Head of Cyber Protection Operations

The Head of Cyber Protection Operations is responsible for managing the operation of key cyber protection capabilities on behalf of the group. This role oversees a number of teams charged with running technical services which serve to protect Aviva from cyber attacks, malicious insiders and data loss within risk tolerance.

Responsibilities also include:

• Sponsoring changes projects which deliver security enhancements, ensuring projects are completed on time, within scope/budget.
• Providing strategic and operational leadership across Aviva’s cyber protection functions.
• Ensuring critical security capabilities are effectively delivered, risks are managed, and teams are empowered to protect the organisation in a dynamic threat landscape.
• Leading a high-performing team of cyber and project professionals, driving strategy, innovation, and continuous improvement across protection capabilities.
• Overseeing daily operations of technical security functions, ensuring services are resilient, risk-aware, and aligned with business needs.
• Sponsoring and guiding cybersecurity projects to successful delivery, ensuring timelines, scope, and budgets are effectively managed.
• Collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to assess and mitigate risk, while maintaining a forward-looking roadmap for cyber capabilities.
• Managing team performance and cost base, making informed financial decisions and supporting broader portfolio-level investment planning.

Skills and experience we’re looking for:

• In-depth knowledge of Cyber Security concepts and technologies.
• Experience leading a global team in a 24/7 environment.
• Ability to build relationships and engage with all levels of management, communicating complex technical issues to a range of audiences.
• Experience managing external supplier relationships to secure the best value and service for Aviva.
• Experience with service level agreements, commercial engagements, and contract negotiations.
• Demonstrable knowledge of industry standards such as NIST and ISO27001.
• Knowledge of relevant regulations such as GDPR and DORA.

What you’ll get for this role:

• National salary £110,000 - £140,000 and London salary £120,000 - £160,000 (depending on location, skills, experience, and qualifications).
• Bonus opportunity – 25% of annual salary. Actual amount depends on your performance and Aviva’s.
• Generous pension scheme - Aviva will contribute up to 14%, depending on what you put in.
• 29 days holiday plus bank holidays, and you can choose to buy or sell up to 5 days.
• Up to 40% discount on Aviva products, and other retailer discounts.
• Up to £1,200 of free Aviva shares per year through our Matching Share Plan and share in the success of Aviva with our Save As You Earn scheme.
• Brilliantly supportive policies including parental and carer’s leave.
• Flexible benefits to suit you, including sustainability options such as cycle to work.
• Make a difference, be part of our Aviva Communities and use your 3 paid volunteering days to help others.
• We take your wellbeing seriously with lots of support and tools.

Aviva is for everyone: We’re inclusive and welcome everyone – we want applications from all backgrounds and experiences. Excited but not sure you tick every box? Even if you don’t, we would still encourage you to apply. We also consider all forms of flexible working, including part time and job shares. We flex locations, hours and working patterns to suit our customers, business, and you.

We interview every disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job. Once you’ve applied, please send us an email stating that you have a disclosed disability, and we’ll interview you.