Senior Security Advisor

UK Telecoms Lab 

Led by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL), announced in October 2022, will give the UK the cutting-edge technology to keep our telecommunications networks safe, accelerate the roll-out of 5G,and grow our brilliant telecoms sector by bringing in new entrants to diversify the supply chain market.

Read more about the UKTLhere!

As a trusted and independent national capability, the UKTL will interact at the intersection of standards bodies, such as 3GPP, the National Cyber Security Centre and the wider UK intelligence community, academia, Ofcom, as well as Communications Service Providers and telecommunication equipment vendors.

As a member of the UKTL Team, this role is responsible for delivering physical security, standards, and compliance oversight, ensuring design and implementation of new facilities are based on criticality of the assets and understanding of the threat.

Role Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the physical and personnel security of high security environments.
• To ensure that operational design elements are built into programmes to deliver the required security posture, based on current and future threat vectors.
• Provide governance and oversight of physical security standards to NPL’s critical assets.
• Plan, deliver & review internal security assurance audits to identify non-compliance, across physical security making practical recommendations.
• Conduct security investigations where vulnerabilities or procedural failings are identified and collate and present statistical data to monitor standards and develop improvement Initiatives.
• Build and maintain excellent relationships with internal and external stakeholders including the wider security team, estates, third party contractors, contracting authorities and relevant government agencies.
• Develop operational procedures to address gaps in security performance in line with the NPL security strategy.
• Report and communicate non-compliance and provide guidance and support to comply.
• Monitor updates in likely threat vectors to NPL’s interests.
• Develop and maintain a knowledge base of threat actor modes of operation and indicators & warnings to inform risk management strategies.
• Maintain currency on physical security standards, methodologies and market leading technical products and infrastructure whilst delivering return on investment to the business. 

Successful Applicants must be able to commute to the UKTL offices in Birmingham with the possibility of hybrid working.

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.

You will have had experience within a security function particularly designing, implementing and managing the requirements of a secure facility. You have worked as part of a wider team but can also manage and co-ordinate your own workload. What’s more you will be pragmatic, highly organised, detail-focussed and a good communicator. Beyond that, we’re looking for someone who’ll thrive in an environment like ours.

Essential skills include,

• The ability to develop operational procedures to address gaps in security performance in line with the security strategy.
• Able to manage high security environments, including the provision of callout response.
• To maintain security awareness and culture
• To provide governance and oversight of physical security standards to NPL’s secure critical assets.

Experience of designing physical security infrastructure into secure facilities and implementing appropriate security procedures. Excellent communication skills and stakeholder management. Strong organisational skills, able to work towards deadlines and balance conflicting priorities. Must have or be able to obtain level of security clearance appropriate to the role. Membership of DISA or Membership of Security Institute Hold a vocational qualification such as CSMP or ASIS CPP.

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. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance. However, to work in this role within UKTL, you will need to have an SC clearance with no restrictions, or you must have the ability to obtain an SC clearance.

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 are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of 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.