Head of Security, Apac

Anduril Anduril · Defense · Sydney, Australia · Core Operations : Security

This role is for a Head of Security, APAC at Anduril, a defense technology company. The primary focus is to design, build, and lead the security function across the Asia-Pacific region, covering physical security, protective security, industrial security, counterintelligence, and executive protection. The role involves establishing security frameworks, managing teams, navigating government relationships, and ensuring compliance with various security standards and regulations, including Australian Government requirements like DSPF, ISM, and DISP, as well as international obligations like AUKUS and Five Eyes.

What you'd actually do

  1. Design and build Anduril's regional security function across the Asia-Pacific, establishing security baselines for newer offices while maturing the established Australian program.
  2. Directly manage permanent and contract staff in Australia. Recruit, mentor, and grow a high-performing regional security team, identifying when local security resources are needed in each country as scale increases.
  3. Lead the regional counterintelligence and threat management program in partnership with the global Counterintelligence team, identifying and mitigating insider threats, conducting security investigations, and managing foreign intelligence risks specific to the APAC operating environment. Develop and maintain protective security frameworks for personnel, information, and facilities across the region.
  4. Lead executive protection efforts across the region, including security arrangements for VIP visits from senior government officials, military leadership, and key partners.
  5. Oversee the protection of classified and sensitive information, intellectual property, and critical infrastructure across all APAC jurisdictions. Translate global security strategies into actionable regional plans, ensure compliance with Australian Government requirements (DSPF, ISM, DISP), international obligations (AUKUS, Five Eyes), host nation regulations, and Anduril's global security standards.

Skills

Required

  • Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in security leadership roles
  • at least 5 years operating at a regional or national level within the defence industry, government, or a highly regulated sector
  • Proven expertise in physical security, industrial security, and counterintelligence methodologies
  • Demonstrated experience with Australian Government security frameworks, particularly DISP, DSPF, and AGSVA clearance processes
  • Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • proven ability to influence stakeholders, build cross-functional relationships, and develop talent across cultural boundaries
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

Nice to have

  • Bachelor's degree in Security Management, International Relations, Business Administration, or a related field; extensive relevant experience may substitute for a degree.

What the JD emphasized

  • design, build, and lead
  • greenfield regional leadership role
  • establish and mature
  • building high-performing teams from the ground up
  • shape comprehensive programs
  • foster a security-conscious culture
  • thrive in ambiguity
  • build something meaningful
  • strategic thinking with hands-on execution
  • design and build
  • establishing security baselines
  • maturing the established Australian program
  • Recruit, mentor, and grow
  • high-performing regional security team
  • Lead the regional counterintelligence and threat management program
  • Develop and maintain protective security frameworks
  • Lead executive protection efforts
  • Oversee the protection of classified and sensitive information
  • ensure compliance with Australian Government requirements (DSPF, ISM, DISP), international obligations (AUKUS, Five Eyes)
  • Establish and maintain strong working relationships with government security agencies
  • Assess and advise on the security implications of new APAC office openings
  • Implement and manage security technologies, systems, and procedures
  • Manage regional security budgets, resources, and vendor relationships
  • Support personnel security processes
  • Travel regularly across the APAC region