Security / Client Liaison Manager in Cheltenham

Zaizi is a software consultancy specialising in building bespoke digital solutions for central government and national security agencies. As part of developing our secure government footprint, we are increasing our focus on national security clients and establishing a secure facility to support our client work. We are seeking a dedicated Security / Client Liaison Manager to lead this critical function. You will be the primary authority on all physical and personnel security matters, creating and developing synergies with the national security client set. The Security / Client Liaison manager is a multi-faceted role being a critical, strategic enabler that enables Zaizi to deliver secure digital solutions to our government clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Client Liaison
  • Operate as the primary client liaison with secure government partners to develop Zaizi’s footprint in the National Security space.
  • Raise awareness of Zaizi’s secure digital services and capabilities within secure government organisations, identifying key stakeholders and business development opportunities.
  • Facilitate client contact across secure government sites and Zaizi corporate facilities.
  • Develop and maintain strong working relationships with client security teams.
• Personnel Security (Vetting)
  • Clearance Management: Oversee the lifecycle of United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) clearances and those of adjacent organisations for all staff and associates.
  • Aftercare & Training: Conduct initial security briefings for new hires and through-life aftercare. Ensure all staff understand their personal responsibilities under the Official Secrets Act (OSA) and the Security Policy Framework.
  • Provide coaching and guidance on client security culture, conducting risk assessments and sharing security best practice within the company.
  • Insider Risk: Monitor the Zaizi internal security posture, conducting risk assessments and maintaining close liaison with HR and line management.
• Secure Facility Management & Compliance
  • Mandatory Oversight: Operate as Security Controller responsible to the Board for all day-to-day security aspects.
  • Asset Protection: Manage the receipt, storage, distribution, and disposal of classified documents and assets in accordance with government standards.
  • Inspections & Audits: Prepare for and manage external audits to meet secure government accreditation requirements.
  • Maintain the Security Risk Management and Company Security Instructions.
  • Visitor Control: Manage strict access control systems for the facility, including the vetting and escorting of visitors, contractors, and international guests in compliance with IVCO (International Visits Control Office) protocols.
• Strategic Security Liaison
  • Government Interface: Serve as the primary point of contact for secure government security organisations.
  • Incident Response: Lead the investigation and reporting of any security breaches or incidents to the relevant Contracting Authority and the Industry Security Assurance Centre (ISAC).
  • Advisory: Advise the Board and Senior Leadership Team on security implications of new contracts, office moves, or changes in company ownership/structure.
• Integrated Security Support
  • Collaborate with the IT Manager (responsible for ISO 27001/Cyber Essentials Plus) to ensure physical and cyber security measures are aligned.
  • Demonstrate experience of segregated security environments.
  • Support the bid team by providing security capability statements for tenders requiring facility clearances.

Essential Qualifications

• Citizenship: Must be a British National.
• Experience: Demonstrable experience of managing a secure facility and client relationship, within a UK Defence or National Security List X environment.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of the Security Policy Framework (SPF), Cabinet Office security controls, and List X requirements (specifically FSA/iv).
• Vetting: Active eDV is essential.
• Detail Oriented: Meticulous record‑keeping skills for musters, visitor logs, and classified document registers.

Desirable Qualifications

• DISA / SyI membership or equivalent professional security qualifications (e.g., BTEC Level 3 in Security Management).
• Experience liaising with the International Visits Control Office (IVCO) for overseas visits and classified exchanges.
• Experience establishing a new List X facility from scratch.

You don’t meet all the requirements? Studies show that women and black, Asian and minority ethnic people are less likely to apply for a job unless they meet every qualification. So if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with the job description, we’d love you to still apply. You might just be the perfect person for this role, or another role here at Zaizi.

SC Clearance

Zaizi works with UK Central Government departments on a range of projects. To be able to work on our customer projects, employees must be Security Cleared to a standard acceptable to our Government customers. Due to this restriction we can currently only recruit candidates who have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship and who have lived in the UK for the last 5+ years continuously.

Salary £50,000-60,000

Holidays & Benefits

• 25 days paid holiday, plus bank holidays
• Vitality medical insurance
• Workplace Pension 5% employer contribution
• Group Life Assurance
• Cycle scheme
• 5 days a year for approved Training
• WFH equipment allowance
• Buy / Sell Holiday
• 2 days paid volunteering days

Other Benefits

• Flexible working
• Work on exciting projects - make a difference
• Empowered to make decisions
• Encouraged to fail fast and learn quickly
• 1-2-1 and team coaching / training available to all our staff

For further information contact Talentteam@zaizi.com

Nat Hinds - Head of Talent

Dylan Chiromerides - Snr Talent Specialist

Kayla Kirby - Talent Acquisition Specialist