South Mimms, Hertfordshire
Job Summary
We are currently looking for a Security Manager to join our Infrastructure and Laboratory Services Function within the Corporate group.
This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. This role will be based onsite at our Science Campus in South Mimms, Hertfordshire. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.
Who are we?
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research.
Infrastructure and Laboratory Services (I&LS) are part of the Corporate Group and provide engineering and specialist staff to deliver a safe working environment for staff, particularly in our specialist scientific facilities.
ILS support the Agency work by having clear funded programmes to maintain the infrastructure, facilities and equipment as well as money to invest in unique scientific facilities and a centralised support process to, where appropriate, deliver efficiencies, savings and value for money. The Division has three departments:
Facilities & Laboratory Services – day to day running & support of sites, laboratories and other specialised facilities, security, catering, cleaning, waste and 10SC liaison for 10th Floor
Engineering – Management of engineeringly complex buildings and infrastructure, adhering to critical health and safety requirements and responding to alarms 24/7
Specialist Project & Programme Management – of the Capital programme by providing Project Management / project engineering as required for: building alterations, lab refurbs including high containment, acquisition, installation and commissioning of new plant, equipment and digital IT and special programmes.
Job Description
What's the role?
The post holder is responsible for managing the Security Team covering physical security at all Agency sites; Ensuring the effective delivery of Site Physical Security, Secure CAD Drawings, Cleaning and Catering services, including contract management of a large number of suppliers to provide services as well as planned preventative maintenance (PPM), calibration and repair of a variety of security and other equipment to support the Agency and in particular, the South Mimms site, which comprises state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure specialised to deliver MHRA's statutory functions, including high containment and clean room facilities.
Key responsibilities:
Responsible for the provision of physical security across the sites, secure access to Agency sites and assets, a secure CAD drawing service, security clearances, cleaning and catering services including contract management of the various physical security contracts. Manage the Security Team staff including all formal management tasks.
Accountable for undertaking risk and threat assessments and operational requirements, implementing and maintaining suitable barriers and controls to protect Agency staff and assets. Regular testing should be carried out to assure that the systems and controls are working and if required action taken to improve them.
Accountable for the planned preventative maintenance program for specialised security equipment and systems across the South Mimms Site. This includes ensuring all security systems and equipment are maintained, fit for use. Putting in place and managing specialised contracts to support the CCTV, access control, intruder and other core systems, suppliers and services to ensure they are functioning 24/7
Investigate, analyse and resolve faults incidents and breaches on specialist security plant, equipment and systems as they occur and on a priority basis, such that the SMS continues to function safely and securely and senior management are aware as required.
What's the role?
The post holder is responsible for managing the Security Team covering physical security at all Agency sites; Ensuring the effective delivery of Site Physical Security, Secure CAD Drawings, Cleaning and Catering services, including contract management of a large number of suppliers to provide services as well as planned preventative maintenance (PPM), calibration and repair of a variety of security and other equipment to support the Agency and in particular, the South Mimms site, which comprises state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure specialised to deliver MHRA's statutory functions, including high containment and clean room facilities.
Key responsibilities:
Responsible for the provision of physical security across the sites, secure access to Agency sites and assets, a secure CAD drawing service, security clearances, cleaning and catering services including contract management of the various physical security contracts. Manage the Security Team staff including all formal management tasks.
Accountable for undertaking risk and threat assessments and operational requirements, implementing and maintaining suitable barriers and controls to protect Agency staff and assets. Regular testing should be carried out to assure that the systems and controls are working and if required action taken to improve them.
Accountable for the planned preventative maintenance program for specialised security equipment and systems across the South Mimms Site. This includes ensuring all security systems and equipment are maintained, fit for use. Putting in place and managing specialised contracts to support the CCTV, access control, intruder and other core systems, suppliers and services to ensure they are functioning 24/7
Investigate, analyse and resolve faults incidents and breaches on specialist security plant, equipment and systems as they occur and on a priority basis, such that the SMS continues to function safely and securely and senior management are aware as required.
Person specification
Who are we looking for?
Our Successful Candidate Will Have
In depth understanding of physical security protocols, procedures and Operational Requirements, conducting risk assessments and site vulnerability analyses, emergency response and incident investigations. Proficient in the use and maintenance of security equipment and technology (CCTV, access control, intruder). Likely to be achieved by working on a secure site likely a laboratory or similar environment, using and operating the equipment.
Well-documented experience involving an understanding of physical security requirements, including LPS1175 Security Rated products. Experience working with the Police or Counter Terrorism Advisors.
Relevant technical background/knowledge, to include a degree or equivalent in criminal justice, security management, business administration or similar or equivalent relevant experience. Other certifications such as CPP (certified protection professional), PSP (physical security professional) or CPO (certified protection officer) would be an advantage.
Relevant Staff Management and Contract Management background/knowledge
Role-model commitment and satisfaction with role. Recognise and praise the achievements of others to drive positivity within the team. Effectively manage conflict, misconduct and non-inclusive behaviour, raising with senior managers where appropriate
If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please click here for further details
Person Specification
Method of assessment: A=Application, I=Interview
Behaviour Criteria
Seeing the Big Picture (I)
Leadership (I)
Making Effective Decisions (I)
Experience Criteria
In depth understanding of physical security protocols, procedures and Operational Requirements, conducting risk assessments and site vulnerability analyses, emergency response and incident investigations. Proficient in the use and maintenance of security equipment and technology (CCTV, access control, intruder). Likely to be achieved by working on a secure site likely a laboratory or similar environment, using and operating the equipment. (A, I)
Well-documented experience involving both an understanding of physical security requirements, including LPS1175 Security Rated products and experience in staff and contract management. Experience in working with the Police or Counter Terrorism Advisors. (A, I)
Technical Criteria
Relevant technical background/knowledge, to include a degree or equivalent in criminal justice, security management, business administration or similar or equivalent relevant experience. Other certifications such as CPP (certified protection professional), PSP (physical security professional) or CPO (certified protection officer) would be an advantage. (A)
Relevant Staff Management and Contract Management background/knowledge (A)
Strengths Criteria
Analytical (I)
Responsible (I)
Team Leader (I)
Alongside your salary of £46,160, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency contributes £13,372 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
Annual Leave: 25 days annual leave on entry, rising by one day for each completed year of service to a maximum of 30 days and pro-rata for part-time staff. PLUS 8 bank holidays
Privilege Leave: 1 day
Hours of Work: 37 hours (net) per week for full time staff in all geographical locations, including London and pro rata for part-time staff
Occupational Sick Pay (OSP): One month full pay/one month half pay on entry, rising by one month for each completed year of service to a maximum of five months full pay/five months half pay
Mobility: Mobility clause in contracts allowing staff to be mobile across the Civil Service
Civil Service Pension Scheme. Please see the link for further information For enquiries relating to the Civil Service Pension Schemes please contact MyCSP's Pension Service Centre directly on
Flexible working to ensure staff maintain a healthy work-life balance
Interest free season ticket loan or bike loan
Employee Assistance Services and access to the Civil Service Benevolent Fund
Eligibility to join the Civil Service Motoring Association (CSMA)
Variety of staff and Civil Service clubs
On-going learning and development
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
The Selection Process
We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates, find out more here.
Application, which will include a CV, which should demonstrate how you meet the Experience and Technical Success Profile criteria. Please submit your application to Hays by visiting this website
Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.
Closing date: 01 March 2026
Shortlisting date: From 02 March 2026
Interview date: 26th and 27th March 2026
Candidates will be contacted within a week of the sift and the interviews completed to inform them of the outcome.
If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact
Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here.
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro-life activism checks. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.
Role
Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations, and in some circumstances, routine health surveillance. These roles include:
Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens
Maintenance roles, particularly those required to work in laboratory settings
Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required
Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant's details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here.
Individuals appointed on level transfer will retain their existing salary and are responsible for ensuring they fully understand the financial implications of any potential move and the impact (if any) on their terms. If an individual is in any doubt, they should seek clarification before accepting a job offer.
Staff joining on promotion will receive up to a 10% increase of their current basic salary, or the pay band minimum, whichever is the greater.
The individual will not retain any allowances paid by the former department/Agency, unless there are special circumstances, such as a reserved right to those allowances on transfer.
Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries, please contact
In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners' Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should firstly contact
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at:
Civil Service Commission
Room G/8
1 Horse Guards Road
London
SW1A 2HQ
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups
UK nationals
nationals of the Republic of Ireland
nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact
Name : Graham Power
Email :
Recruitment team
Email :
Further information
In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners' Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact the Resourcing Team at, in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: - - Civil Service Commission Room G/8 1 Horse Guards Road London SW1A 2HQ