Security Design Manager - Stations

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Security Design Manager - Stations

Company: HS2 (High Speed 2)

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: Security & Safety Management / Engineering

Date Posted: 2026-09-21

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the security interface between the HS2 Railway Directorate and the supply chain to produce critical security design deliverables.

• Provide Level 2 assurance for security design deliverables, ensuring adherence to HMG standards and guidelines.

• Act as a subject matter expert, offering guidance to HS2 and supply chain project teams on security design for a safe, integrated, and compliant operational railway.

• Ensure strict compliance of implemented security designs and future operations with UK legislation and HS2 requirements.

• Support the Senior System Security Manager and Head of System Safety, Security, and Interoperability in maintaining key relationships with government bodies and police for design approval.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is crucial for ensuring the security posture of the HS2 railway network, particularly at its stations. It requires a strong understanding of security design principles within a safety-critical, regulated environment, with a focus on physical security, threat analysis, and stakeholder collaboration. The "Line of Defence (LOD) Level 2 assurance" implies a formal review and validation process for security designs.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of HMG standards and guidelines, specifically the DfT ‘Security in the Design of Stations’ Guide, by reviewing designs and collaborating with Police CTSAs and DOCOs.

• Present security design justifications and elements to the HS2 Security Steering Panel and Design Panel.

• Provide essential security input into the HS2 project-wide Hazard Record, including threat analysis and compliance evidence.

• Foster and maintain cooperative relationships with DfT Land Security, Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI), and the British Transport Police (BTP) to facilitate HS2 design approvals.

• Ensure the correct implementation of security designs and future security operations in strict accordance with UK legislation and HS2 specific requirements.

• Actively promote and embed Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) principles in all work activities and support all organizational initiatives, policies, and procedures related to EDI.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a deep dive into specific security standards and collaborative engagement with external regulatory and law enforcement bodies. The Hazard Record input signifies a direct contribution to the project's overall safety and risk management framework, essential for any major infrastructure project.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Degree level qualification in Security, Engineering, or a related subject, or equivalent demonstrable experience. Experience:

• Experience in major rail infrastructure upgrade projects (interoperable railway) or a similar scale of project.

• Alternatively, significant consultancy experience in producing assessments and deliverables for a project of HS2’s scale and scope.

• Experience delivering evidence of security design within a safety-critical environment (e.g., aviation, rail, maritime, oil/gas, nuclear, or military applications).

• Experience operating within a regulatory environment.

• Proven experience in managing multiple stakeholders effectively.

• Experience in implementing and delivering security assurance processes. Required Skills:

• Ability to brief and report to senior levels of HS2 management with clarity and conciseness.

• Aptitude to receive and understand complex engineering information.

• Capability to manage or effectively support multiple work streams simultaneously.

• Strong understanding of security design assurance principles and processes, ideally within a Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) sector.

• Proficient knowledge of physical security principles, standards, and guidelines.

• Familiarity with security systems, blast mitigation, and Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) principles and products.

• Competency in threat analysis and risk assessment within security contexts.

• Ability to ensure regulatory compliance and maintain operational standards. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific security technologies and their integration into railway infrastructure.

• Knowledge of CPNI guidelines and best practices for protecting national infrastructure.

• Familiarity with British Transport Police (BTP) security requirements for rail environments.

• Experience with developing and maintaining security documentation and audit trails.

• Strong project management and planning skills to oversee design phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "equivalent experience" for a degree suggests that practical, hands-on experience in relevant security design roles will be highly valued. The emphasis on safety-critical environments and CNI sectors indicates a need for candidates with a robust understanding of high-stakes security protocols and risk management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing successful security design projects, particularly within large-scale infrastructure or safety-critical sectors.

• Include evidence of security assurance processes implemented and their outcomes, highlighting compliance with standards.

• Showcase examples of how complex engineering information was translated into actionable security design deliverables.

• Present case studies that illustrate effective stakeholder management and collaboration in achieving design objectives.

• Provide evidence of understanding and applying physical security principles and specific technologies like blast mitigation or HVM. Process Documentation:

• Examples of security design documentation, including threat assessments, risk analyses, and compliance reports.

• Documentation illustrating the implementation of security assurance processes and their impact on design decisions.

• Workflow examples demonstrating how security requirements were integrated into the broader project design lifecycle.

• Evidence of experience in operating within a regulated environment, including documentation of compliance activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should emphasize the candidate's ability to translate theoretical security principles into practical, verifiable design solutions for complex infrastructure. The focus on "assurance" and "compliance" suggests that documented evidence of successful reviews and approvals will be paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Base Salary: £41,092 to £52,212 per annum, dependent on skills and experience.

• Additional 15% flexible benefits fund, paid on top of base salary and fully pensionable. Benefits:

• Flexible benefits fund of 15% (fully pensionable).

• Competitive pension scheme.

• Opportunities for personal and professional development.

• Flexible working arrangements.

• Comprehensive health and safety programs ('Safe at Heart').

• Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are not explicitly stated but are implied to be full-time, with an estimated 40 hours per week based on industry standards for such roles. The mention of "flexible working" suggests potential for some adaptability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is a base, with a significant additional 15% flexible benefits fund that is pensionable, increasing the total compensation package. This fund can likely be allocated to various benefits or salary top-ups, offering flexibility. The role is on-site in London, and the salary reflects the London cost of living and the specialized nature of the security design role in a major infrastructure project.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Development, Rail Transportation, Government & Public Sector. HS2 is a major government-backed project focused on building the UK's new high-speed rail network.

Company Size: Large. HS2 Ltd is a significant organization with a substantial workforce dedicated to delivering this ambitious national project.

Founded: HS2 Ltd was established in 2009. The project involves extensive planning, design, and construction phases, requiring long-term commitment and a structured approach to project delivery.

Team Structure:

• The Security Design Manager will likely be part of a larger System Safety, Security, and Interoperability team, reporting to the Senior System Security Manager or Head of the department.

• This role involves close collaboration with various directorates, including the Railway Directorate, and external bodies like the Department for Transport (DfT), Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI), and British Transport Police (BTP).

• The team structure emphasizes cross-functional cooperation, with security design needing to be integrated seamlessly with engineering, safety, and operational requirements. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based security design and assurance.

• Rigorous adherence to safety and security standards, including HMG, DfT, and HS2-specific requirements.

• Collaborative approach to problem-solving, involving extensive consultation with internal teams and external stakeholders.

• Focus on continuous improvement and embedding best practices in security design and assurance processes.

Company Website: https://www.hs2.org.uk/

📝 Enhancement Note: HS2's culture is heavily influenced by its status as a major government infrastructure project. This means a strong emphasis on safety, integrity, and compliance, alongside a drive for efficiency and innovation. The company actively promotes EDI and flexible working, aiming to create an inclusive environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a management-level position within the security and engineering domain, requiring significant experience and expertise. It sits at a mid-to-senior level, responsible for leading specific design assurance efforts and providing expert guidance.

Reporting Structure: The Security Design Manager will report to a Senior System Security Manager or Head of System Safety, Security, and Interoperability, indicating a clear hierarchy and a direct line of communication to senior leadership within the security and safety function.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is profound, directly influencing the security integrity and operational safety of the HS2 railway network. Effective security design is paramount for protecting national infrastructure, ensuring passenger safety, and maintaining public confidence in the new railway system. Decisions made by this role have long-term implications for the operational resilience and security of HS2.

Growth Opportunities:

• Opportunity to specialize further in railway security, CNI protection, or advanced security technologies.

• Potential to move into senior security management roles, overseeing broader security strategies or multiple projects.

• Development of leadership skills through managing design assurance processes and influencing cross-functional teams.

• Gaining extensive experience in a high-profile, complex national infrastructure project, which is highly valuable for future career progression.

• Opportunities to engage with leading experts in security, engineering, and government, expanding professional networks.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a landmark infrastructure project, providing a platform for significant professional development and a strong career trajectory in security management, particularly within the transportation and critical infrastructure sectors.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at HS2's London office, located at 1 Eversholt Street, NW1 2DN. This suggests a professional office environment conducive to collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): Primarily London, with potential for site visits to project locations as required by the nature of infrastructure design and assurance.

Workspace Context:

• A professional office setting designed for collaborative work, likely equipped with necessary IT infrastructure and security systems.

• Opportunities for interaction with a diverse range of professionals across engineering, safety, project management, and supply chain functions.

• Access to relevant security and engineering software and documentation systems.

• The environment is expected to foster a culture of safety, integrity, and respect, aligning with HS2's core values.

Work Schedule: Full-time employment. While the base hours are not specified, "flexible working" is mentioned, suggesting that some degree of flexibility may be available, though the on-site nature of the role implies regular attendance at the London office is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "on-site" designation, candidates should expect a traditional office-based role in London. The mention of flexible working should be clarified during the interview process regarding its scope and application within this specific role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: CVs are anonymized and reviewed against the job criteria, prioritizing evidence directly related to the advert.

• Right to Work Validation: A mandatory pre-interview check to confirm the applicant's legal right to work in the UK.

• Interview Stage(s): Likely to involve a panel interview assessing technical expertise, experience, and cultural fit. Expect questions focusing on security design principles, stakeholder management, and problem-solving in safety-critical environments.

• Case Study/Presentation: Potential for a technical exercise or presentation based on a security design scenario, requiring the demonstration of analytical skills and strategic thinking.

• Pre-employment Checks: Final offers are subject to satisfactory completion of DBS, financial, and education checks, along with references.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tailor to HS2: Ensure your portfolio highlights experience relevant to large-scale infrastructure, rail, or CNI security.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your security designs and assurance processes (e.g., reduction in identified risks, successful audit outcomes).

• Showcase Collaboration: Include examples of how you managed diverse stakeholder groups (e.g., government agencies, police, engineering teams) to achieve security objectives.

• Detail Technical Expertise: Provide clear explanations of your understanding of physical security, blast mitigation, HVM, and relevant HMG/DfT standards.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project or by skill area, with clear summaries for each piece of work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Security Standards: Refresh knowledge on UK security legislation, HMG Security Policy Framework, DfT guidelines (especially 'Security in the Design of Stations'), and CPNI best practices.

• Threat Analysis: Be prepared to discuss methodologies for identifying and assessing security threats relevant to large infrastructure and public transport hubs.

• Risk Management: Understand how security risks are integrated into broader project risk registers and how mitigation strategies are developed and assured.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Practice articulating how you would engage with and manage expectations of diverse stakeholders, including senior management, regulatory bodies, and operational teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on anonymized CVs and upfront Right to Work checks indicates a structured and compliance-driven recruitment process. Candidates should meticulously tailor their CVs to showcase direct evidence against the requirements, as this is the primary assessment tool in the initial stage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Security Design Software: Familiarity with CAD/BIM software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) for reviewing and contributing to design documentation.

• Risk Management Tools: Experience with systems for tracking and managing project risks, including specific security risk registers.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency in tools like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar for document sharing, communication, and project collaboration.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools used for managing work streams, timelines, and deliverables (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to analyze data related to threat assessments, incident reports, and compliance audits. While specific tools aren't listed, general data analysis skills are implied.

• Reporting Tools: Proficiency in creating clear, concise reports for senior management and technical audiences, likely using standard office suites (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly a CRM role, understanding how security requirements translate into operational processes and potentially automated systems is beneficial.

• Familiarity with systems that manage security accreditations and compliance documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific proprietary security design software isn't listed, a strong foundation in standard engineering design and project management tools is expected. The emphasis on documentation and reporting suggests proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite is a baseline requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety: Paramount importance, reflecting HS2's 'Safe at Heart' program. All decisions must prioritize the safety of passengers and staff.

• Leadership: Taking ownership, driving initiatives, and influencing positive outcomes in security design and assurance.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards, transparency, and honesty in all dealings, particularly with regulatory bodies and stakeholders.

• Respect: Valuing diversity, fostering an inclusive environment, and treating all colleagues and stakeholders with dignity.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with engineering, safety, operations, and project management teams to ensure security is embedded from the outset.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Proactive and constructive engagement with external bodies such as DfT, CPNI, and BTP to build trust and facilitate approvals.

• Open Communication: Encouraging feedback, sharing knowledge, and fostering a culture where security concerns can be raised and addressed openly.

• Process-Oriented: A structured approach to security design and assurance, ensuring all steps are documented, reviewed, and compliant.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values are clearly defined and are central to the work environment. Candidates who can demonstrate alignment with Safety, Leadership, Integrity, and Respect in their professional conduct and approach to problem-solving will be highly regarded.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Scale: Managing security design for a project as vast and complex as HS2 presents significant technical and logistical challenges.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Balancing the diverse and sometimes competing requirements of multiple government agencies, operational teams, and supply chain partners.

• Evolving Threat Landscape: Adapting security designs to address emerging threats and technological advancements in a dynamic security environment.

• Integration with Safety: Ensuring seamless integration of security measures with stringent safety requirements in a safety-critical railway system.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to training in advanced security technologies, threat assessment methodologies, and regulatory compliance specific to critical infrastructure.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining unparalleled experience in a flagship national infrastructure project, enhancing expertise in railway security and CNI protection.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from senior leaders within HS2's security and safety departments.

• Professional Certifications: Potential support for obtaining or maintaining relevant professional certifications in security management or engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is ideal for individuals looking to tackle complex, large-scale security challenges within a highly regulated and safety-conscious environment, offering substantial professional growth and specialization opportunities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to influence senior stakeholders to adopt a specific security design recommendation. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses communication, persuasion, and stakeholder management skills.)

• "How would you approach ensuring compliance with the DfT 'Security in the Design of Stations' guide for a new station design within HS2?" (Tests understanding of specific standards and application.)

• "Walk us through your process for conducting a threat assessment for a critical infrastructure asset like a railway station. What key factors would you consider?" (Evaluates analytical skills and understanding of threat methodologies.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you see the HS2 values of Safety, Leadership, Integrity, and Respect applying to your role as a Security Design Manager?" (Assesses cultural fit and understanding of company ethos.)

• "Given HS2's commitment to EDI, how would you ensure that security designs are inclusive and do not inadvertently create barriers or disadvantages for any group?" (Tests awareness of EDI principles in design.)

• "What is your understanding of the role of CPNI and BTP in securing national infrastructure, and how would you collaborate with them?" (Assesses knowledge of key external partners and collaborative approach.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Key Projects: Select 2-3 significant projects that best demonstrate your experience in security design assurance for large-scale infrastructure or safety-critical environments.

• Focus on Process & Outcomes: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach (methodology, tools used), the specific deliverables you produced, and the measurable outcomes or impact on security posture and compliance.

• Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement: Show examples of how you successfully navigated complex stakeholder landscapes, managed differing requirements, and achieved consensus.

• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: Prepare to discuss the technical details of your designs, the rationale behind specific choices (e.g., blast mitigation, HVM), and how you addressed potential risks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. For technical questions, focus on providing structured, evidence-based responses that demonstrate a deep understanding of security principles and their practical application in complex environments.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Security Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the HS2 careers portal.

• Tailor your CV: Meticulously adapt your CV to directly address the "Skills" and "Type of experience" outlined in the job description, using keywords from the advert. Ensure it is in a Word document format for anonymization.

• Prepare your Portfolio: Gather relevant examples of security design deliverables, assurance reports, threat assessments, and stakeholder management case studies. Focus on projects within safety-critical or large-scale infrastructure domains.

• Research HS2: Familiarize yourself with HS2's mission, values, 'Safe at Heart' program, and recent project developments. Understand the importance of security in their operations.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers for common behavioral and technical questions, focusing on demonstrating your expertise in security design, assurance, and stakeholder management, using the STAR method.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.