Head of Security

Security at NPL is changing. Driven by the changes to the global threat landscape, the geopolitics of science and technology, NPL’s profile of activity and the opportunity to win more security and defence business, we are strengthening the profile and oversight of security. Whilst we are committed to remaining open and collaborative for much of our work, aspects of our activity require stronger risk controls to protect NPL and the UK national interest. We are therefore adopting a more segmented, flexible, approach to security.  

Within this context we are recruiting for a new Head of Security. This role will be a member of the senior leadership team, responsible for leading the definition and delivery of NPL’s security strategy. The role-holder will work in close collaboration with other leaders at NPL to define and deliver security across all its dimensions; including physical, personnel, technical and information security at a level proportionate to the risks assessed and suitably compartmented. 

The role-holder will report to the COO but will have Board-level visibility and will work with the BIST sponsorship team and engage closely with other parts of government including Cabinet Office and Security Services. In doing so, the Head of Security will support high-quality scientific and engineering delivery while managing and mitigating security risks to an appropriate level. The focus is on enabling sustainable business performance and safeguarding NPL’s responsibilities and reputation as a national laboratory.