University Security Controller

Role Description

About the Role

This is a senior strategic role responsible for ensuring Cranfield University remains fully compliant with its national security obligations across research, education, partnerships, people, estates and information security. Reporting to the Pro Vice-Chancellor – Education & Research, you will lead the development and implementation of the University’s national security strategy, policies and assurance framework, working closely with internal stakeholders and external government bodies.

The role will support the University’s National Security Committee and oversee compliance relating to areas including trusted research, export controls, personnel security, international collaboration and wider legislative requirements.

About You

You will be educated to degree level or equivalent experience and will have significant experience in a senior security or national security-related role. You will have expertise in developing and implementing security policies, procedures and assurance frameworks, alongside experience delivering complex security related projects.

You will have strong knowledge of the UK defence and security sector, government security requirements and national security legislation, together with excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills. Experience of working within a UK Defence or Security organisation, government environment or Higher Education institution would be advantageous.

You will be highly organised, proactive and resilient, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across a wide range of stakeholders. Holding current DV Security Clearance, or willingness and eligibility to obtain this, is essential.

About Us

As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here.

The Executive Office provides strategic leadership and governance across the University, supporting delivery of Cranfield’s mission, institutional priorities and external partnerships. This role sits at the centre of an evolving and increasingly important national security agenda, supporting Cranfield’s long-standing relationship with the UK defence and security community.

Our Values and Commitments

Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more here.

We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families. Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here.

Working Arrangements

Collaborating and connecting are integral to so much of what we do. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides many staff with the opportunity to flexibly combine on-site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners.

How to apply                                    

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Charly Guilford, Business Partner – People and Culture on (E): charly.guildford@cranfield.ac.uk

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details on E: hrrecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk. Please quote reference number 5320.

Closing date for receipt of applications:   16 June 2026

Please note that we reserve the right to close this advert prior to the stated closing date should we receive sufficient numbers of applications. Therefore, we would encourage you to complete and submit your application as soon as possible.