Security Manager
16 hours ago
St Albans
Job Description We are currently looking for a Security Manager to join our Infrastructure and Laboratory Services within the Corporate group. This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. This role will be based onsite at our Science Campus in South Mimms, Hertfordshire. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas. Who are we? The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research. Infrastructure and Laboratory Services (I&LS) are part of the Corporate Group and provide engineering and specialist staff to deliver a safe working environment for staff, particularly in our specialist scientific facilities. ILS Support The Agency Work By Having Clear Funded Programmes To Maintain The Infrastructure, Facilities And Equipment As Well As Money To Invest In Unique Scientific Facilities And a Centralised Support Process To, Where Appropriate, Deliver Efficiencies, Savings And Value For Money. The Division Has Three Departments • Facilities & Laboratory Services – day to day running & support of sites, laboratories and other specialised facilities, security, catering, cleaning, waste and 10SC liaison for 10th Floor, • Engineering – Management of engineeringly complex buildings and infrastructure, adhering to critical health and safety requirements and responding to alarms 24/7, • Specialist Project & Programme Management – of the Capital programme by providing Project Management / project engineering as required for: building alterations, lab refurbs including high containment, acquisition, installation and commissioning of new plant, equipment and digital IT and special programmes What’s the role? The post holder is responsible for managing the Security Team covering physical security at all Agency sites; Ensuring the effective delivery of Site Physical Security, Secure CAD Drawings, Cleaning and Catering services, including contract management of a large number of suppliers to provide services as well as planned preventative maintenance (PPM), calibration and repair of a variety of security and other equipment to support the Agency and in particular, the South Mimms site, which comprises state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure specialised to deliver MHRA’s statutory functions, including high containment and clean room facilities. Key Responsibilities • R esponsible for the provision of physical security across the sites, secure access to Agency sites and assets, a secure CAD drawing service, security clearances, cleaning and catering services including contract management of the various physical security contracts. Manage the Security Team staff including all formal management tasks., • Accountable for undertaking risk and threat assessments and operational requirements, implementing and maintaining suitable barriers and controls to protect Agency staff and assets. Regular testing should be carried out to assure that the systems and controls are working and if required action taken to improve them., • Accountable for the planned preventative maintenance program for specialised security equipment and systems across the South Mimms Site. This includes ensuring all security systems and equipment are maintained, fit for use. Putting in place and managing specialised contracts to support the CCTV, access control, intruder and other core systems, suppliers and services to ensure they are functioning 24/7, • Investigate, analyse and resolve faults incidents and breaches on specialist security plant, equipment and systems as they occur and on a priority basis, such that the SMS continues to function safely and securely and senior management are aware as required. Who are we looking for? Our Successful Candidate Will Have • I n depth understanding of physical security protocols, procedures and Operational Requirements, conducting risk assessments and site vulnerability analyses, emergency response and incident investigations. Proficient in the use and maintenance of security equipment and technology (CCTV, access control, intruder). Likely to be achieved by working on a secure site likely a laboratory or similar environment, using and operating the equipment., • Well-documented experience involving an understanding of physical security requirements, including LPS1175 Security Rated products. Experience working with the Police or Counter Terrorism Advisors., • Relevant technical background/knowledge, to include a degree or equivalent in criminal justice, security management, business administration or similar or equivalent relevant experience. Other certifications such as CPP (certified protection professional), PSP (physical security professional) or CPO (certified protection officer) would be an advantage., • Relevant Staff Management and Contract Management background/knowledge, • Role-model commitment and satisfaction with role. Recognise and praise the achievements of others to drive positivity within the team. Effectively manage conflict, misconduct and non-inclusive behaviour, raising with senior managers where appropriate Person Specification Method of assessment:A=Application, I=Interview Behaviour Criteria • Seeing the Big Picture (I), • Leadership (I), • Making Effective Decisions (I) Experience Criteria • In depth understanding of physical security protocols, procedures and Operational Requirements, conducting risk assessments and site vulnerability analyses, emergency response and incident investigations. Proficient in the use and maintenance of security equipment and technology (CCTV, access control, intruder). Likely to be achieved by working on a secure site likely a laboratory or similar environment, using and operating the equipment. (A, I), • Well-documented experience involving both an understanding of physical security requirements, including LPS1175 Security Rated products and experience in staff and contract management. Experience in working with the Police or Counter Terrorism Advisors. (A, I) Technical Criteria • Relevant technical background/knowledge, to include a degree or equivalent in criminal justice, security management, business administration or similar or equivalent relevant experience. Other certifications such as CPP (certified protection professional), PSP (physical security professional) or CPO (certified protection officer) would be an advantage. (A), • Relevant Staff Management and Contract Management background/knowledge (A) Strengths Criteria • Analytical (I), • Responsible (I), • Team Leader (I) If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification! Please note: The job description may not open in some internet browsers. Please use Chrome or Microsoft Edge. If you have any issue viewing the job description, please contact The Selection Process We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates, find out more here . • Online application form, including questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind, and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application., • Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles. In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of: In depth understanding of physical security protocols, procedures and Operational Requirements, conducting risk assessments and site vulnerability analyses, emergency response and incident investigations and understanding of physical security protocols, procedures and operational requirements, conducting risk assessments and site vulnerability analyses, emergency response and incident investigations Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the competency-based answers provided- ensure you have read these thoroughly and allow sufficient time. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description. Use of AI in Job Applications Applicants must ensure that anything submitted is factually accurate and truthful. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own. If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact as soon as possible. Closing date: 16 January 2026 Shortlisting date: From 19 January 2026 Interview date: 02 February 2026 Candidates will be contacted within a week of the sift and the interviews completed to inform them of the outcome. If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here . Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro-life activism checks. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks . Role Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations, and in some circumstances, routine health surveillance. These roles include: • Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens, • Maintenance roles, particularly those required to work in laboratory settings, • Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required, • Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required. Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government. Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here . Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries, please contact . In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should firstly contact Florentina Oyelami, Head of Talent Acquisition , . If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk Civil Service Commission Room G/8 1 Horse Guards Road London SW1A 2HQ About Us ABOUT US The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research. The agency is made up of c.1300 staff working across two main centres and peripatetically across the UK and abroad. The agency consists of Corporate, Digital & Technology, Enablement, Healthcare Quality & Access, Partnerships, Safety & Surveillance and Scientific Research & Innovation.