Physical Security Manager

Graphcore is one of the world’s leading innovators in Artificial Intelligence compute. 

It is developing hardware, software and systems infrastructure that will unlock the next generation of AI breakthroughs and power the widespread adoption of AI solutions across every industry. 

As part of the SoftBank Group, Graphcore is a member of an elite family of companies responsible for some of the world’s most transformative technologies. Together, they share a bold vision: to enable Artificial Super Intelligence and ensure its benefits are accessible to everyone. 

Graphcore’s teams are drawn from diverse backgrounds and bring a broad range of skills and perspectives. A melting pot of AI research specialists, silicon designers, software engineers and systems architects, Graphcore enjoys a culture of continuous learning and constant innovation. 

What You’ll Be Doing

The Physical Security Manager is responsible for the development, implementation, and day-to-day management of physical security programmes to protect employees, visitors, facilities, assets, and intellectual property.

The role ensures that physical security controls are risk-based, consistent, scalable, and aligned with business needs, while supporting a safe and secure workplace environment across all locations.

Responsibilities and duties:

Strategy & Governance

• Develop and maintain physical security policies, standards, and procedures.
• Define site security requirements based on risk, threat environment, and business criticality.
• Ensure consistency of security controls while allowing for local regulatory and cultural differences.
• Establish KPIs, dashboards, and reporting to measure effectiveness.

Risk Management

• Conduct security risk assessments, threat and vulnerability assessments (TVRA), and site audits.
• Identify risks related to people safety, facilities, IP, critical infrastructure, and operations.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation and corrective action plans.
• Support travel and event risk assessments where required.

Security Operations & Systems

• Oversee the design, operation, and maintenance of:
• Access control systems
• CCTV and video management systems
• Intrusion detection and alarms
• Visitor management systems
• Ensure systems are standardised, integrated, resilient, and compliant.
• Partner with IT and Cyber teams to support security convergence and data protection.

Incident & Crisis Management

• Lead response to security incidents, including investigations and root cause analysis.
• Support emergency response, crisis management, and business continuity planning.
• Act as a key escalation point during major incidents affecting people or facilities.
• Maintain incident logs and lessons-learned processes.

Vendor & Contract Management

• Select, onboard, and manage security vendors, including guarding services and integrators.
• Manage contracts, SLAs, performance reviews, and compliance.
• Drive cost control and value optimisation without compromising security standards.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work closely with Facilities, Workplace, IT, HR, Legal, EHS, and Real Estate teams.
• Support senior leaders with security advice and risk-based decision-making.
• Promote a positive security culture across the organisation.

Compliance & Assurance

• Ensure compliance with local laws, regulations, and corporate standards.
• Support internal and external audits (e.g. ISO 27001, SOC, regulatory inspections).
• Maintain accurate documentation and audit evidence.

What you’ll bring 

You’ll have demonstrable experience in physical security management within a large-scale or technology-driven environment, ideally with 7-10+ years in a similar role. Highly organised and committed to delivering reliable and effective security solutions, you’ll bring strong knowledge physical security systems and operations, along with proven management of security vendors and service providers. 

As well as the above, you’ll also bring the following skills and experience:

Essential

• 7–10+ years’ experience in physical security management within a corporate or multinational environment.
• Strong knowledge of physical security systems and operations.
• Proven experience conducting risk assessments and incident investigations.
• Experience managing security vendors and service providers.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure.

Desirable

• Experience in technology, R&D, labs, data centres, or IP-sensitive environments.
• Experience working with Lenel S2 and Avigilon solutions.
• Exposure to global or multi-site security operations.
• Knowledge of security convergence (physical and cyber).
• Professional certifications such as CPP, PSP, CISM, or ISO Lead Auditor.

Mindset and Approach:

• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking and risk prediction skills
• Ability to make balanced decisions based on risk analysis and high ethical standards 
• High level of accuracy and attention to compliance with procedures and standards
• Ability to effectively influence others and build collaboration across teams
• Highly developed interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach
• Effective operation in an international environment and the ability to adapt security procedures to local cultural and operational conditions.

You’re passionate about ensuring a safe and secure workplace and thrive in a fast-paced, people-focused environment. You embrace diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, bringing an agile, solutions-focused approach to risk management and security operations. You align with values of innovation, collaboration, and sustainability — and take pride in protecting people, assets, and information while making the workplace better every day.

We’re committed to building a workplace that reflects a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to create an environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to do their best work.

If you have a disability or any additional needs that require adjustments during the recruitment process or in the workplace, please let us know — we’re happy to accommodate. Please note, we are only considering candidates who have an established right to work in the UK.