Security Lead - Actuation Systems UK

Reporting to the Safran Actuation Global CISO, The Security Lead is responsible for safeguarding the company's people, facilities, and critical information security assets across all operational UK sites. In the highly regulated environment of aviation components manufacturing and defence, this role ensures robust protection against physical threats, insider risks, and unauthorised access, while fostering a culture of safety and compliance.

Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.

Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's ""World's Best Companies 2025"" ranking.

Safran Electronics & Defense is an international company with more than 19,000 employees who bring together expertise and team spirit to design high-technology solutions for the aerospace, defense and space sectors. By combining human and technological intelligence, the company develops products and services for both civil and military customers, operating on land, at sea, in the air and in space.

Security Lead - Actuation Systems UK Location: Wolverhampton

Safran - Here, we craft excellence together.

At Safran, excellence is a journey - and we'd love you to be a part of it. As a trusted global leader in aerospace, defence, and space, we are proud to be a company where diversity, innovation, and opportunity come together to shape a sustainable future where we can all succeed together through a shared vision.

Our UK Actuation business brings together engineering excellence, advanced manufacturing capability and a proud heritage within the aerospace sector. Whether supporting major global programmes or developing the next generation of actuation technologies, our people are at the heart of everything we do.

Your Role Reporting to the Safran Actuation Global CISO, the Security Lead will provide strategic leadership across Physical Security, Cyber Security, Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC), and Supplier Security. You will be responsible for building, developing and leading a high-performing security team, safeguarding the organisation's people, facilities and information assets across UK operations. The role leads security assurance, regulatory compliance and the Information Security Management Programme, while acting as the Common Responsible Person (CRP) for EASA Part-IS and driving a strong security culture across the business.

Key Responsibilities

Physical Security

• Design, implement, and maintain physical security systems including access control, surveillance (CCTV), perimeter protection, and intrusion detection.
• Oversee security operations across operational locations, such as engineering and manufacturing and corporate offices.

Personnel Security

• Develop and enforce personnel security policies including background checks, security clearances, and visitor management.
• Collaborate with HR and legal teams to address insider threats, misconduct investigations, and employee terminations.

Cyber Security

• Implement and lead the cyber and information security governance framework that aligns with strategic priorities and objectives.
• Ensures the management of cybersecurity within the Actuation Systems Facilities (including Approved Organisations), supervises and sets the guidelines and actions aimed at protecting the Organisations Information Systems against cyber threats, responds to digital compliance risks and encourages a company-wide culture of cybersecurity.

Supply Chain Assurance

• Working in conjunction with the Supplier Management and Contracts teams, ensuring that contractual and regulatory security requirements are understood and flown down through the supply chain.

Incident Management & Crisis Response

• Is the escalation and leads response efforts for security incidents.

Security Governance Compliance & Reporting

• Ensures compliance with all applicable security standards (internal policies, regulations including EASA Part-IS and customer contractual clauses).

What You'll Bring:

• Experience managing multi-site security operations in a highly regulated industry.
• Ability to balance operational efficiency with rigorous security controls.
• Skilled in conflict resolution, investigations, and employee engagement.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence across departments.
• Experience with working with Board and Executive level management
• Ability to develop compelling and impactful business cases and presentations

Physical Security

• Certifications such as CPP (Certified Protection Professional), PSP (Physical Security Professional), or equivalent. Personnel Security
• Must hold or be eligible for SC or above clearance.

Cyber Security

• Experience with EASA Part-IS, AirCyber, Cyber Essentials, ISO 27001/2 (or BSI equivalent) standards desirable
• Experience with UK MOD and US Defence standards and certifications (DEFSTAN 05-138, DFARS (phone number removed)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
• Cyber Incident Planning & Response (CIPR)
• CompTIA Security+, A+, Network