Overview
Job Title: Head of Security Operations
Location: Reading area. The role could be contracted to any BAE Systems site (preferably Frimley) but on commencement will be assigned to Edgewing HQ in the Reading area. A financial support package may be available to enable this assignment, dependent on certain criteria. The role is expected to be primarily on site with potential flexible working arrangements; please speak to your recruiter about options.
Salary: £105,000 plus executive benefits
What You’ll Be Doing
* Lead and oversee global security operations, integrating physical, technical, personnel, information, cyber, incident and crisis management to align with organisational goals and legal/contractual obligations.
* Establish, manage and continuously improve a global Security Operations Centre (SOC) providing 24/7 operational security capability across multiple international locations.
* Develop, implement and adapt protective security policies, controls, and threat intelligence strategies to remain proportionate to risks and responsive to evolving threats, business needs, and regulations.
* Establish highly capable and integrated security operations capabilities across sites in the UK, Italy and Japan.
* Provide expert, multi-domain security advice to the Chief Security Officer and Edgewing board members, partners and stakeholders, ensuring security practices enable business operations.
* Develop and drive a next-generation approach to delivering security operations in a cost-efficient and business-enabled way.
* Lead and manage multi-disciplinary operational teams, assigning responsibilities, setting objectives, and ensuring technical, financial, and quality performance standards are met.
* Oversee protection and management of classified information, materials and assets, ensuring compliance with national and international legislation, government regulations and company protocols.
* Build and maintain influential relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including government, industry and intelligence services, to strengthen security collaboration and threat prevention.
* Monitor, assess and report on security performance and risks, manage incidents, ensure travel security, drive threat awareness programmes, and safeguard personnel, facilities and assets worldwide.
* Develop skills, knowledge and experience across the international team to enable long-term capability improvements and sustainability.
* Manage a multi-million-pound investment plan for operations. Define, deliver and manage high-value contracted services and resource agreements.
Essential Skills and Experience
* Strong stakeholder management, with experience communicating with senior leadership (ideally including board level) across multiple functions, including government authorities.
* Influencing and contributing to business decisions, including policy development and approach.
* Real-world experience delivering security operations in high-threat, high-risk programmes that may involve hostile state actors.
* Track record of developing and delivering new security capabilities and continuous improvement.
* Pragmatic decision-making skills with the ability to support the business under pressure.
* Proven problem-solving capabilities, applying forward and lateral thinking to complex issues.
* Capacity to build trustful relationships at all levels of the organisation.
* Strong teamwork and people management skills with international partners or as part of an international security organisation.
* Proven ability to operate and lead operational security managing the full range of classified material.
Benefits
As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems offers employee share plans and an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts. You may also be eligible for an annual incentive.
The Team
By joining Edgewing, you will have a unique opportunity to shape the company from the ground up, setting foundations for generations to come and helping us build something world-class together. Edgewing is united by a shared purpose to drive what’s next in defence, bringing UK, Italian, and Japanese expertise to shape the future of global defence. We value trust and empower our people to dare to go beyond, bring their best as one, and leave a lasting impact on a global mission.
Why BAE Systems?
This is a place where you can make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, integrity and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and strive for inclusive recruitment processes. If you have a disability or health condition that may affect your performance in certain assessments, please speak to your recruiter about reasonable adjustments.
Please note that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to security and export control restrictions. Factors such as nationality and place of birth can affect eligibility. All applicants must meet Baseline Personnel Security Standard at a minimum; higher levels of National Security Vetting may be required depending on the role.
Closing Date
10th October 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications, so please apply promptly.
Job Details
* Seniority level: Executive
* Employment type: Full-time
* Job function: Other, Information Technology, and Management
* Industries: Defense and Space Manufacturing
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