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- Tasks: Lead security operations, manage risks, and enhance incident response strategies.
- Company: Join AJ Bell, a top investment platform with a strong culture and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, matched pension, private healthcare, and gym access.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cybersecurity while leading a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Expertise in information security, leadership experience, and strategic thinking required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional development and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 84000 £ per year.
We’re recruiting a Head of Security Operations to support the Chief Information Security Officer in managing and reporting information security risks across Technology Services. This role is critical in safeguarding the confidentiality, integrity and availability of AJ Bell’s systems and data. You’ll lead our Security Operations capability, ensuring we proactively detect, respond to and mitigate security threats, translating cyber risk into clear business impact for senior stakeholders. You’ll lead a high-performing team responsible for proactive cyber defence and incident response, while fostering a strong security-first culture across the organisation.
About the Role
- Oversee 24x7 operational security coverage in partnership with our managed service provider
- Drive automation and AI-led efficiency improvements across security operations processes
- Own and enhance AJ Bell’s incident response framework, including playbooks, testing and executive-level simulations
- Develop and mature threat intelligence capabilities, delivering actionable insight to key stakeholders
- Own end-to-end vulnerability management, including penetration testing and remediation tracking
- Ensure effective operational management of supply chain security risk
- Provide clear, data-driven MI and reporting on AJ Bell’s security posture
- Partner with Security Engineering to define requirements where control gaps are identified
- Manage security vendor relationships, including performance and commercial oversight
- Lead, mentor and develop a team of security analysts, acting as an escalation point for complex incidents
- Shape the future strategy and capability of the Security Operations function
- Embed repeatable, measurable processes to support continuous improvement
About You
- Deep expertise in information security risk management tools and techniques
- Strong knowledge of industry frameworks such as ISO27001, NIST and relevant regulatory requirements (GDPR, FCA, PRA)
- Extensive experience operating and optimising security technologies (SIEM, endpoint protection, email/web gateways, DLP etc.)
- Strong understanding of cloud security and modern DevOps practices
- Experience managing enterprise environments (Windows, Linux, Active Directory advantageous)
- Knowledge of security investigations and forensic best practice (Microsoft Purview advantageous)
- Proven leadership experience within a security operations or cyber defence function
- Experience within financial services or e-commerce preferred
- Strong executive-level communication skills, with experience contributing to Board-level reporting
- Commercially aware, able to translate cyber risk into business risk
- Strategic thinker with hands-on credibility
- Self-motivated and comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment
About AJ Bell
AJ Bell is one of the UK’s fastest-growing investment platform businesses, supporting over 644,000 customers and managing more than £103.3 billion in assets. Listed on the FTSE 250, we’ve been named one of the UK’s Best 100 Companies to Work For for six consecutive years and recognised as a Great Place to Work® in 2025. With offices in Manchester, London and Bristol, we’re proud of our strong culture, collaborative environment and commitment to helping people take control of their financial futures.
What We Offer
- 28 days’ holiday, increasing to 31 with length of service, plus buy/sell options
- Pension matched up to 8% (increasing with service)
- Discretionary bonus and annual free share awards
- Private healthcare, health cash plan and free onsite gym
- Enhanced family leave and ongoing professional development
For the full list of benefits and further details about the role, click apply or visit our careers page.
Head of Security in Salford employer: AJ BELL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LIMITED
Contact Detail:
AJ BELL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LIMITED Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Security in Salford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the security field and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of Security role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of industry frameworks like ISO27001 and NIST. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, as this will show you're not just a talker but someone who gets things done.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When chatting with potential employers, highlight your experience in managing teams and driving security operations. They want to see that you can lead a high-performing team and foster a strong security-first culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining AJ Bell and contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Security in Salford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Head of Security Operations and how your experience aligns with our needs.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Don’t just send a generic CV! Highlight your relevant experience in information security risk management and leadership. Show us how you've tackled similar challenges in the past and how you can bring that expertise to AJ Bell.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves reporting to senior stakeholders, make sure your application reflects your strong communication skills. Use clear, concise language and provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex security issues in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our careers page. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at AJ BELL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LIMITED
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of information security risk management tools and techniques. Familiarise yourself with industry frameworks like ISO27001 and NIST, as well as regulatory requirements such as GDPR. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a high-performing team, be prepared to share examples of your leadership experience. Think about times when you've mentored others or managed complex incidents. Highlight how you foster a strong security-first culture and how you can translate cyber risks into business impacts for senior stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to dive deep into technical discussions about security technologies like SIEM, endpoint protection, and cloud security. Brush up on your knowledge of vulnerability management and incident response frameworks. Being able to articulate your experience with these tools will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong executive-level communication skills are crucial for this position. Practice explaining complex security concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to convey important information to non-technical stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you've contributed to Board-level reporting in the past.