At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the cybersecurity strategy for a major retail group and protect customer data.
- Company: Join a global leader in retail undergoing a digital transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive culture with opportunities for innovation and growth.
- Why this job: Shape security at scale while influencing top-level decisions in a trusted brand.
- Qualifications: Experience as a CISO in a large organisation, ideally in retail or e-commerce.
- Other info: This role offers board visibility and accountability for critical security initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are working with a global leading retail group, undergoing significant digital and technology transformation, to appoint their new Group Head of Information & Cyber Security. This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead the cybersecurity agenda at scale in a complex, customer-centric environment that spans e-commerce, supply chain & physical retail and reaches millions of customers across the UK and beyond.
The Opportunity
As the Group Head of Information & Cyber Security, you’ll be the strategic leader and executive voice for information and cyber security across the group. Reporting into the Group CIO and working closely with the Executive Committee, you will develop and embed a modern, risk-based security strategy aligned to the business’s digital ambitions and complex technology estate. This is a high-profile, business-critical role with board visibility and accountability for protecting brand trust, customer data, operational integrity, and regulatory compliance across multiple markets.
Key Responsibilities
- Set the security vision and lead enterprise-wide execution across digital, physical, and third-party landscapes.
- Advise the Board and Executive Committee on cyber risks, trends, and readiness.
- Inspire, mentor, build and lead a high-performing security team: threat intel, SOC, GRC, DevSecOps, and more.
- Embed security into our digital transformation: cloud platforms, customer data, loyalty, payments.
- Govern and assure compliance with regulatory frameworks including GDPR, PCI-DSS, NIS2, ISO 27001, and evolving UK/EU legislation.
- Manage strategic security vendor relationships, budgets, and toolsets to ensure capability, scalability, and cost-efficiency.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven track record as Head of Information & Cyber Security | CISO in a large, customer-facing organisation—ideally within retail, e-commerce, consumer goods, or similar.
- Demonstrated leadership in securing digital transformation at scale (cloud migration, agile delivery, platform modernisation).
- Track record leading a strong and motivated security team (15+).
- Strong technical understanding of security architecture, cloud environments (AWS/Azure/GCP), identity and access management (IAM), and data protection.
- Experienced in board-level stakeholder engagement and crisis/incident leadership.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to execute, influence, and drive change in complex, federated environments.
- Relevant qualifications such as CISSP, CISM, CRISC, or equivalent are highly desirable.
Why Join?
- Be part of a major transformation journey where security is at the heart of the strategy.
- Influence at the highest levels in a business committed to customer trust, digital growth, and operational excellence.
- Work in a supportive, values-led culture with significant backing for innovation and capability building.
Ready to define the security agenda for one of the UK’s most recognisable brands? Apply now or contact us for a confidential discussion.
Group Head of Information & Cyber Security employer: MRJ Recruitment
Contact Detail:
MRJ Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Head of Information & Cyber Security
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the cybersecurity field, especially those who have experience in retail or e-commerce. Attend industry conferences and events to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and challenges in the sector.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific regulatory frameworks mentioned in the job description, such as GDPR and PCI-DSS. Being able to discuss these regulations confidently during interviews will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your leadership skills by gathering examples of how you've successfully built and led security teams in the past. Highlight your experience in mentoring and inspiring others, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest cybersecurity threats and trends, particularly those affecting the retail sector. Being knowledgeable about current issues will help you engage in meaningful discussions during interviews and show your proactive approach to security.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Head of Information & Cyber Security
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in information and cyber security, particularly in customer-facing organisations. Emphasise your leadership roles and any relevant qualifications like CISSP or CISM.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for cybersecurity and how your strategic vision aligns with the company's digital transformation goals. Mention specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead a high-performing security team.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Detail your experience with cloud environments, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement. Use concrete examples to illustrate your success in managing security risks and leading digital transformations.
Prepare for Interviews: Anticipate questions about your approach to cybersecurity strategy and team leadership. Be ready to discuss how you would advise the Board on cyber risks and trends, and how you plan to embed security into digital initiatives.
How to prepare for a job interview at MRJ Recruitment
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the retail group's digital transformation journey and how cybersecurity fits into their overall strategy. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a strategic leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to inspire and lead a high-performing security team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and mentored teams in the past, particularly in complex environments.
✨Be Ready for Technical Discussions
Expect in-depth questions about security architecture, cloud environments, and regulatory compliance. Brush up on your knowledge of frameworks like GDPR and PCI-DSS, and be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in previous roles.
✨Engage with Board-Level Stakeholders
Since this role involves advising the Board and Executive Committee, practice articulating complex cyber risks and trends in a way that is accessible to non-technical stakeholders. Highlight your experience in crisis management and incident leadership.