At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the security strategy and protect critical services across Brent, Lewisham, and Southwark councils.
- Company: Join a vibrant council in Brent, known for its diversity and community focus.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 33 days annual leave, excellent pension, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Flexible working and a commitment to diversity make this an inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community safety while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong security leadership experience and knowledge of modern security practices required.
The predicted salary is between 77264 - 90186 £ per year.
Salary range: £77,264 - £90,186 p.a. inc. London weighting
Contract: Permanent
Hours of work: 36 hours per week
Location: Civic centre and other locations from time to time
Brent is a tremendously vibrant London borough where the iconic arch of Wembley Stadium dominates the skyline. Spanning both inner and outer London, it is a borough of huge contrasts in terms of its economic, environmental, ethnic and social make up. Brent’s diversity is evident to all who visit our borough and our long history of ethnic and cultural diversity has created a place that is truly unique and valued by those who live and work here. The council is pursuing a far-reaching transformation agenda that better meets the needs of our community so it is an exciting time to join us.
Shared Technology Services (STS) is a shared IT service delivering end to end technology support across Brent, Lewisham and Southwark councils. We provide the full range of corporate IT capabilities from strategy, architecture and cyber security, through to day to day operations, infrastructure, cloud and supplier management, ensuring reliable and resilient services for thousands of users and residents. Working in a complex multi stakeholder environment, STS brings together scale, specialist expertise and strong governance to deliver value for money, improve customer experience and support the organisations we serve through major transformation and continuous improvement. Southwark council is due to exit the shared service by 31 March 2028.
As Chief Information Security Officer, you will set the direction for information and cyber security across Shared Technology Services (STS) and our partner councils Brent, Lewisham and Southwark. You will lead the development and delivery of the security strategy, ensuring proportionate controls are in place to manage risk and protect critical services, data and systems. You will oversee security governance, policies and assurance, and provide clear reporting and advice to senior leaders and key boards. You will work closely with technology, digital and operational teams to embed security by design across programmes and platforms, strengthen incident readiness and response, and drive continuous improvement across suppliers, cloud services and the wider estate.
You will be a credible security leader with strong technical breadth and the ability to translate risk into clear decisions and practical actions. You will have experience operating in complex environments with multiple stakeholders, balancing security needs with service delivery and user experience. You will bring strong knowledge of modern security practices across cloud, identity, networks, endpoints, data protection and third party risk, alongside a disciplined approach to governance and assurance. You will be confident influencing senior leaders, calm under pressure, and able to lead through incidents, audits and change. You will also be collaborative and pragmatic, building trusted relationships while raising standards and capability across teams.
We know people achieve their best when they feel valued. At Brent, you’ll benefit from:
- Up to 33 days annual leave (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays
- Excellent pension with generous employer contributions (LGPS)
- Hybrid and flexible working options available for most roles
- Supportive family‑friendly policies for parents, guardians and carers
- Health and wellbeing support, including access to eye test support and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Financial support such as education sessions, childcare deposit loans and season ticket loans
- Travel perks including affordable parking nearby, a Cycle to Work scheme and great onsite facilities
- Learning and development opportunities to help you grow your career
- Access to My Brent Rewards with exclusive discounts on shopping, travel, leisure and entertainment
Closing date: 13 April 2026 (23:59)
If you are interested in applying for this job, please start by clicking the "Apply Now" button below. You must provide a supporting statement as part of your application that clearly shows how you meet the essential requirements on the Job description. We will accept a CV in support of your application, however, you should still provide a supporting statement.
Brent Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this and therefore encourages applications from all sections of the community. We positively encourage all applicants to self‑identify their characteristics in the diversity survey section in the application. We are committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants should be aware that posts working with children, young people and vulnerable adults are subject to an Enhanced DBS check as well as other employment clearances.
Brent has a positive approach to flexible working. As a disability confident employer, Brent welcomes applications from people with all disabilities, including non‑visible disabilities and mental health conditions. We will interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential criteria. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to any part of the recruitment process due to your disability, please contact us on recruitment@brent.gov.uk
Chief Security Officer in Wembley employer: Brent Council
Brent Council is an exceptional employer that values diversity and fosters a supportive work culture, offering up to 33 days of annual leave, excellent pension contributions, and flexible working options. As part of the Shared Technology Services team, you will have access to extensive learning and development opportunities, ensuring your career growth while contributing to meaningful transformation in a vibrant London borough. Join us in making a difference in the community while enjoying a range of employee benefits and a commitment to wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Security Officer in Wembley
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Brent Council, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Brent Council
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Brent Council. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Security Officer in Wembley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Brent Council insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Brent Council that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Brent Council
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Brent Council to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Brent Council.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
