Chief Information Security Officer

Interim Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Contract (3–6 months) | Outside IR35 | UK-based with Travel to Iraq

Our client are a rapidly growing Middle East mobile telecommunications business, building next-generation mobile services in an emerging and high-growth market. Security, resilience, and regulatory trust are critical to our success as we scale our network and operations.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Interim CISO to lead the implementation of strategic security initiatives across our business. This is a hands-on delivery-focused role, ideal for a senior security leader who thrives in fast-moving startup environments and understands the unique challenges of telecommunications infrastructure in complex regions.

The role will be UK-based with regular travel to Iraq required. All travel expenses will be fully covered.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement and execute the organisation’s information and cyber security strategy, aligned with business and regulatory requirements
• Establish and embed security governance, policies, and operating models suitable for a startup telco environment
• Lead security architecture and control implementation across mobile network, IT, and cloud platforms
• Manage and reduce cyber, information, and operational risk in a high-growth, high-regulation environment
• Support compliance with relevant telecoms, data protection, and regional regulatory obligations
• Act as a trusted advisor to the executive team, technology leadership, and external partners
• Support incident preparedness, response planning, and ongoing security maturity improvements

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven experience in a CISO or senior information security leadership role
• Previous telecommunications (telco) experience is essential (mobile network, carrier, or telecoms infrastructure)
• Demonstrable experience delivering security strategy through to implementation, not just design
• Strong understanding of security in emerging markets and complex operating environments
• Experience working with executive stakeholders and technical delivery teams
• Comfortable with international travel and on-the-ground engagement in Iraq

Certifications & Qualifications

• CISSP certification (required)
• Additional certifications (e.g. CISM, CCSP, ISO 27001) highly desirable