Head of Site Security and Operations

This senior leadership role is responsible for shaping and delivering the Air Sector's physical and operational security strategy, ensuring the effective protection of people, assets, infrastructure and operations across a complex multi-site environment.

Operating within a shared service model, the role leads the delivery of physical, technical and operational security services across the Air Sector, ensuring a consistent, intelligence-led and risk-based approach to security. Working closely with operational leaders and senior stakeholders, the postholder will drive security performance, strengthen resilience, manage emerging threats and ensure security arrangements remain aligned to business priorities and customer requirements.

The role provides leadership to geographically dispersed security teams, overseeing security operations, protective security measures, incident management and operational resilience activities, while continuously improving capability to meet an evolving threat landscape

• Lead the delivery of physical, technical and operational security services across the Air Sector
• Shape and implement security strategy to protect people, assets, infrastructure and operations
• Provide strategic direction on security risks, threats and protective security measures
• Lead security incident management, investigations and corrective actions
• Drive a consistent and intelligence-led approach to security risk assessment and mitigation
• Oversee security support to major operational activities, events, executive protection requirements and classified environments
• Lead and develop high-performing security teams across multiple locations
• Strengthen operational resilience, business continuity and emergency response arrangements
• Build effective relationships with customers, regulators, government agencies and internal stakeholders
• Drive continuous improvement in security capability, standards and operational performance

• Significant leadership experience within defence, aerospace, government, nuclear or other highly regulated environments
• Proven experience leading physical and operational security functions across complex, multi-site organisations
• Strong understanding of protective security, threat management and risk-based security delivery
• Experience leading large, geographically dispersed teams and security operations
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive security outcomes across a matrix organisation
• Strong understanding of operational resilience, incident management and crisis response
• Experience managing security within high-value, high-consequence or critical national infrastructure environments
• Proven track record of driving performance, capability development and continuous improvement

Our Security & Resilience function plays a critical role in protecting vital sites, infrastructure and operations, safeguarding one of the world's most advanced aerospace and defence organisations. This is not just about protection - it’s about shaping the future of security across a global enterprise. You’ll work alongside experts, leveraging advanced intelligence and risk management to influence decisions at the highest level. You’ll have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on national security, while contributing to projects that span multiple countries and critical programmes.

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work - this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family - support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make. 

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

We welcome applications from all candidates and give full, fair and open consideration to everyone. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team to discuss any further support you may need. Connect with us at baesystems.com/connect

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 6th November 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible

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