Head of Security, APAC

ABOUT THE TEAM

Anduril is seeking a Senior Manager of Security, APAC based out of our expanding Sydney office. This is a greenfield regional leadership role: you will design, build, and lead Anduril's security function across Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Reporting to the Head of Security, you will establish and mature our security framework, protecting operations, facilities, personnel, and sensitive information across the entire APAC footprint. Australia is the most mature office and will serve as your operational base, but you will provide security leadership to all APAC offices as they scale. You will bring proven experience managing complex security operations across multiple countries, navigating government security relationships, and building high-performing teams from the ground up.

ABOUT THE JOB

This role leads locally and regionally while partnering globally, working hand-in-hand with HQ-based teams such as Counterintelligence, Global Security Operations, and Security Systems to deliver a unified security posture across the region. You will shape comprehensive programs spanning physical security, protective security, industrial security, counterintelligence, and executive protection (including VIP visit management), in close collaboration with global Directors and the existing industrial security leadership in Australia. Beyond building programs, you will foster a security-conscious culture across the APAC workforce, making security everyone's responsibility, not just the security team's. Anduril moves fast, and so will you. If you thrive in ambiguity, want to build something meaningful in a high-tempo defense technology environment, and can blend strategic thinking with hands-on execution, we want to hear from you.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Design and build Anduril's regional security function across the Asia-Pacific, establishing security baselines for newer offices while maturing the established Australian program.
• 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.
• 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.
• Lead executive protection efforts across the region, including security arrangements for VIP visits from senior government officials, military leadership, and key partners.
• 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.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with government security agencies across the region, including Australian defence, policing, and intelligence agencies and equivalent bodies in other APAC countries.
• Assess and advise on the security implications of new APAC office openings, facility expansions, and country entries, developing security readiness plans for each. Provide strategic advice to the Head of Security and regional leadership on security matters affecting business objectives and growth initiatives.
• Implement and manage security technologies, systems, and procedures in coordination with Global Security Operations, ensuring the security of facilities, personnel, and data across multiple sites and countries. Manage regional security budgets, resources, and vendor relationships.
• Support personnel security processes including clearance sponsorship, management, and ongoing suitability assessments through AGSVA and equivalent processes in other APAC jurisdictions.
• Travel regularly across the APAC region to provide in-person security leadership, conduct site assessments, and maintain government and partner relationships.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Security Management, International Relations, Business Administration, or a related field; extensive relevant experience may substitute for a degree.
• Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in security leadership roles, with 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, with a proven ability to influence stakeholders, build cross-functional relationships, and develop talent across cultural boundaries.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, capable of strategic thinking and hands-on operational execution in dynamic, high-pressure situations.
• Willingness to travel regularly across the APAC region (estimated 20-30% of time).
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Australian NV2 Security Clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Direct experience with establishing new security programs and facilities from the ground up in international locations, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Experience managing and mitigating complex security risks across multiple countries or jurisdictions.
• Experience with AUKUS or Five Eyes security cooperation arrangements.
• Experience working in a rapidly scaling technology company or a defence tech environment.
• Understanding of export controls and international trade compliance related to defence technology, including Australian DSGL, US ITAR, UK Export Control Act 2002, and AUKUS licence-free frameworks.
• Familiarity with security regulatory environments across the Asia-Pacific region, including the geopolitical dynamics affecting defence industry operations in the region.
• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., CPP, PSP, CISM, CISSP).
• Master's degree in a relevant field such as Security Management, International Security, or a related discipline.
• Proficiency in an Asian language is a significant advantage but not required.