UK Ministry of Defence
Pathfinder Security Officer
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Pathfinder Security Officer
Pathfinder Security Officer – RAF Wyton
Job Summary The Pathfinder Security Officer (PSyO) is a vital role supporting the safe and secure delivery of operations by ensuring compliance with statutory, regulatory, and procedural security requirements. The post holder will provide expert advice, leadership, and oversight across physical, personnel, document, and information security, maintaining an accredited and secure environment for intelligence operations.
This is a 37-hour per week role (unless arranged part-time).
About the Role
You will lead and coordinate security activity across Pathfinder, ensuring appropriate controls, policies, and procedures are in place and operating effectively. This role demands:
- A strong technical understanding of diverse security disciplines.
- Analytical judgement to adapt established methods to complex situations.
- ChChampioning security awareness and fostering a positive security culture across the workforce.
- Managing a significant STRAP (Sensitive Travel Risks, Actions, and Plan) function, including records, compliance, and incident handling.
The Pathfinder Security Officer embeds within Defence Intelligence (DI), where talented individuals address critical security threats and support intelligence decision-making across Defence.
Main Responsibilities
Leadership & Compliance
- Lead Pathfinder security arrangements, ensuring compliance with JSP 440 and wider security policy.
- Oversee protective, personnel, document, and information security across the site.
Operational Security & Oversight
- Provide leadership on guarding, security monitoring, and contractor interfaces.
- Maintain and review Pathfinder Security Orders, keeping them current and effective.
- Promote security awareness, education, and behavioural change across the workforce.
STRAP Function & Access Control
- Act as the lead STRAP Security Officer, including:
- Managing records, returns, and audit trails.
- Coordinating inducctions, pre-induction checks, de-inductions, and STRAP material access controls.
- Investigate and report security incidents; support resilience and continuity activities as needed.
Representation & Development
- Represent the organisation at meetings and contribute to new security initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to improve security processes.
- Line manage and mentor staff as required; foster team development.
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Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Strong experience in high-security environments, applying security policy consistently.
- Ability to lead, influence, and build relationships across diverse stakeholders.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to brief, advise, and challenge appropriately.
- Sound judgement and strong decision-making skills—especially in handling risk, incidents, and competing priorities.
- Proven ability to organise, prioritise, and deliver against demanding workloads and deadlines.
- Experience in maintaining accurate records, managing sensitive information, and exercising discretion.
- Proactive and resilient approach to identifying issues and driving improvements.
- Proficiency in IT systems (e.g., vetting and office tools like Microsoft Office).
Desirable Criteria
- Line management experience.
- Previous experience in a STRAP environment.
- Formal qualifications or training in security management, vetting, or risk assessment.
Working Arrangements
- 100% on-site attendance is required due to operational constraints.
About Defence Intelligence
DI solves complex Defence challenges, delivers financial and technological innovation, and fosters a diverse, inclusive workplace. CIvilian and military teams collaborate to address threats, ensuring Defence’s strategic success.
-Core Values: Merit-based hiring, flexibility (e.g., flexi-time, job share), and a focus on equal opportunities.
Benefits
Financial & Pension
- Salaried at £46,040 with Ministry of Defence pension contributions (additional £13,337 towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Scheme).
Leave & Flexibility
- 25-day annual leave (increasing annually, max 30 days). 8 bank holidays + 1 privilege day per year.
- Flexible working arrangements, including part-time, job share, and compressed hours (subject to business needs).
Development & Wellbeing
- Professional Development opportunities aligned with modern security training.
- Discounted access to site gym facilities (minimal fee).
- Family-friendly policies (enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave).
- 6-day annual leave (with pay) for volunteering.
Other Benefits
- Free on-site car parking at RAF Wyton.
- Access to Sports & Social Club, gym, and onsite shop.
- MOD-specific discounts (e.g., travel, shopping) via Discover My Benefits.
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Security & Vetting Requirements
- Nationality: UK nationals only.
- Security Level: Developed vetting, including a criminal record check.
- Additional Checks: Must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks.
** Selection Process & Selection Criteria**
What’s Assessed
Applicants will be evaluated against:
- Behaviours (Communicating & Influencing; Delivering at Pace; Leadership; Managing Quality; Seeing the Big Picture).
- Technical Skills (Personnel Security Adviser – Principal Level).
Success Profiles
All applicants must evidence the essential and desirable criteria in:
- A narrative CV (using the template provided).
- A 500-word Personal Statement (demonstrating real-world examples linked to requirements).
STAR Method
- Behaviours should follow the STAR structure (context, task, action taken, outcome achieved).
Assessment Scoring
Respondents will be scored (1–7) on:
- Positive evidence of competency (7 for exceeding, 1 for no evidence).
Interview & Vetting Outcomes
- If successful but lacking clearance, applicants will receive a provisional offer to undergo developed vetting before formal employment begins.
Additional Information
- No relocation expenses are provided.
- External candidates face a 6-month probationary period.
- Interview travel costs will not be reimbursed.
Support & Fairness
- Disability Confident Scheme: Accommodation offered where appropriate.
- Visa Sponsorship: Not available for this role.
Record Checks
- Applicants who fail to disclose a security incident or offence in the last 5 years will be disqualified.
- Unacceptable behaviours (bullying, harassment, discrimination) will automatically disqualify you.
More Here:
- Defence Intelligence (DI): https://www.gov.uk/professions/di
- CS Jobs Dashboard: Submit your application here after logging in.
Contact & Queries
Recruitment Team – DBSCivPers-ResourcingTeam3@mod.gov.uk
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