaptable
• Dependable
• Initiative to work for continuous improvement
• Ability to work using own initiative
• Punctual and well organised with a methodical approach
• Able to use a zero-blame culture to improvement of self and facility.
• Problem solving mentality, an agent for change, establishing, driving, and embracing industry best practice
• SC clearance or ability to achieve this (British National with residency in the UK for the last 5 years). Essential
• Willingness to travel in the UK from time to time.

Additional Information

For you, as a potential UTAC team member, we believe that the international and diverse nature of our business combined with the passion, energy and friendliness of our people create a great place to work. UTAC is proud to be an equal opportunities employer, valuing inclusion and supporting our people to be themselves and at their very best. By joining us you will gain access to a broad range of learning relevant to your role and personal development, as well as exposure to leading technologies and expertise. Our reward and benefit programmes are designed to support our people with competitive and locally tailored packages combined with support for individual health and wellbeing both inside and outside of work. In the UK this includes; Life Cover, Access to a wide range of discounts and offers via the Perkz reward scheme, Recognition awards linked to our UTAC values of Expertise, Innovation and Integrity, Contributory pension schemes, Attractive family friendly policies; maternity, paternity, shared parental leave, flexible working, Access to a variety of employee assistance support services.

Candidates for positions at UTAC must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the country the role is based in. Immigration visa sponsorship is not available for this position.