Protective Security Adviser Principal

About the Role

Based at MOD Abbey Wood in Bristol, the Protective Security Adviser Principal position is key to ensuring robust security and resilience across the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group, industry partners, and the Defence community. The role involves advising on protective security and business continuity management to safeguard critical operations and assets at all classification levels, supporting the secure delivery of defence projects by adhering to policies and governance frameworks.

The position demands vigilance against complex threats including organised crime, terrorism, and espionage, protecting sensitive government data, financial assets, and personal information. The adviser provides expert guidance on physical, personnel, and information security, manages assurance and compliance activities, and liaises closely with government security agencies, security officers, and other stakeholders. Frequent travel is required, with mandatory full-time office attendance when not travelling.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee specialist security processes related to Special Information Control Systems across Defence to ensure compliance and secure organisational information and technology.
• Lead or support accreditation of facilities handling highly compartmented information within Defence.
• Engage with Departmental security authorities, Establishment Security Officers, and Security Controllers to manage accreditation and security arrangements.
• Implement rigorous controls and audits for protection of sensitive assets, including access management and decommissioning procedures.
• Manage and respond to queries on security processes through official reporting channels.
• Coordinate the Security Assurance team in support of accreditation activities and manage report releases and subsequent actions.
• Provide practical, proportionate security advice aligned with relevant policies and standards, addressing residual risks.
• Offer informed, evidence-based recommendations to decision-makers to mitigate risks and resolve issues.

Candidate Profile

• Proven extensive experience advising on protective security within government, defence, critical infrastructure, public sector, or comparable complex environments.
• Capability to assess risks, influence stakeholders, and develop and implement effective security mitigations.
• Strong understanding of Risk, Mitigation, Physical Security, Protective Security principles, Threat Awareness, and Government security standards.
• Ability to manage compliance and assurance of highly sensitive compartmented information, including physical and personnel security measures.

Requirements and Eligibility

This role is only available to sole UK nationals who have lived in the UK for the last 10 years. Dual nationals or those requiring visa sponsorship are not eligible. Candidates must be able to obtain Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance without caveats that would restrict role duties. Failure to obtain required clearance or obtaining restricted clearance will lead to withdrawal of any offer. The clearance process may take up to 12 months.

Employment Details and Benefits

• Annual salary: £44,100 with an employer pension contribution of £12,775 to the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme, averaging 28.97% contribution.
• Annual leave of 25 days, increasing by 1 day each year up to 30 days, plus 8 bank holidays and a day off for the King's birthday.
• Performance-based annual bonus and recognition awards.
• Access to specialist training and funded qualifications.
• Support for career progression and development.
• Extensive employee discounts.
• Volunteering leave days.
• Enhanced parental leave provisions.

Additional Information

The NAD Group represents an integrated team combining expertise in science, technology, procurement, infrastructure, and support to efficiently deliver capabilities to the UK Armed Forces and allies. The organisation promotes diversity of thought and values applicants from varied experiences, supporting flexible and family-friendly working environments.

Full-time physical presence onsite at Abbey Wood is required, except when travelling for official duties.

More about the Civil Service recruitment principles, candidate information, terms and conditions, and the Civil Service Code can be found through respective official channels. The recruitment process observes MOD's privacy guidelines and promotes disability confidence as a leader in this area.