Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn.in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

The Security Operations Manager (SOM) will work as an integral member the Central Security Team (CST) providing Governance & Assurance, Audit, Training & Awareness and Operational support to the business. The key objective of the CST is to ensure that GKN Aerospace protects its People, Property, Assets, Information and Reputation and by doing so, ensures the company is compliant with its contractual, legal and regulatory obligations, meets the business requirements and ultimately maintains its ‘License to Operate.’ The SOM will play an important part in achieving this.

The SOM will demonstrate a strong background, knowledge and experience in Security and will possess the ability to work strategically providing guidance and direction to senior business leaders, as well as operationally down to manufacturing site level.

The SOM will be a subject matter expert in a range of security related fields including Personnel Security; Physical Security; Technical security systems; Physical Information Security; Travel Security; Events Security; Crisis and Management and Response.

A key element of the role will be to support the integration of the Security function across GKN Aerospace, assisting with the implementation of the governance framework; providing a central Audit capability; delivering security training and awareness, and where appropriate, providing operational support and guidance to Business Line Security Leads and Site Security Managers.

Internal collaboration with key functional stakeholders including Business Line Chief Operating Officers, Business Line Security Leads and Site Security Managers, HR, Procurement, Export Control and external liaison with the Contracting Authorities, customer peers and third-party providers will be key to delivering change, embedding a security culture and delivering exceptional support and ‘value add’ to the business.

US and Mexico Focus

In addition to global responsibilities, the SOM will serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for all security management activities in the US and Mexico. This role involves ensuring close alignment, collaboration, and consistent communication with Site Security Managers (SSMs) and Business Line Security Leads (BLSLs) within the region. The SOM will provide tailored advice, guidance, and direction to address specific regional security challenges and requirements, support the implementation and enforcement of security policies, monitor and assess regional security threats and vulnerabilities, and oversee regional security audits to ensure compliance with global standards and local regulations.

Job Responsibilities

Accountable to the Head of Security for the effective delivery of Security Risk Management across the business by:

• Developing and implementing a robust governance framework to include Security Policy, Standards and Guidelines

• Participating in Multi-Functional Audit programs, to review current practices and controls; identifying non-compliance gaps and supporting improvement plans

• Developing and delivering Security Awareness training through enterprise-wide campaigns on a programmed and incident related basis

• Providing operational support to the Business Lines and individual manufacturing sites when required.

• Liaising and building close working relationships, Business Line Chief Operating Officers and Site Security Managers to understand specific security requirements and provide support.

• Provide subject matter expertise in key disciplines; Physical Security controls; Technical Security systems; Personnel Security (specific knowledge of US Government Security Clearance levels); Physical Information Security; Travel Security.

• Provide clear direction, guidance and support to the business lines and sites on Crisis Management frameworks and procedures. Support the development of Crisis Management plans; deliver training and exercises; provide support in the event of real-time crisis.

• Conduct investigations where appropriate.

• Deliver Security Awareness Training

Job Qualifications

Require Qualifications:

• US National; appointment subject to obtaining relevant security clearance

• Proactive team-player & self-starter – ability to priority and manage multiple programs across site in varying geographies and time-zones.

• Subject matter expertise and detailed demonstrable knowledge of Security risk management, including incident response.

• Understanding of Threat, Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (TVRA) methodologies and processes.

• Delivery and management of Threat Vulnerability and Risk Assessments (TVRA) & Security Risk Management programs

• Experience in the development and rollout of site security plans, processes and procedures.

• Knowledge of the provision of physical and technical security controls (Perimeter protection; fences; barriers, lighting, CCTV & monitoring; Intruder detection; alarms, access control).

• Strong understanding of Physical Information Security, the potential risks, appropriate controls and interdependencies.

• Experience in managing international travel and implementation of proportionate risk management plans.

• IT proficient – Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

  Preferred Qualifications:

• 5 years Security Risk Management experience

• Experience managing security in a corporate environment

• Academic qualification in Security Management / Security Risk Management (BSc / MSc)

• Background in military, police or law enforcement

• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills - an effective communicator both written and verbal skills

• Industry experience within a manufacturing environment preferably Aerospace industry.

• Investigations experience

• Knowledge Data Protection practices

• Experience of budgetary management

  We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?

  A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working

  Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.

  We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.

  We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology. ​

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