20 Nov 2026
20 Nov 2026
Teddington, United Kingdom
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Environment, Social and Governance (ESG)
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Salary starting from £92,496 - depending on experience
Permanent

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Head of Security

About the Role
Security at NPL is changing. Driven by the changes to the global threat landscape, the geopolitics of science and technology, NPL’s profile of activity and the opportunity to win more security and defence business, we are strengthening the profile and oversight of security. Whilst we are committed to remaining open and collaborative for much of our work, aspects of our activity require stronger risk controls to protect NPL and the UK national interest. We are therefore adopting a more segmented, flexible, approach to security.

Within this context we are recruiting for a new Head of Security. This role will be a member of the senior leadership team, responsible for leading the definition and delivery of NPL’s security strategy. The role-holder will work in close collaboration with other leaders at NPL to define and deliver security across all its dimensions; including physical, personnel, technical and information security at a level proportionate to the risks assessed and suitably compartmented.

The role-holder will report to the COO but will have Board-level visibility and will work with the BIST sponsorship team and engage closely with other parts of government including Cabinet Office and Security Services. In doing so, the Head of Security will support high-quality scientific and engineering delivery while managing and mitigating security risks to an appropriate level. The focus is on enabling sustainable business performance and safeguarding NPL’s responsibilities and reputation as a national laboratory.
About You
You will be an experienced and credible security leader with the strategic judgement, resilience and collaborative approach needed to operate in a complex, high-profile environment. Comfortable engaging at Board and government level, you will combine deep security expertise with a pragmatic, business-focused mindset, enabling NPL’s mission while safeguarding its people, assets, information and reputation.

What we are looking for

You'll be able to lead NPL’s organisation-wide security strategy, coordinating with a range of colleagues to assess and manage evolving threats, strengthen resilience and support business needs.

Experienced in developing and implementing Security strategies, providing a professional service that aligns security requirements with business needs and taking a pro-active approach to identifying trends and anticipating risks.

Comfortable with collaboration, coordination and influencing, recognising that the role has strategic accountability for Security whilst delivery responsibilities are across several functions.

Ensure compliance with appropriate internal and external governance including quality, health, safety, security and environmental legislation minimising risk to the business and enhancing NPL’s reputation.

Experienced driving continuous improvement, ensuring efficient and effective operational delivery.

Strategic relationship builder - partnering with national security agencies, supply chains and internal customers that will enhance NPL’s ability to deliver its mission, its reputation and remain sustainable.

An inspirational leader - aligning to NPL’s mission, strategy and plans are articulated and understood inside and outside the organisation, that employees and partners are excited by, engaged with and focussed on its successful delivery to maximise impact and growth.

Demonstrated success in developing performance and potential of employees and external consultants & contractors, building highly motivated, customer focused and performing teams.

Act as a brand ambassador for NPL, maximising NPL’s external reputation.

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in this specific area means that nationality, residency and security requirements are more tightly defined than others. To work in this role, you will need to have a DV clearance with no restrictions, or you must be willing and able to obtain a DV clearance.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.
About Us
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. Find out more about what it is like working here - The measure of us - Overview

NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged.

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process and will make reasonable adjustments available throughout the selection process, please contact us for more information.

We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of rewards, benefits and recognition. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.