Cyber Security Assurance & Compliance Manager in London

About DFT Operator

DFTO is the government’s public sector rail owning group. Its purpose is to bring all currently privately-owned train operators into public ownership in advance of the creation of Great British Railways in 2027 - and deliver improvements in the here and now by unifying and integrating train operations under common public ownership. DFTO has over 30,000 employees, runs over 8,500 services a day and delivers over 640 million customer journeys across its networks every year.

Primary Purpose of Job:

This role will support the Group Head of Cyber Security to deliver the DFTO Cyber Strategy and work to ensure DFTO aligns future development to the wider GBR Cyber Strategy. The post holder will contribute to developing a wider understanding across the company of how cyber security supports the delivery of DFTO and GBR strategic objectives. This role will lead continual improvement across DFTO and DFTO Operator cyber security processes, embedding a robust continuous improvement approach. By overseeing and monitoring cyber security solutions across DFTO and its Group Operators, the role will help protect the organisation from cyber threats while ensuring compliance with recognised industry cyber security standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the DFTO Group Head of Cyber Security to oversee the delivery and support of cyber security applications and platforms.
• Manage the continued review, research, and development of current security controls, ensuring their effectiveness and efficiency support the GBR Cyber Strategy.
• Manage the Cyber Security Risk Register working with business and solution owners to identify, mitigate, treat and remediate risk in accordance with the DFTO Group risk appetite.
• Provide insight to the Group Head of Cyber Security based on the information gained through monitoring networks and systems for critical security breaches.
• Collate DFTO Group compliance against the NIS Directive, ensuring that required Policy & Processes are embedded across Operators.
• Ensure that, as an Operator of Essential Service, the operators are appropriately aware of their responsibilities as defined by the Cyber Compliance Team.
• Participate in peer reviews of deliverables and carry out formal and informal reviews of technical designs, standards, documentation and/or implementations.
• Lead cyber security projects as assigned, following a recognised methodology, through specification, testing, implementation and documentation.
• Support security breach investigations within a defined area of responsibility.
• Produce comprehensive reports including assessment-based findings, outcomes and propositions for current security compliance and further cyber security assurance activities.
• Support awareness training on cyber security standards, policies and best practices.

Key Competencies:

• Expert knowledge of achieving and maintaining compliance with the ISO27001, GDPR, PCI DSS, and other security Standards.
• Knowledge of core security principles e.g., Security by Design, Defence in depth and CIA Triad model.
• Effective team player experienced at dealing at all levels with effective influencing and negotiating skills.
• Ability to form constructive and proactive working relationships at all levels with all stakeholders.
• Proven track record of delivering change and continuous improvement.
• Good communications and presentation skills both verbal and written.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Technical Qualifications:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• Significant current experience in a Cyber Security Compliance and Assurance role.
• Recognised industry security certification such as CISSP or equivalent.
• ISO27001 Lead Auditor Certification, or working toward formal certification.
• Experience with network security and with system, security, and network monitoring tools.
• Hands on experience in security systems, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, anti-virus software, authentication systems, log management, content filtering, etc.

This role reports to the Group Head of Cyber Security and will work closely with DFTO Cyber/Information Security colleagues across business units and external TOC stakeholders.

Vacancy Details:

• Duration: Perm
• Location: London Waterloo/Hybrid
• Salary: up to £84,000
• Closing date: 2nd June 2026

DFTO Benefits:

• Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days and rising to an additional day per year of service completed within the first 5 completed years up to a maximum of 5 additional (30 days).
• DC Pension Scheme: 10% Employer contribution, 5% Employee contribution.
• Opportunities to learn and network across the wider industry.

Contact: If you have any questions or reasonable adjustments, please contact Jason.blakemore@dftoperator.co.uk.