Head of Security

Job Title: Head of Security

Location: HM Naval Base, Portsmouth (HMNBP)Service Area: Business ManagementHours of Work: 37 Per weekContract Type: PermanentSalary: £70,000 – 80,000What you will be doing: As Head of Security you will provide strategic leadership and accountability for security governance, risk management, assurance and compliance across KBS Maritime.This role brings together all aspects of security; cyber security, information and data security, personnel security, supply chain security, physical security, Secure by Design and security incident management into a coherent Business-as-Usual operating model.

Working with the Leadership Team, MOD stakeholders, customers, projects and functional leaders, you will ensure security obligations are understood, governed and embedded while enabling safe and effective operational delivery.Lead the organisation’s security strategy, governance framework and improvement roadmap, ensuring a consistent and effective approach across all security disciplines.Senior point of accountability and oversight of security risk, assurance and compliance, including reporting and escalation to the Leadership Team, MOD and customer stakeholders.Ensure compliance with contractual, MOD and regulatory security requirements, including Secure by Design, Cyber Security Model requirements and classified-working obligations.Establish and oversee effective security policies, standards, controls and assurance, covering projects, suppliers, subcontractors and the wider supply chain.Provide strategic direction across cyber and information security, personnel and physical security, information classification and secure handling, including security vetting.Ensure Secure by Design and security principles are embedded throughout business change, technology delivery and operational programmes.Establishing and overseeing an effective security incident management capability covering cyber, information, personnel, supply chain and physical security incidents, including investigation, escalation, lessons learned and corrective action tracking.Building and leading a capable, collaborative security function, setting priorities and ensuring effective interfaces with various teams across the businessPromoting a strong security culture through clear communication, targeted awareness, leadership engagement and continuous improvement.Establish appropriate personnel security requirements for employees, contractors, suppliers and visitors., including the oversight of the security vetting process.What you will bring:Senior leadership experience across cyber, information, defence, corporate or enterprise security within a complex, regulated or operationally critical organisation.Demonstrable experience establishing or transforming an integrated security function, governance framework or assurance operating model.Strong knowledge of cyber security, information assurance, personnel security, physical security, supply chain assurance and security incident management.Experience interpreting and implementing MOD, defence-sector, contractual and regulatory security requirements, including Secure by Design and supply chain cyber assurance.Experience managing enterprise security risks, control assurance, audit findings, improvement plans and executive-level reporting.Proven ability to influence senior leaders, customers, suppliers and delivery teams while balancing compliance, risk and operational priorities.About you:Degree-level qualification or equivalent senior experience in cyber security, information security, risk management, defence security or a related discipline.Strong stakeholder leadership and multidisciplinary team management skills.Comfortable working with classified and security-sensitive information.The flexibility to respond to critical security incidents when needed, including outside normal working hours.Have held or be eligible to apply for the level of UK security clearance required.You’ll get:25 days holiday plus bank holidaysHoliday purchase scheme, following successful completion of probation periodEarly finish on a FridayDiscretionary company bonus schemeEnhanced pension scheme – employee contribution 4% and company contribution 6%, or you can increase your contribution to 6% and company contribution will increase to 10%Life assurance x 4 (subject to scheme T&C’s)Access to our internal benefits and discounts programme for all colleaguesCycle to work schemeGroup income protectionFlexible parental benefits (if applicable)Free parking onsiteAccess to our Internal employee assistance network, giving you the opportunity to reach the heights of success within your new position.Continued professional career developmentKudos reward opportunities (internal achievements scheme)Occupational Health & Wellbeing ServicesDiscount off entry into the Historic DockyardApplication process:Applications are urged to apply prior to the advertising closing date 18th November 2026Background checks & securityPlease note that due to the nature of the site we are based on and the work carried out, once offered we carry out a number of pre-employment checks which include UKSV clearance applications – you will need to be eligible for this and willing to go through the process. For more information, please speak with the Talent & Recruitment team.About us:At KBS Maritime, we're not just another company – we're an exciting and dynamic joint venture between industry leaders BAE Systems and KBR. Our team is dedicated to providing Asset Management, Infrastructure Management, Energy Solutions and Alongside Services at His Majesty's Naval Base Portsmouth (HMNBP), the beating heart of the Royal Navy.With almost two-thirds of the Royal Navy's surface ships stationed at HMNBP, working with KBS Maritime means being at the forefront of innovation and progress. We operate in a unique and fascinating environment, with a mix of historic dockyards and cutting-edge infrastructure that's unlike any other.By delivering state of the art solutions to the Royal Navy, KBS Maritime offers the chance to work on projects that make a real difference to the safety, security, and sustainability of the UK's National Defence and Security. But it's not just about the work – at KBS Maritime, we believe in the value of our people. We have the ethos of a small business, which means we value and empower our team members to succeed.KBS Maritime is committed to building a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from individuals of every social or cultural background, age, gender, ability, sexual orientation, and belief.We will make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process to accommodate any disability. In the first instance, if you require this job advert in an alternative format, or require any assistance, please contact recruitment@kbsmaritime.com