Compliance Manager [Onboarding]

Compliance Officer & Security Controller

Protect. Influence. Lead.
 
Are you an experienced Compliance or Security professional looking for a role where you can genuinely shape the future of a growing defence-focused business?
We are looking for a Compliance Officer and designated Security Controller to take ownership of compliance, governance and security agenda, ensuring we continue to operate to the highest standards of integrity, resilience and regulatory excellence.
This is far more than a compliance monitoring role. You'll be a trusted advisor to senior leadership, influencing strategic decisions, safeguarding critical information and driving a culture where security, governance and operational excellence are embedded into everything we do.
For the right individual, this is an exceptional opportunity to build on an established foundation and develop the role as the business grows, with increasing responsibility, visibility and career progression.
 
What You'll Be Doing
As Compliance Officer & Security Controller, you'll be at the heart of the organisation, balancing regulatory requirements with business objectives while ensuring the business remains secure, compliant and audit-ready.
 
Key responsibilities include:
Acting as the organisation's Security Controller, providing leadership across physical, personnel and information security.
Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, regulations and standards including GDPR, Export Controls, ISO standards, GovS007 and Known Consignor requirements.
Monitoring regulatory developments and translating them into practical policies, processes and controls across the business.
Leading security vetting activities, access controls, classified information handling and security awareness programmes.
Serving as Security Programme Manager for the Known Consignor Scheme and managing relationships with government agencies, regulators and accreditation bodies.
Maintaining the corporate risk register and providing assurance to senior leaders on organisational compliance and security performance.
Planning and leading internal audits, external audits, inspections and accreditation activities.
Driving continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to strengthen governance, compliance maturity and risk management processes.
Delivering engaging training, guidance and subject matter expertise to colleagues across the organisation.
Supporting investigations, incident management and corrective action activities where required.
Partnering with HR, IT, SHEQ, Operations and other departments to ensure compliance and security considerations are integrated into everyday business practices.
Protecting sensitive information and ensuring adherence to regulatory reporting requirements and the need-to-know principle.
 
Why This Role Is Different
This is a unique opportunity to join a business where compliance and security are viewed as strategic enablers rather than administrative requirements.
 
You'll have the chance to:
 
✅ Influence business strategy and decision-making
✅ Work directly with senior leadership and government stakeholders
✅ Lead meaningful security and compliance initiatives
✅ Shape governance frameworks and best practice
✅ Develop your career in a growing and ambitious organisation
✅ Make a visible impact across the entire business
 
About the Team
You'll join the BI, Facilities, Security & SHEQ function, reporting directly to the Director of BI, Facilities, Security & SHEQ.
Working in a collaborative environment, you'll engage with colleagues across every area of the business while acting as the central point of expertise for compliance, governance and security matters.
 
What We're Looking For
We're looking for a confident, credible and highly professional individual who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.
 
Essential Experience
Significant experience in compliance, governance, security, auditing, risk management or quality assurance within regulated or high-security environments.
Strong knowledge of UK Government security frameworks, MOD requirements, Known Consignor regulations and Cyber Essentials Plus.
Experience managing personnel security and vetting processes, including BPSS, SC and DV clearances.
Proven experience supporting government audits, inspections and compliance reviews.
Strong stakeholder management skills with experience engaging regulators, government agencies and external partners.
Demonstrable experience identifying, assessing and mitigating business, compliance and security risks.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Exceptional attention to detail combined with sound commercial judgement.
High levels of integrity, discretion and professionalism.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Desirable Experience
Experience supporting compliance and security activities across multi-site or international defence organisations.
 
Qualifications
 
Essential
Ability to satisfy Security Check (SC) clearance requirements.
DISA-accredited Security Controller and Personnel Security & Vetting training, including:
Document & Information Security
IVCO/Contracts
Security Clearance Procedures
Document Security Procedures
 
Desirable
Professional security qualification such as CSyP, CPP or MSc Security & Risk Management.
BTEC Level 2 in Applying Security Controls within the Defence Industry.
CPD-approved GDPR qualification or equivalent.
Ready to make a real impact?
 
If you're passionate about governance, security and compliance and want a role where your expertise will directly influence organisational success, we'd love to hear from you.
 
Join us today and help shape a secure, compliant and resilient future.