Job description for Establishment Security Officer 

Are you an experienced security professional looking to take the next step in your career? Do you thrive in a fast‑paced environment where no two days are the same? At Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), based at Defence Munitions (DM) Kineton, this post will also have responsibility for security overview for the DE&S Ammunition Compounds at Sennybridge and Honington. You will play a key role in protecting people, assets, and operations that directly support the UK’s defence capability.

Joining us means becoming part of a supportive, diverse, and geographically connected team committed to maintaining a strong and resilient security posture across multiple sites. You’ll be at the heart of ensuring operational readiness: preparing for and responding to security incidents, strengthening business continuity plans, and providing expert insight on security risks to help shape safe and effective operations.

This is a high‑impact, on‑site role where your presence and leadership will directly contribute to the smooth running of the establishment. You may also have opportunities to travel to other UK locations to support the wider DM security community. As part of your development, you may take on supervisory or managerial responsibilities and play a key role in fulfilling Major Accident Control Regulations (MACR) commitments in a weapons, ordnance, munitions and explosives (WOME) establishment.

Please note the following:

You will need to hold a full UK driving licence, as you will be expected to drive to different locations on the site.

Due to the nature of the role and operational requirements, it is essential that the individual assigned to this position works 100% on-site. This requirement is non-negotiable and is integral to the successful execution of duties associated with this role.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week. This job is open for all working patterns but please note part time will only be considered if full time cover can be achieved.

What you’ll be doing

• Identifying and mitigating security risks by overseeing physical security operations appropriate to the WOME setting. Planning and managing the deployment of security measures to effectively protect assets, (information, people, buildings and equipment) throughout the facility.
• Supporting the Head of Security and wider DM Security Team and Security Profession, including planning testing and responding to security/emergency incidents.
• Conduct Security Investigations and lead any LFE actions and recommendations.
• Conduct assurance of all risks pertaining to office/site/facility security, providing evidence-based risk mitigations to decision makers. Ensure effective management of security infrastructure projects and programs.
• Conduct assurance activities to ensure the implementation of effective security governance, guidance, education and training for all staff across the office/site/facility. Develop and embed site security instructions.
• Establish, maintain and promote effective strategic relationships with Policing and Guarding Providers.

Person specification

To be successful with your application, you’ll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Experience of delivering and implementing security activities.

• Demonstrable experience of leading multiple stakeholders to deliver effective security activities and Control Measures.

• Candidates must either hold the unit Security Officers Course qualification or be willing to achieve within the first 6 months of joining.

In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:

• Core Behaviour 1: Making Effective Decisions CSBC 3
• Core Behaviour 2: Changing and Improving CSBC 3
• Technical Competence 1: Protective Security – Awareness
• Technical Competence 2: Security Compliance and Assurance – Supervised Practitioner

Offered Benefits

Alongside your salary of £36,000, Ministry of Defence contributes £10,429 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• 25 days’ annual leave +1 day a year up to 30 days, 8 bank holidays and a day off for the King’s birthday
• Market-leading average employer pension contribution of 28.97%
• Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards
• Access to specialist training and funded qualifications
• Support for progression
• Huge range of discounts
• Volunteering days
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

Improving innovation and enriching our culture, diversity of thought is vital to our success. So whether you’re looking for a new opportunity, a next step, or a helping hand as you return from a career break, bring your experiences and help deliver for the defence of tomorrow. Here you’ll find a supportive, family-friendly organisation to be a part of – and if you need any assistance with your application, just let us know.

Further Information

• Civil Service Recruitment Principles: Recruitment Principles – Civil Service Commission
• Candidate Information Pack: https://bit.ly/DES-Candidate-Information-Pack
• Terms and Conditions: https://bit.ly/DES-Terms-and-Conditions
• Civil Service Code: The Code – Civil Service Commission

Any personal data that you provide during the Recruitment process will be treated in accordance with the MOD Privacy Notice which can be accessed here.

Please note as a Disability Confident Leader we want to ensure you receive any reasonable adjustments that you need throughout the recruitment process. If you do require any reasonable adjustments, you can let us know on your online application under the section ‘Please indicate and give details of any reasonable adjustments you may require during the recruitment process.’

Selection process details

Your application will go through the following stages of assessment:

1. Pre-sift – We will check that you meet any essential or eligibility criteria that are listed in the Person Specification section of this advert. On your CV, please clearly show how you meet the essential criteria.
2. Sift – Your CV will be assessed against the following categories, using a simple numerical scoring system: Key Achievements; Relevant Experience; Applied Knowledge and Skills. Please follow our guidance on CV writing for best chance of success.
3. Interview – If you’re invited to interview, you’ll be assessed against the Sift categories (CV Review) listed above, as well as the Technical Competences and Behaviours listed in the Person Specification section of this advert.

Please Note: In the event of a tied score at interview, the Order of Merit will be distinguished based on the relative importance of the assessed competencies as per the hierarchy below:

• 1st: Core Behaviour 1
• 2nd: Core Behaviour 1
• 3rd: Technical Competencies
• 4th: CV Review

In the event of a further tie using the method above, we reserve the right to utilise an additional assessment.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview.

If you feel that your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance you should contact department via email: DESHR-WSC-PMOCOMPLAINTS@mod.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Recruitment Complaints – Civil Service Commission