At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in information security for a vibrant holiday village.
- Company: Center Parcs, a leading UK holiday destination with a focus on people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28% bonus, company car, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities and access to leisure facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on security while enabling innovation in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in cyber security, compliance, and technology risk management.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 120000 £ per year.
At Center Parcs, our people are our greatest asset and we're looking for an exceptional leader to guide one of our iconic UK holiday villages. This is a rare and career-defining opportunity to oversee the operations of a vibrant, multifaceted village that welcomes thousands of guests each week and employs up to 2,000 talented colleagues.
The Information Security Director will lead Center Parcs' information and cyber security strategy, with overall accountability for technology risk, compliance, and audit. As the senior authority on security within Technology, you will ensure the organisation is resilient to cyber threats while enabling innovation and change. This role positions cyber security as an enabler, empowering teams to design and operate secure technology and embedding security across systems, processes and suppliers. You will proactively identify risks and emerging threats, develop clear mitigation plans, and communicate effectively at all levels of the business. Acting as a trusted advisor to the CTO and Operating Board, you will provide strategic leadership on information security, technology risk and compliance.
Responsibilities
- Cyber Security Leadership & Strategy - Lead the organisation's information and cyber security strategy, embedding secure‑by‑design principles across technology and operations. By raising cyber awareness, improving detection and response, and adapting to an evolving threat landscape, you will ensure Center Parcs remains secure while enabling the business to thrive.
- Technology Risk Management - Own and operate the enterprise technology risk management framework, providing clear, proactive risk assessments and ensuring risks are understood and managed by both technology and business stakeholders. Acting as a trusted advisor to the CTO and leadership team, you will guide risk appetite, investment priorities and commercial trade‑offs, working closely with risk owners to develop effective mitigation strategies.
- Compliance & Audit Oversight - Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory, industry and audit requirements, including Sarbanes‑Oxley, PCI DSS, GDPR and ISO 27001, maintaining appropriate security frameworks and certifications. Leading engagement with external auditors, QSAs and regulators, you will provide clear evidence of effective controls and ensure audit actions are owned and closed across the technology estate.
- Security Operations & Assurance - Oversee penetration testing, vulnerability assessments and other validation activities to ensure security controls remain effective. This includes ensuring suppliers and partners meet agreed security standards through robust due diligence and ongoing assurance, while evaluating and overseeing security tools and services that support effective prevention, detection and response across both internal and third‑party environments.
- Enabling and Supporting Change - Partner with technology and business teams to embed security and risk into change from the outset, enabling projects to move quickly without compromising resilience. By providing clear guidance, practical patterns and trusted advice throughout digital transformation, you will demystify security, support informed decision‑making, and ensure lessons learned are continuously fed back to strengthen future change and innovation.
Proven experience operating in a large, commercially complex enterprise environment with always‑on operations and regulated data. Experience managing compliance requirements including SoX, PCI DSS, GDPR, and related audit frameworks. Experience in technology risk management and the ability to integrate risk thinking into business decision‑making. A track record of engaging and managing third‑party suppliers and ensuring their compliance with security standards.
Benefits
- Management Bonus Scheme - 28%
- Company Car
- Access to our enhanced pension plan, with 8% from you and 7% contributed by Center Parcs
- Private Medical Insurance
- Discounted Center Parcs breaks
- Free use of our leisure facilities
- 20% discount in our restaurant and retail outlets
- Colleague Recognition and Reward Scheme – offering a choice of Center Parcs and High Street vouchers
- Access to Perks at Work Portal – offering a wide range of retail and leisure discounts
- An Employee Assistance Program – providing support on financial, health and legal matters
- Excellent opportunities for career development and progression with the opportunity to gain externally recognised qualifications
Information Security Director employer: Center Parcs
At Center Parcs, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values our people as our greatest asset. As the Information Security Director, you will not only lead a critical function within a dynamic environment but also benefit from a competitive salary, a generous bonus scheme, and extensive career development opportunities. With access to our enhanced pension plan, private medical insurance, and various employee perks, you will thrive in a supportive atmosphere that encourages innovation and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Information Security Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their values, recent news, and challenges they face in information security. This will help us tailor our responses and show that we’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine our answers and get comfortable discussing our experience. The more we practice, the more confident we’ll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows our enthusiasm for the role and keeps us on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Information Security Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Information Security Director role. Highlight your experience in cyber security leadership, technology risk management, and compliance. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for Center Parcs. Share specific examples of how you've led security strategies and managed risks in previous roles. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior authority, we need someone who can lead and inspire. In your application, emphasise your leadership experience and how you've successfully guided teams through complex security challenges. Let us know how you empower others!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Center Parcs
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and challenges in information security. Brush up on compliance standards like GDPR and PCI DSS, and be ready to discuss how you've tackled similar issues in your past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Information Security Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and influence stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led security initiatives or managed cross-functional teams to achieve security goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about potential cyber threats and how you would mitigate them. Be ready to explain your thought process and decision-making strategies.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating complex security concepts in a way that’s easy to understand for non-technical stakeholders. This will show that you can bridge the gap between technical and business teams.
