Head of Security and Compliance

The Head of Business Security & Compliance is responsible for leading the global security and compliance strategy across all UK, European and Canadian sites, programmes, and projects. The role provides senior expertise across information security, cyber security, data governance, and defence security requirements, ensuring the organisation meets all legislative, regulatory, and contractual standards. This position acts as the principal link between technical teams, business leadership, government partners, clients, and external authorities to maintain a robust, compliant, and resilient security environment., Strategic Security, Data Governance & Compliance LeadershipRead on to find out what you will need to succeed in this position, including skills, qualifications, and experience.Strategic Security, Data Governance & Compliance LeadershipProvide senior leadership on IT and data compliance, including global expertise in data management, information security, and GDPR requirements.Establish, maintain, and continuously improve the organisation's security frameworks, procedures, policies, and standards, ensuring alignment with legislation, MoD requirements, Government guidelines, contract requirements and corporate expectations.Lead initiatives to embed and sustain a robust security culture across all business areas.Cyber Security Oversight & IT AssuranceOversee cyber security governance, working closely with IT teams and managed service providers to ensure controls are implemented, functioning, tested, and routinely audited.Provide senior guidance to ensure IT systems and infrastructure comply with security procedures, data protection standards, and operational requirements.Develop and deliver organisation-wide training on IT compliance, information security, and cyber security best practices.Defence Security, Accreditation & Classified Material ManagementAct as the organisation's Security Controller and Crypto Custodian, ensuring full compliance with defence security obligations.Manage all aspects of personnel and facility security clearances, security accreditation, and the handling, processing, storage, mustering, and destruction of protectively marked and crypto-related material.Lead the management of Security Aspects Letters (SALs), security reporting, audits, and all requirements linked to defence contracts.Physical, Facilities & Operational SecurityPlan, implement, and oversee FSC-compliant physical and operational security measures for sites, facilities, programmes, and projects.Manage contracts and performance for security services, systems, and equipment.Ensure security vetting processes are effectively managed in partnership with HR and deliver mandatory security inductions and briefings.Assurance, Monitoring & ReportingLead the audit and assurance programme to validate the effectiveness of security procedures, controls, and compliance measures.Analyse security incidents, produce monthly security performance reporting, and proactively address emerging patterns or risks.Maintain organisational security SLAs, manuals, and compliance documentation, ensuring all accreditations remain current and properly governed.Stakeholder Engagement & External RelationsWork closely with internal stakeholders to anticipate and resolve security risks, ensuring programmes and projects meet required security standards.Maintain influential relationships with external commercial and government security advisors, including the Police, CTSA, MOD, NPSA, DE&S, and other relevant agencies.Represent the organisation confidently in all security-related engagements, audits, and consultations.Continuous Improvement & Environmental AwarenessMonitor changes in legislation, technology, threat landscapes, and best practices to ensure the organisation remains compliant and well-protected.Drive continuous improvement across all areas of security and compliance.QualificationsExtensive experience in security, information assurance, cyber governance, or compliance roles.Proven track record leading security in a multi-site or multinational organisation.Experience working with MoD, NPSA, DE&S, government security agencies, or other regulated defence/security environments.Experience handling classified information, managing clearances, or acting in roles such as Security Controller or Crypto Custodian.Demonstrated experience overseeing cyber security controls, audits, or compliance in partnership with IT teams and MSPs.Familiarity with frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIST, CAF, or similar standards.Experience developing corporate security policies, frameworks, and operating procedures.Experience leading security accreditation, assurance reviews, or certification maintenance.Exposure to facility and physical security planning, contract management, and security technology solutions.Experience delivering security awareness training and supporting cultural transformation programmes.Successful track record working with senior leadership teams, HR, IT, facilities, programme management, and external partners.Experience presenting security performance, risks, and incident insights to executive boards or senior stakeholders.Experience analysing incidents, producing incident reports, and implementing corrective actions.Additional local needsThe successful candidate will need to be eligible to obtain full SC clearance.CompanyMarshall Land Systems is a Canadian-owned global company with an unrivalled pedigree of British engineering excellence. From its origins in Cambridge, UK, through more than a century of innovation, pioneering advances from the nose of Concorde to the early Hydrogen fuel cell technology that ultimately powered the moon landings, Marshall engineers now continue to innovate specialist vehicles and infrastructure for NATO forces across the world. From bomb disposal vehicles to deployed shelters, from command and control to CT scanners on the battlefield, Marshall Land Systems protects people in critical situations with the very best in engineering. xpwpeyx It employs 600 people with major facilities the UK, Canada, and the Netherlands.Benefits27 days holiday increasing with service up to 30 days (option to buy /sell)Pension contributions up to 9%Private medical insurance for you and your partnerExtensive flexible benefit program including Cycle to WorkLife assurance at 4x basic salaryEnhanced parental leave and payPaid volunteering leaveAccess to industry leading wellbeing resources and tools#J-18808-Ljbffr