At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the charge in shaping cyber security culture and architecture for a global organisation.
- Company: Join the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, a key player in international security.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a robust pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional development and leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in cyber security while working with innovative teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in enterprise security architecture and a passion for cultural change.
The predicted salary is between 69500 - 90600 £ per year.
Organisation: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
Salary: £69,500 - £90,600
Location: Hanslope Park (Milton Keynes) or East Kilbride - hybrid, min 60% in the office
Terms: Permanent, Grade 6
Benefits: 25 days annual leave, Civil Service pension scheme (28.97%)
Allen Lane is supporting the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in their search for a Head of Cyber Security Culture and Architecture on a permanent basis. This is a Grade 6 vacancy in a growing function within the Information and Cyber Security Department. We are growing our team to take on the ever-changing global security challenges and deliver innovative security solutions that will enable and empower the FCDO to succeed.
The Head of Cyber Security Culture and Architecture is responsible to the Chief Information Security Officer to define, lead and deliver, through their team, the FCDO’s secure architecture and its internal cyber security culture. The role ensures that secure design is embedded across systems and services while fostering a workforce that understands, values and upholds security principles.
You will lead a team of security architects who will influence technology delivery, organisational behaviours and leadership decision making. You will ensure that architecture, awareness and cultural resilience are delivered in a coordinated way, aligning secure by design principles with secure behavioural outcomes.
The Head of Cyber Security Culture and Architecture will work in partnership with business, digital and security stakeholders, providing the leadership required to drive continuous development in the following areas:
- Information and Cyber Security Culture
- Information and Cyber Security Practices
- Information and Cyber Security Architecture
- Architectural Roadmap for Information Security
The Head of Cyber Security Culture and Architecture will be a member of the ICSD Senior Leadership team and IDD Extended Leadership Group; and is expected to lead engagement and reporting for their workstreams, working across the IDD to improve ways of working both internally and externally. The successful candidate will be expected to represent the CISO at various HMG and external events where necessary.
Full details of the duties and responsibilities for this position are detailed in the candidate pack.
We are looking for those who are able to engage on all Minimum Criteria with the potential to develop further in some areas.
Minimum Criteria
- Enterprise Security Architecture: Leading the design and assurance of enterprise security architecture, applying recognised frameworks and principles to ensure solutions are resilient, compliant and aligned with organisational objectives, while advising and guiding senior stakeholders.
- Technical Security Architecture: Applying security architectural principles to complex IT and operational technology (OT) systems, addressing vulnerabilities, bringing structure to diverse environments, while supervising practitioners and influencing senior stakeholders to adopt secure design.
- Policy and Standards: Providing subject matter expertise in developing and interpreting cyber and information security policies and standards to guide complex or precedent-setting decisions.
- Information Security Culture: Baselining the future vision for the FCDO’s information and cyber security culture, defining, and assuring delivery of change leavers and reporting mechanisms to effect cultural change.
- Third Party Management: Leading the definition and assurance of cyber and information security requirements for third-party relationships, advising senior stakeholders and ensuring suppliers deliver against compliance and risk management expectations.
- Management, Leadership and Influence: Embedding a security first culture and influencing behaviours at all levels to reduce risk and improve resilience. Shaping Cyber and Information security leadership, strong stakeholder influence, and the management of high performing teams, whilst championing professional development.
Qualifications encouraged: CISSP, CCSP, SABSA or CISM. The FCDO is a corporate member of CIISec and we actively encourage all staff to engage with its professional standards and actively work towards recognised accreditation to support their ongoing development and contribution to the cyber profession.
How to apply: You will be required to complete and submit an application to FCDO@allenlane.co.uk by the closing date of Monday November 3rd at 09:00. This must include a CV detailing your career history (including any relevant qualifications). CVs will be assessed against the Minimum Criteria outlined in the Person Specification section of this Pack. You should also provide a Personal Statement of up to 1,000 words, and a completed online diversity monitoring form. Your Personal Statement should explain how your skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with specific reference to the Minimum Criteria. We are looking for those who are able to engage on all of the Criteria with the potential to develop further in some areas. These responses will be explored further during the interview process for shortlisted candidates.
This role can be based at one of our offices in Hanslope Park (Milton Keynes) or East Kilbride. Hybrid working is available, there is an expectation of 60% office time as a minimum.
The salary for this role at Grade 6 starts at £69,500 per annum. If based in Milton Keynes, there will be an additional, non-pensionable, non-consolidated location allowance of £1,750. A specialist allowance of up to £10,800 per annum (non-contractual, non-consolidated and non-pensionable) may be offered based on the candidate’s demonstrated skills, competence and experience at interview. This allowance will be subject to regular review and may be changed or removed with written notice. The maximum total remuneration for this role will not exceed £90,600 per annum.
The terms of the employment include access to the Civil Service pension scheme (employer contribution of 28.97%) and annual leave starting at 25 days leave per annum. If successful you must hold, or be willing to obtain, security clearance to DV level. All offers of appointment will be subject to achieving DV level clearance. You must have been resident in the UK for five out of the last ten years immediately prior to your application.
We want the modern FCDO to reflect the very best of 21st century Britain. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified applicants, irrespective of background or circumstances.
Head of Cyber Security Culture and Architecture in Milton Keynes employer: Allen Lane
Allen Lane is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic work culture in the heart of London, where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront. Employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth through continuous learning and development opportunities, making it an ideal place for those passionate about leveraging technology in finance. With a commitment to enhancing processes and driving strategic initiatives, Allen Lane offers a rewarding career path for qualified accountants looking to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Cyber Security Culture and Architecture in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the FCDO on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the culture and expectations, plus it shows our genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the FCDO’s recent projects and initiatives. We want to demonstrate that we’re not just another candidate; we’re passionate about their mission and ready to contribute to their cyber security culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our leadership skills! Think of examples where we’ve influenced change or led teams in previous roles. The FCDO is looking for someone who can drive cultural change, so let’s highlight those experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can tailor our submission to align perfectly with what the FCDO is looking for.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Cyber Security Culture and Architecture in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Head of Cyber Security Culture and Architecture. Highlight your relevant experience, qualifications, and skills that align with the job description. We want to see how you fit into our vision!
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your skills and experiences meet the Minimum Criteria. Be specific and give examples that showcase your expertise in cyber security culture and architecture.
Follow the Application Instructions:Don’t forget to follow the application instructions carefully! Submit your CV, personal statement, and the online diversity monitoring form to FCDO@allenlane.co.uk by the deadline. We want to make sure your application gets seen!
Show Your Passion for Cyber Security:Let your enthusiasm for cyber security come through in your application. We’re looking for candidates who are not just qualified but also genuinely passionate about fostering a secure culture. Show us why you care!
How to prepare for a job interview at Allen Lane
✨Know Your Cyber Security Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and frameworks in cyber security architecture. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these principles in your previous roles, especially when it comes to leading teams and influencing stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Cyber Security Culture and Architecture, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed high-performing teams and influenced organisational behaviours towards a security-first culture.
✨Align with FCDO's Vision
Familiarise yourself with the FCDO's mission and values. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals, particularly in fostering a strong information and cyber security culture. Be ready to articulate how you can contribute to their objectives.
✨Prepare Your Personal Statement
Your personal statement is crucial! Make it count by clearly linking your skills and experiences to the minimum criteria outlined in the job description. Use specific examples to illustrate your suitability for the role, as this will be a key focus during the interview.
