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We are recruiting for a Strategy Lead who will support the Head of Strategy in developing and implementing a Security strategy, including a Security Culture and Awareness framework, across the Defra group.

Government security is undergoing a step change, and now is an exciting time to get involved. The security profession has an increasingly important role to play in a more digital world - the vision is to create an energetic, forward-thinking and technically proficient profession for government that leads the way in balancing security risks with the delivery of cost-effective, high-quality services. As part of this step change, Defra group’s specialist security function has transitioned to an integrated model bringing together skills across physical, personnel and cyber security.

We are recruiting strategy roles to help us to engage business stakeholders, evolve our security strategy and deliver a programme of improvement activity. These roles sits within the central Defra group Security function, and will be pivotal in helping us to transform the way security controls are delivered.

We are aiming to recruit people from diverse backgrounds to make sure we have a wide range of skills to strengthen our security capability across government.

We value the fact that our different backgrounds, cultures, genders, experiences and ways of working produce a more effective team. Each one of us has a part to play in helping government to keep the UK secure.

Job description

The Strategy Lead (Change Adoption) post holder will be responsible for developing and implementing the the Security communications and engagement strategy and plan for the Defra group.

The role requires a high level of analytical skill and the ability to influence leaders, both internally and externally. The post holder will need to work closely with a range of stakeholders, both internal to Defra, but also within the wider government organisations to develop a Security strategy that will meet not only the existing challenges but also the future challenges.

A solid Security background, with a focus on one of the following aspects: Cyber Security, Physical Security, Personnel Security, or Technology and Risk Management will ensure that the role is best able to articulate security strategy going forward.

The post holder needs to develop an understanding of Defra group and it's strategic drivers and challenges to ensure the security strategies can meet changing business needs. This will also ensure that Defra is able to deal with increasing security threats to UK Government.

Suitable experience is likely to be accrued through relevant proven professional experience in a related area, for example developing strategy or delivering transformation programmes in large complex organisations.

Suitable experience is likely to be accrued through relevant proven professional experience in a related area, for example developing strategy within government or in large complex organisations.

This role will require working closely with industry bodies and building effective relationships with stakeholders and partners.

Responsibilities

• Work with stakeholders and security leadership to define, agree and implement the Defra group security communications strategy and plan

• Define, agree and implement the Defra group Security strategy

• Act as the Defra Security representative on a wide range of government boards

• Stakeholder management of key Arms Length Bodies

• Line management responsibility for one direct report

Skills and Experience

• Experience of working in Physical, Personnel or Cyber Security

• Developing and implementing strategy frameworks and operating models within a large organisation

• Project management

• Presentation skills

• Influencing and communications skills

Application Process

As part of the application process you will be asked to complete:

• a CV

• a 500-word statement of suitability. The statement of suitability will ask the following on your application form: Please provide evidence on how you meet the skills and experience criteria under the Responsibilities section listed on the job advert.

Sift

Sift will begin shortly after the advert closes.

Should there be a large number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted using your suitability statement.

Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.

Interview

If successful at sift stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on your Experience and the listed Behaviours

Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 7th February.