Protective Security Manager

• About the Role
• Shape the Future of Security Excellence Are you ready to lead the charge in safeguarding people, processes, and technology? Join us as a Protective Security Manager and take a pivotal role in ensuring UKTL not only meets but exceeds Government security standards. This is your chance to influence strategy, drive compliance, and embed a culture of security across every level.
  
  

What You’ll Do

As our Protective Security Manager, you’ll be the trusted expert for all protective security matters—physical, personnel, and classified information. Your responsibilities will include:

Leadership & Governance

• Act as deputy to the Protective Security Leader, ensuring continuity and leadership in their absence.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for protective security issues, offering guidance and assurance.
  
  

Personnel Security

• Oversee security vetting and clearance management processes for UKTL staff.
• Advise HR and leadership on insider threat mitigation and personnel risk assessments.
  
  

Physical Security

• Implement and maintain robust physical security controls, including access systems and secure zones.
• Conduct regular site inspections and risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and recommend improvements.
  
  

Compliance & Assurance

• Develop, implement, and maintain UKTL’s Security Management System.
• Lead internal audits, investigations, and supplier compliance checks.
  
  

Information & Asset Security

• Manage the handling, storage, and destruction of protectively marked materials and Government assets.
  
  

Education & Awareness

• Design and deliver engaging security awareness programs for staff.
• Champion a strong security culture through campaigns, briefings, and training.
  
  

Incident Management

• Take charge of investigations into breaches or security incidents.
• Ensure health and safety responsibilities are met at all times.
  
  

Continuous Improvement

• Anticipate emerging threats and recommend proactive measures.
• Benchmark practices against industry and Government standards to keep us ahead.
  
  

As a trusted and independent national capability, UKTL interacts with standards bodies, Academia, and Government Departments as well as Communications Service Providers and equipment vendors.

Successful Applicants must be able to commute to the UKTL offices in Birmingham at least twice a week

We strive to offer a great work life balance - if you are looking for full time, part time or flexible options, we will try to make this work where business possible. This will be dependent on the kind of role you do and part of the business you work in.

About You

What You’ll Bring

Extensive experience in security management within UKGOV, defence, or other departments.

Ability to interpret and apply security legislation and compliance requirements.

Excellent communication skills to effectively engage with teams at all levels.

Ability to rapidly digest new information and confidently handle technically complex projects.

Highly detail-oriented with a proactive approach to security risk management.

Experience conducting security audits and implementing corrective actions.

Strong leadership skills to drive a security-conscious culture across the business.

Proven experience with UK Government security standards (Gov 007, List X/FSC, GOV-SPF).

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in this specific area means that nationality, residency and security requirements are more tightly defined than others. To work in this role, you will need to have a DV clearance with no restrictions, or you must have the ability to obtain a DV clearance.

About Us

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. Find out more about what it is like working here - The measure of us - Overview

NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on our Diversity & Inclusion page.

We offer a wealth of above industry standard benefits, such as enhanced pension scheme, flexible working, and more that can be found here rewards, benefits and recognition. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.