Defence Nuclear Organisation - Assistant Head Security Assurance
| Posting date: | 18 November 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £61,630 per year, pro rata |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 18 December 2025 |
| Location: | London, UK |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 2 days per week |
| Company: | Ministry of Defence |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: |
Summary
Do you want to be at the heart of real Defence issues and play a key role in the United Kingdom’s (UK) national security?
Established in April 2016, the Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) delivers nuclear capability to deter threats and protect our nation.
The DNO oversees all defence nuclear business (excluding operations) and is responsible for providing nuclear deterrence; sponsoring the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (all the organisations, programmes and people that sustain the UK’s nuclear deterrent); and advising on UK nuclear policy, planning and international co-operation on nuclear matters.
The UK’s independent nuclear deterrent has existed for over 60 years to deter the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life, and that of our NATO Allies. To ensure that we have a credible and capable nuclear deterrent for as long as the security situation requires, we are building four new nuclear armed submarines – known as the Dreadnought Class – and replacing our nuclear warheads. These renewal programmes will utilise world-leading technology and are a showcase in science and engineering, highlighting the prowess of British industry.
Here at DNO we strongly believe that diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do but is also essential for a thriving and successful organisation. We know that diverse teams bring a wide range of perspectives, experiences and ideas, which lead to better decision-making, creativity and innovation. We have a culture where differences are celebrated and our people feel supported, included and empowered. Join us and be part of an organisation that truly values diversity and inclusion and makes a positive impact on the world.
The DNO Security & Intelligence Division works to enable the Defence Nuclear Enterprise to be secure and assured now and into the future.
This post is advertised at 37 hours per week.
Working directly to the Deputy Head of Security & Intelligence, you will be responsible for delivering second line security assurance activity across the sites, operations and programmes that make up the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE).
The post holder will lead a high-performance team of security professionals (9 x SEO and 1 x HEO), supporting the delivery of effective security across the DNE including leading the assurance of key elements of the Nuclear Materials Accountancy and Control (NMAC) regime. The post holder will also be the relationship lead for the DNO with the Defence Nuclear Security Regulator.
This is a critical role which will best suit an experienced security and/or assurance professional with comparable skills/experience. Key responsibilities include:
Lead, manage and develop a geographically dispersed Assurance Team taking a leadership role within the Security and Intelligence Division and wider DNE.
Ensure effective delivery of second line nuclear security assurance, as set out in the relevant polices, to agreed sites, capabilities and programmes across the DNE.
Lead the provision of support, recommendations and guidance to Regulated Persons and their teams, working closely with Principal Security Advisor leads to ensure alignment.
Leading the review of the Nuclear Security Assurance Model as appropriate, working in close collaboration with the regulated/assured community and wider Security and Intelligence Division.
Oversee the continued implementation of second line assurance of NMAC arrangements.
Acting as a security professional and role model, championing and sharing best practice throughout the DNO community, embedding security culture within DNO, and modelling Civil Service values to foster and develop the security profession across Government.
Hybrid and flexible working can be considered for this post but will need regular workplace attendance due to security constraints. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.
Please note, candidates will be redirected to the Civil Service Jobs website where you will need to submit your application form. Please note the closing date above is incorrect and cannot be amended so please check the closing date on Civil Service Jobs and allow enough time to submit your application form.
Established in April 2016, the Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) delivers nuclear capability to deter threats and protect our nation.
The DNO oversees all defence nuclear business (excluding operations) and is responsible for providing nuclear deterrence; sponsoring the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (all the organisations, programmes and people that sustain the UK’s nuclear deterrent); and advising on UK nuclear policy, planning and international co-operation on nuclear matters.
The UK’s independent nuclear deterrent has existed for over 60 years to deter the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life, and that of our NATO Allies. To ensure that we have a credible and capable nuclear deterrent for as long as the security situation requires, we are building four new nuclear armed submarines – known as the Dreadnought Class – and replacing our nuclear warheads. These renewal programmes will utilise world-leading technology and are a showcase in science and engineering, highlighting the prowess of British industry.
Here at DNO we strongly believe that diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do but is also essential for a thriving and successful organisation. We know that diverse teams bring a wide range of perspectives, experiences and ideas, which lead to better decision-making, creativity and innovation. We have a culture where differences are celebrated and our people feel supported, included and empowered. Join us and be part of an organisation that truly values diversity and inclusion and makes a positive impact on the world.
The DNO Security & Intelligence Division works to enable the Defence Nuclear Enterprise to be secure and assured now and into the future.
This post is advertised at 37 hours per week.
Working directly to the Deputy Head of Security & Intelligence, you will be responsible for delivering second line security assurance activity across the sites, operations and programmes that make up the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE).
The post holder will lead a high-performance team of security professionals (9 x SEO and 1 x HEO), supporting the delivery of effective security across the DNE including leading the assurance of key elements of the Nuclear Materials Accountancy and Control (NMAC) regime. The post holder will also be the relationship lead for the DNO with the Defence Nuclear Security Regulator.
This is a critical role which will best suit an experienced security and/or assurance professional with comparable skills/experience. Key responsibilities include:
Lead, manage and develop a geographically dispersed Assurance Team taking a leadership role within the Security and Intelligence Division and wider DNE.
Ensure effective delivery of second line nuclear security assurance, as set out in the relevant polices, to agreed sites, capabilities and programmes across the DNE.
Lead the provision of support, recommendations and guidance to Regulated Persons and their teams, working closely with Principal Security Advisor leads to ensure alignment.
Leading the review of the Nuclear Security Assurance Model as appropriate, working in close collaboration with the regulated/assured community and wider Security and Intelligence Division.
Oversee the continued implementation of second line assurance of NMAC arrangements.
Acting as a security professional and role model, championing and sharing best practice throughout the DNO community, embedding security culture within DNO, and modelling Civil Service values to foster and develop the security profession across Government.
Hybrid and flexible working can be considered for this post but will need regular workplace attendance due to security constraints. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.
Please note, candidates will be redirected to the Civil Service Jobs website where you will need to submit your application form. Please note the closing date above is incorrect and cannot be amended so please check the closing date on Civil Service Jobs and allow enough time to submit your application form.