Head of Security Operations

**If you’d like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given.** **Head of Security Operations** Closing date: 1st August 2026 **Location:** **RG7 4PR**, located between Reading and Basingstoke, with **free onsite parking**. **Package: £95,000 – £110,000** (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience) + 10% Bonus **Working pattern:** AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight. We will consider **flexible working requests** so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know your preferred working pattern on your application. **** **Let us introduce the role** **Lead. Protect. Influence. Transform.** Are you a security leader who thrives in complex, high-consequence environments? Do you have the vision, energy and credibility to shape the future of security operations within one of the UK's most important organisations? We're seeking a **Head of Security Operations** to lead the strategic and operational delivery of security across a highly regulated and mission-critical environment. This is far more than a traditional security leadership role. It is an opportunity to influence organisational culture, shape future capability, and ensure the protection of nationally important assets while supporting a clear and meaningful purpose. You'll inherit a capable team and a complex security landscape, but you'll also have the autonomy and support to challenge convention, drive positive change, and create a modern, intelligence-led security function fit for the future. As Head of Security Operations, you will provide strategic leadership for operational security activities, ensuring risks are understood, managed and mitigated effectively across multiple sites and facilities. You'll work at the forefront of security risk management, helping to translate government policy, emerging threat intelligence and organisational requirements into practical, proportionate solutions that enable all units in our business, while maintaining the highest standards of security assurance. Working closely with senior leaders, government stakeholders and operational teams, you will play a pivotal role in maturing how we measure security performance and risks, developing security culture, strengthening insider threat mitigation, and driving continuous improvement across the organisation. **Why This Role?** This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a security function that genuinely matters to the UK. You'll be joining an organisation with a clear mission, working alongside talented people who are passionate about what they do. You'll have the chance to shape strategy, influence culture, develop future capability and leave a lasting legacy in a role where your contribution will be seen, valued and impactful. If you're ready to lead security at scale, drive meaningful change and make a difference where it truly counts, we'd love to hear from you. **What You’ll Be Doing:** - Leading and developing the operational security function, creating a high-performing, engaged and future-focused team. - Shaping security strategy and ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and risk appetite. - Interpreting and applying MOD security policy and other relevant standards across a complex operational environment. - Directing security risk assessment, mitigation planning and assurance activities. - Authoring and continuously improving security policies, processes and standards. - Providing security leadership for major programmes and projects, ensuring security requirements are effectively embedded from the outset. - Leading security investigations and supporting insider threat management activities in partnership with HR, government agencies and senior stakeholders. - Championing a strong security culture and fostering shared ownership of security across the organisation. - Representing security a…