Imperial College London is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of People Security to lead the design and delivery of a robust people security and assurance function that protects the Imperial community and safeguards Imperial’s research, people and critical assets.
Reporting to the Director of Security and Community Safety, you will operate at the heart of Imperial’s protective security framework. Working with senior stakeholders across the organisation’s most sensitive areas, you will shape proportionate and risk-based people security arrangements that support trusted research and protect the Imperial community.
In this role, you will lead the delivery of Imperial’s people security framework across all campuses, working closely with senior stakeholders to embed proportionate, intelligence-led people security policies and assurance arrangements into day-to-day operations, research activity and major events. Acting as the Imperial’s Subject Matter Expert on Personnel Security, you will provide trusted advice on sensitive and complex matters, supporting decision-making in areas exposed to heightened people security risk.
You will oversee people security operations, vetting and intelligence services, and work in close partnership with colleagues across Security, People, Student Services and external agencies to manage risk, support emergency planning and strengthen community resilience. Alongside this, you will lead and develop the People Security Policy, manage key supplier relationships, and drive continuous improvement through effective governance, data, insight and learning across the Imperial estate.
We are looking for a senior people security professional with substantial experience in personnel security, insider threat, counterintelligence or related people security disciplines, gained within complex and sensitive environments. You will hold membership of a recognised security institute or have significant vocational experience, and bring strong knowledge of people security risk assessment, emergency management and people security contract management with experience of shaping people security frameworks, advising at a senior level and operating in high-risk or high-profile contexts.
You will demonstrate sound judgement, discretion and resilience when handling sensitive or high-risk matters, balancing protection, proportionality and openness within an academic setting. Systematic and self-motivated, you will be comfortable working across multiple priorities, applying insight and learning to improve practice, and promoting a strong, inclusive culture of personal safety, responsibility and trust across the Imperial community.
1. The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
2. Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days’ annual and mandatory leave, and generous pension schemes).
3. Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
4. Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
5. Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various and resources to support your personal and professional .