Head of Security – UK & International Markets

This job is with BAE Systems, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

Job Title: Head of Security – UK & International Markets

Location: Warton, Hybrid, 3 days per week on site

We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role

Salary: £85,000+ plus performance bonus and car allowance

Who We Are

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Job Description

This is a high-impact leadership role within our Air Sector Security function, responsible for shaping and delivering the protective security strategy across the UK and international markets. You’ll operate at a strategic level – advising senior leadership, influencing business decisions, and ensuring security enables growth across a complex global environment.

With responsibility spanning the UK and key international locations including the Middle East, you’ll lead a multinational team and bring a forward-looking, intelligence-led approach to risk, resilience and operational security.

This is a role where you’ll directly shape how security supports major programmes, international partnerships, and future market opportunities.

Core Duties

• Define and deliver the Protective Security Strategy across UK & International markets, aligned to business objectives

Lead, develop and inspire a multi-disciplinary, multinational security team

Provide strategic, intelligence-led advice to senior leaders across the business

Identify and manage security risks across UK and overseas operations, ensuring proportionate and effective mitigation

Influence enterprise-level decision making, representing security across internal and external forums

Lead incident response and investigations, ensuring learning and continuous improvement

Build and maintain senior relationships with customers, government bodies and international partners

Drive consistency, governance and best practice across all locations

Support business continuity and resilience planning across multiple geographies

Support bids, campaigns and future market development by embedding security into business strategy

Identify opportunities to enhance capability, innovation and operational effectiveness

Essential Skills

• Extensive experience in a senior security leadership role within a large, complex and international organisation
• Excellent knowledge of security policy, governance and best practice within government, defence or regulated environments
• Proven ability to influence and operate at senior leadership level across multiple stakeholders and geographies
• Experience leading and developing high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams
• Good understanding of risk, threat intelligence and resilience in both UK and international contexts
• Commercial awareness and ability to balance security with business objectives
• Background in defence, government, military or similar environments is highly desirable
  
  

The Security & Resilience Team

Our Security & Resilience team is at the forefront of safeguarding one of the most advanced aerospace and defence organisations in the world. This is not just about protection – it’s about shaping the future of security across a global enterprise. You’ll work alongside experts, leveraging advanced intelligence and risk management to influence decisions at the highest level. You’ll have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on national security, while contributing to projects that span multiple countries and critical programmes.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A Place Where Everyone Can Thrive

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 24th April 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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