Security Specialist

Job description

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 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.6bn in 2025. There are no limits to where you can take your career. Job Summary The Security Specialist serves as the site's primary security advisor, supporting the protection of GKN Aerospace's people, facilities, assets, information, and reputation through the implementation of a risk based security program. This role is responsible for the execution and continuous improvement of site security operations, including physical, personnel, and information security programs. Working closely with the Central Security Team, Business Line Security Lead, site leadership, and key stakeholders, the Security Specialist will identify risks and implement appropriate controls that support business objectives, contractual commitments, and regulatory requirements. The Security Specialist serves as the primary point of contact for all site security matters, providing guidance, driving compliance with company standards, coordinating security enhancements, managing security incidents and investigations, supporting travel security, and delivering security awareness and training programs. Job Responsibilities Lead day to day security operations for the site.Conduct Threat, Vulnerability, and Risk Assessments (TVRAs) to identify security risks and recommend mitigation strategies. Develop, implement, and maintain site security plans, procedures, and continuous improvement initiatives. Coordinate and oversee third party security guarding services and technical security providers. Review security controls and support corrective actions to address identified gaps. Ensure compliance with company security standards, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory obligations. Partner with site leadership, the Business Line Security Lead, Central Security Team, and other stakeholders to support security objectives. Serve as the primary liaison with government agencies, contracting authorities, and local law enforcement as required. Coordinate security incident reporting, investigations, and follow up corrective actions. Deliver security awareness training and provide ongoing guidance to employees and contractors. Support personnel security processes and security clearance activities to meet contractual and regulatory requirements.Maintain facility clearance records and associated documentation. Lead continuous improvement efforts across the site security program. Support crisis management, business continuity, and emergency preparedness activities. Support the implementation and operation of physical and technical security systems, including access control, CCTV, intrusion detection, and related technologies. Partner with IT and Cyber Security teams to identify and mitigate risks impacting site operations, personnel, and information. Job Qualifications Associate's degree in Security, Business, Operations Management, or a related field; Will also consider a High School Diploma/GED with 9+ years of directly related professional experience. Minimum of 5 years of experience in Security Management, Law Enforcement, Operations, Military, or a related field. Demonstrated ability to assume increasing levels of security responsibility and ownership. Working knowledge of threat, vulnerability, and risk assessment methodologies. Understanding of physical and technical security controls and systems. Experience developing and implementing security plans, processes, procedures, and projects. Experience managing third party contractors and service providers. Understanding of information security risks, controls, and dependencies. Experience providing travel security guidance and support for domestic and international travelers. Experience supporting incident response and emergency management activities in a fast paced environment. Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR regulations to comply with export control requirements. Preferred Qualifications Experience working within a security function in an aerospace, defense, or manufacturing environment. Knowledge of security risk management principles and practices. Professional security certification such as CPP, PSP, SIA, or equivalent. Investigation and incident management experience. Knowledge of data protection and information security practices. Experience managing budgets and vendor contracts. Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills with the ability to effectively engage stakeholders at all levels. 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. ​ ​