Kent - Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne
About The Role
This role is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced cyber security leader who is looking to make a significant impact, but it's equally suited to someone who has been operating just below Head of level and is ready to take the next step in their career. Whetheryou'realready leading a cyber security function oryou'rean ambitious senior cyber security professional looking for your first leadership role at this level,we'dlove to hear from you.
Reporting to the Director of Technology,you'lllead our Cyber Security team and play a pivotal role in protecting Southern Housing's information,systemsand services. You'llshape and deliver our cyber security strategy while ensuring effective day-to-day security operations, helping colleagues across the organisation manage risk confidently and deliver services securely.
This is a highly visible leadership role that offers the opportunity to influence strategic decisions, engage with senior stakeholders and drive continuous improvement across a large and complex organisation.
You'llwork closely with senior leaders, technology teams, business continuity, procurement, commercial and operational colleagues, providing assurance on our security posture, compliance landscape and key risks to the Executive Team, Audit & Risk Committee and Board.
We'relooking for someone who combines strong cyber security knowledge with sound judgement,curiosityand a collaborative approach. You may already be leading a security function, or you may be ready to move into your first Head of Cyber Security role. What matters most is your ability to think strategically, influence stakeholders, build credibility and help embed security as a business enabler rather than a barrier.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:
Leading and developing the Cyber Security team, ensuring the effective delivery of security services across the organisation.
Shaping and delivering Southern Housing's cyber security strategy, operating model, policies,standardsand security architecture.
Overseeing the prevention, investigation and remediation of cyber security incidents whilst strengthening organisational resilience and recovery capability.
Embedding proportionate security-by-design principles into technology change, transformation programmes,projectsand procurement activities.
Providing meaningful cyber security reporting and assurance to senior leaders, committees and the Board on controls, risks,complianceand improvement priorities.
Driving continuous improvement across our security framework, helping us simplify processes, improveawarenessand strengthen our Information Security Management System.
Supporting our ongoing journey towards ISO 27001 alignment whilemaintainingcompliance with relevant legislation and Cyber Essentials Plus requirements.
This role can be basedfromourFarringdon or Sittingbourne office, with hybrid working available. There may be occasional requirements for evening or weekend working to support incident response, resilienceexercisesor planned activities.
Whowe'relooking for
We recognise that great candidatesdon'talways tick every box. You may already hold a Head of Cyber Security position, or you may be a Cyber Security Manager, Information Security Manager, SecurityArchitector senior security professional looking for your next career move.
If you havea strong foundationin cyber security leadership and candemonstratethe potential tooperateat this level,we'dencourage you to apply.
You'llbring:
Significant experience within cyber security, informationsecurityor technology risk, with exposure to developing security strategies, leading majorinitiativesand supporting audits,governanceand compliance activities.
Experience leading teams,projectsor organisational change initiatives, with the ability to inspire others, build capability and influence stakeholders at all levels. Existing Head of function experience is welcome but not essential.
A strong understanding of cyber security governance, risk management, securitycontrolsand industry frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIST, ITIL or COBIT.You'llhave broad technical awareness across cloud andon-premiseenvironments, identity and access management,networksand security tooling.
The ability to translate complex cyber security concepts into clear, practical advice for both technical and non-technical audiences, including senior leaders and Board members.
An appreciation of balancing risk,investmentand operational priorities, helping theorganisation make informed decisions that support business outcomes whilemaintainingappropriate securitystandards.
A pragmatic and solutions-focused approach, with the ability to assess risk, prioritise effectively and remain calm under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
About the Team
You'lljoin our Technology directorate and lead a dedicated Cyber Security team responsible for protecting Southern Housing's information,systemsand services. You'llmanage a team of three direct reports and work closely with colleagues across technology, business continuity, procurement, vendormanagementand enterprise risk.
Together,you'llhelp strengthen cyber resilience, embed a culture of shared responsibility forsecurityand ensure Southern Housing continues to deliver safe,secureand reliable services to our customers.
Whetheryou'rean established cyber security leader looking for your next challenge or a talented security professional ready to step into a senior leadership role, this is an opportunity to make a real difference while developing your career in a supportive and purpose-driven organisation.
About Us
At Southern Housing, our residents are at the heart of everything we do. As one of the largest housing providers in the UK with over 77,000 homes across London, the Southeast, the Isle of Wight, and the Midlands, we give over 167,000 people somewhere affordable to call their own! We also understand the difference that safe, secure, and affordable homes can make to peoples lives.
A career at Southern Housing will allow you to make a difference every day you come to work. Working in the housing sector with us will bring fresh challenges and give you the opportunity to grow and develop, too.
Internal mobility
In line with our Recruitment Policy, colleagues are able to apply for internal roles once they've passed their probation. Interviews will only be arranged once this has been confirmed.
Colleagues who have recently started a new internal role won't be able to apply for another internal move for at least 12 months. Please refer to the Recruitment Policy for more detail.
Advertising End Date: 09 Sep 2026
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