Classified Information Security Manager (Geheimschutz)

In this role, you will be responsible for managing and implementing the company’s classified information protection framework, personnel security clearance processes and related compliance obligations in Germany. The successful candidate will have hands-on and recent experience with German Geheimschutz requirements, including personnel security, classified information handling, security documentation, audits and interaction with relevant German authorities.

This is a specialist role requiring practical experience in Geheimschutz. It is not an entry-level or training position.

• Manage and further develop the company’s Geheimschutz program, processes and governance framework in Germany.
• Coordinate and oversee personnel security clearance procedures, including initiation, follow-up, documentation and record keeping.
• Ensure compliance with applicable German requirements for the protection and handling of classified information, including Verschlusssachen, where applicable
• Act as the main internal point of contact for Geheimschutz matters and as the contact person for relevant German authorities and external security stakeholders.
• Advise management, project teams and employees on their responsibilities related to Geheimschutz, personnel security and classified information handling
• Support, prepare and follow up on internal and external security inspections, audits and compliance reviews.
• Manage and report incidents or suspected breaches involving classified information or Geheimschutz obligations.
• Develop, maintain and improve relevant procedures, work instructions, registers, evidence files and awareness materials.
• Support the implementation of personnel, material and IT-related Geheimschutz controls where applicable, aligned with the relevant German Geheimschutz framework
• Promote a strong culture of confidentiality, security awareness and regulatory compliance across the German organization.

• Proven professional experience in Geheimschutz in Germany
• Recent hands-on responsibility for security clearance processes and classified information management.
• Good knowledge of the German legal and regulatory framework for classified information security, including the environment around Sicherheitsüberprüfung and Geheimschutz in der Wirtschaft.
• Experience working with relevant German authorities, public-sector security stakeholders or official Geheimschutz processes.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership and manage the Geheimschutz function with a high level of integrity and discretion.
• Strong organisational, documentation and communication skills
• Fluent German and good English, both written and spoken.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in a global company, multinational matrix organisation or regulated industrial environment.
• Familiarity with the role and responsibilities of a Sicherheitsbevollmächtigte/r, where applicable. The German Geheimschutzhandbuch includes a dedicated section on the Sicherheitsbevollmächtigte/r and related responsibilities.
• Experience supporting international or cross-border projects involving classified information or restricted-access requirements.
• Experience developing security procedures, awareness briefings, audit evidence and compliance documentation.
• Familiarity with personnel, material, visitor-control and IT-related aspects of Geheimschutz. The German Geheimschutzhandbuch covers personeller Geheimschutz, materieller Geheimschutz, Besuchskontrollverfahren and Kommunikations- und IT-SicherheitKey Competencies
• High level of integrity, confidentiality and reliability.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Ability to translate legal and regulatory requirements into practical business processes.
• Clear and confident communication with management, authorities and employees.
• Structured and accurate documentation skills.
• Ability to operate in a complex international environment while ensuring local German compliance.
• Pragmatic, solution-oriented and able to balance business needs with strict security obligations.