Location
Elgin Ave., London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£74,000 per annum

About the Role
Step into a role where your leadership will shape the future of public safety across the UK. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the Home Office, operationally independent and established to regulate certain activities in the private security industry. We are preparing to take on new responsibilities as the regulator of Martyn’s Law, introduced by the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, named in memory of Martyn Hett, a victim of the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017. This legislation aims to improve protective security and preparedness at premises and events across the UK.

The new Act requires premises in scope to be prepared to keep people safe in the event of an attack, with larger premises and events needing to reduce their vulnerability to terrorism. Martyn’s Law is primarily a civil, regulatory regime, and the SIA will regulate supportively, proportionately, and robustly. The SIA’s new Martyn’s Law functions will complement our existing responsibility for regulating the private security industry.

As Head of Guidance and Review, you will lead a critical new function within the Martyn’s Law Regulator. This is a unique opportunity to design, mobilise, and lead a high-profile regulatory function that will directly strengthen national preparedness and protective security. Based in London, you will operate at a senior leadership level, working alongside the Deputy Director and fellow Heads of Function to deliver a programme with real societal impact.

From day one, you will mobilise the Guidance and Review function, inspire a team of professionals, shape processes, and embed a high-performing, inclusive culture. You will define strategy, work closely with government and counter-terrorism partners, and act as a visible ambassador for the regulator. Your leadership will help ensure compliance, build trust, and raise standards across premises and events nationwide to keep the public safe.

Experience
- Senior leadership experience at Head of Function (G7) level in comparable organisations (government, private or public sectors).
- Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks with a proven track record of developing and implementing regulatory frameworks.
- Experience managing complex guidance functions in regulatory or similarly demanding environments.
- Proven ability to make sound, high-stakes decisions and lead teams through change.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
- Demonstrated success in building and developing high-performing professional teams.

About you
- Inspirational and visible people leader with strong leadership skills.
- Ability to form strong working relationships and gain respect across multidisciplinary professional environments.
- Role model for inclusive cultures, promoting positive individual and team behaviours.
- Politically astute, with good self-awareness, resilience under pressure, and able to respond calmly and objectively to challenge and scrutiny.
- Motivated by purpose and driven by impact, passionate about public safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications
- Knowledge of protective security or relevant counter-terrorism fields is desirable.
- Ability to use data, metrics, and trend analysis to review and update guidance.
- Must meet nationality requirements and obtain necessary security clearance including National Security Vetting at Security Check (SC) level.
- Commitment to continuous improvement and accountability.