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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cyber security strategy and ensure resilience against cyber threats in a dynamic government environment.
- Company: Join a pivotal role within the Government Digital and Data profession, shaping national security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of innovation while protecting public data and services.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in cyber security and strong stakeholder management skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and drive a culture of security awareness.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job summary
The Chief Information Security Officer will create an environment and culture that ensures security of information and technology for ICS and DSIT and DESNZ, our partner departments. You will enable the organisations to achieve their objectives and drive innovation in services and leverage new technologies in a safe and secure way. The chief information security officer role is part of both the Government Digital and Data profession and the Government Security profession.
The Chief Information Security Officer role sits within the ICS Security team within the ICS Operations directorate. ICS Security delivers security assurance across Cyber and Protective Security domains to both DESNZ and DSIT with a lighter governance approach across their partner organisations.
This critical leadership role requires a strategic leader, national security thinker, and cyber specialist who blends deep technical acumen, risk management, and interorganisational influence to protect public data and services from cyber threats, aligning with national security objectives and values whilst enabling all our organisations to achieve their objectives and deliver services innovatively and leveraging new technologies, in a safe and secure way.
If you are able to apply your deep technical knowledge and experience in a dynamic environment, at the sharp end of government technology, that supports departments to deliver their outcomes, then this is the role for you.
Reporting to the Deputy Director for Security and Resilience, as a key member of the ICS Operations Directorate Senior Leadership Team, you will manage a team of specialist cyber and information security technologists to ensure there are strategies and plans in place which support innovation and ensure departmental systems are resilient to cyber-attack. You will work closely with the ICS Digital delivery team to deliver continuous improvements to our ability to detect and defend against the most capable threat actors. You will work seamlessly with the wider ICS Security team to ensure all dimensions of security are aligned and ensure the best outcomes across all our organisations are achieved.
In the role you will also serve as the lead for ICS and its customers on cyber incidents – often at pace – including within significant cross government activities, contributing your expertise and supporting your peers.
Job description
In this role you will:
- Determine how to get to the level of information and cyber security maturity ICS and DESNZ/DSIT needs and create a strategy for information and cyber security that supports the ICS and DESNZ/DSIT strategy (including shared services) and wider government security and cyber strategies.
- Lead the ICS and DESNZ/DSIT in implementing the information and cyber security strategy.
- Evaluate the current status and maturity of information and cyber security in ICS and DESNZ/DSIT.
- Understand cyber and information risks across ICS and DESNZ/DSIT and advise the boards and other leaders on how to mitigate risks in their areas and in future plans.
- Enable ICS, DESNZ and DSIT to be innovative in a safe and secure way.
- Ensure ICS, DESNZ and DSIT are prepared for cyber attacks and can detect, respond to and recover from an attack.
- Ensure that information and cyber security aspects of crisis management are effective.
- Encourage a culture of cyber security awareness and good security practices.
- Implement practices to increase the maturity of information and cyber security.
Person specification
Essential Criteria
- You must have a strong track record in leading cyber security within a large complex organisation.
- You must demonstrate experience of collaborative leadership and stakeholder management, with the ability to articulate cyber risk clearly to senior leaders and meet the following cyber experience, all as detailed in the Government Digital Data Profession Capability Framework:
Desirable Criteria
- Professional certifications such as CISSP, CCSP, CRISC, CCISO.
- Experience of working within/with government departments, agencies, or regulated sectors.
- A track record of leveraging new technologies (e.g. cloud, AI, zero trust) securely.
- A degree in cyber security, information security, computer science, or a related discipline.
Chief Information Security Officer employer: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Contact Detail:
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Information Security Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in leading cyber security initiatives. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges and driven innovation in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's current security posture and recent incidents. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your understanding of their needs. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in the role!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you ace your job search. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. So, what are you waiting for? Get your application in!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Information Security Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in cyber security and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Chief Information Security Officer, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: This role requires a deep technical understanding of cyber security. Be sure to include any certifications or specific technologies you’ve worked with, like cloud or AI. We’re looking for someone who can blend technical acumen with strategic thinking.
Demonstrate Collaborative Leadership: Highlight your experience in stakeholder management and collaborative leadership. We value candidates who can articulate cyber risks clearly to senior leaders and work effectively across teams. Share examples of how you've successfully led initiatives in complex environments.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out on the chance to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
✨Know Your Cyber Security Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and technologies in cyber security. Be ready to discuss your experience with risk management, incident response, and how you've led teams in previous roles. This is a technical position, so showing off your deep knowledge will definitely impress.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Chief Information Security Officer, you'll need to demonstrate your collaborative leadership style. Prepare examples of how you've managed teams and influenced stakeholders in the past. Think about times when you had to articulate complex cyber risks to senior leaders and how you navigated those conversations.
✨Align with Their Objectives
Familiarise yourself with the specific goals of ICS, DESNZ, and DSIT. Be ready to discuss how your vision for information security aligns with their objectives and how you can help them innovate securely. Showing that you understand their mission will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills in real-time. Think about potential cyber threats they might face and how you would respond. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.