Head of Security Design
Head of Security Design

Head of Security Design

Temporary 54000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead security design and manage fraud risk for DWP's vital services.
  • Company: Join the UK's largest public service department, impacting millions of lives.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive pay, and a chance to make a real difference.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of security innovation while supporting vulnerable communities.
  • Qualifications: Expertise in security management, risk assessment, and relevant certifications required.
  • Other info: Active SC Clearance is essential; public sector experience preferred.

The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.

On behalf of DWP, we are looking for a Head of Security Design for a 12 month (Inside IR35) contract. Hybrid working with 2 days per week required in London, Manchester, Leeds or Newcastle.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is responsible for welfare, pensions, and child maintenance policy. As the UK’s biggest public service department, it administers the State Pension and a range of working age, disability, and ill health benefits to around 20 million claimants and customers. As such, we operate on a scale that is almost unmatched anywhere in Europe and most people in Britain come into contact with us at some point in their lives.

Working with DWP, you will be helping us to drive our priorities to:

  • Help people to move into work and support those already in work to progress, with the aim of increasing overall workforce participation.
  • Help people to plan and save for later life, while providing a safety net for those who need it now.
  • Provide effective, efficient, and innovative services to the millions of claimants who rely on us every day, including the most vulnerable in society.
  • Improve the experience of our services while maximising value for money for the taxpayer.

As a Head of Security Design, your main responsibilities will be:

  • Provide leadership to ensure effective security and fraud risk expertise, advice, and support is delivered to include business managers, Senior Risk Owners, and the Working Age Services SLT within DWP.
  • Establish and manage the Working Age Services security posture and initiatives, ensuring the protection of information assets from internal and external threats.
  • Develop, manage, and enhance the fraud risk management framework to minimize the department’s exposure to fraud risks.
  • Oversee the implementation, management, and proper utilization of security tools such as intrusion detection systems, vulnerability management, anti-virus software, and data encryption.
  • Assess and manage the identification and mitigation plans of existing and emerging security threats, vulnerabilities, and risks.
  • Maintain awareness in information security technologies and fraud risk management methodologies, applying best practices and driving knowledge through Working Age Services.
  • Lead security awareness and education programs to encourage all employees to maintain a high level of vigilance.
  • An active SC Clearance is an essential requirement for this role; as a minimum, you must be eligible and willing to undergo these checks.
  • Expert knowledge of leading innovation in protective security, balancing security requirements against service innovation.
  • Expert in combining external threat information, organizational context, and situational awareness to provide a holistic threat understanding capability, including the use of threat models.
  • Ability to communicate tailored threat information to relevant senior stakeholders across multiple teams.
  • Able to provide technical leadership for specific experts (be they pen-testers, Security Architects, DevSecOps, product or compliance assurance, for example) in the context of driving change and being confident to challenge.
  • Proven experience in developing approaches to effectively manage risk through the full risk lifecycle. Evidence of communicating risk in clear terms to enable informed decision-making and prioritization.
  • Proven record of working on a large high-impact programme or enterprise scale operation.
  • CISSP or similar certification or can demonstrate equivalent skills and experience across those domains.
  • Public Sector experience.
  • SDLC experience.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, DWP guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following: \”this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such, the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different.\”

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Contact Detail:

Avature Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Security Design

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific security frameworks and methodologies used within the public sector, particularly those relevant to DWP. Understanding their unique challenges and priorities will help you tailor your discussions during interviews.

Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the security design field, especially those who have experience in public sector roles. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.

Tip Number 3

Stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in information security and fraud risk management. Being able to discuss recent developments and how they could apply to DWP's operations will demonstrate your expertise and enthusiasm for the role.

Tip Number 4

Prepare to articulate your experience in managing security risks and leading teams effectively. Use specific examples from your past roles that highlight your ability to drive change and improve security postures, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Security Design

Leadership Skills
Security Risk Management
Fraud Risk Management
Intrusion Detection Systems
Vulnerability Management
Data Encryption
Threat Assessment
Information Security Technologies
Security Awareness Training
SC Clearance
Communication Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Technical Leadership
Risk Lifecycle Management
CISSP Certification
Public Sector Experience
Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) Experience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Security Design position. Make sure you understand the responsibilities and requirements, especially regarding security expertise and public sector experience.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in security design, risk management, and leadership. Emphasise any certifications like CISSP and your experience with SDLC, as these are crucial for this role.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that directly addresses how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to manage security risks and lead teams effectively.

Highlight Your Communication Skills: In both your CV and cover letter, showcase your ability to communicate complex security concepts to senior stakeholders. This is essential for the role, so provide examples of how you've done this in the past.

How to prepare for a job interview at Avature

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head of Security Design, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed security initiatives and influenced stakeholders in previous roles.

Understand DWP's Mission

Familiarise yourself with the Department for Work and Pensions' goals and priorities. Be ready to discuss how your expertise in security design can support their mission to provide effective services to millions of claimants.

Highlight Your Technical Expertise

Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of security tools and methodologies. Share specific experiences where you've implemented security measures or managed risks, particularly in a public sector context.

Communicate Clearly About Risk

Since the role involves communicating risk to senior stakeholders, practice articulating complex security concepts in simple terms. Use examples from your past to illustrate how you've enabled informed decision-making regarding security risks.

Head of Security Design
Avature
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