At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead information security governance and ensure compliance while enabling fast, secure operations.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation prioritising security and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on security practices and help shape the future of the organisation.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in information security with hands-on ISO 27001 experience.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for growth and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
My client is recruiting an Information Security Lead to take full ownership of information security governance, risk management, and audit readiness across the organisation. This role is responsible for ensuring the business remains continuously compliant while enabling teams to operate quickly and securely in a regulated environment.
The successful candidate will lead the information security function, working closely with technical and operational teams to embed pragmatic, delivery‑focused security practices that support business outcomes.
Key Responsibilities- Own information security governance and the ISMS end‑to‑end, including risk registers, policies, internal audits, management reviews, and external audits.
- Lead compliance against recognised security standards (including ISO 27001) and extend governance into additional frameworks where required.
- Establish and maintain a robust, audit‑ready evidence pipeline with clearly defined ownership.
- Maintain a live, decision‑focused risk register with mitigation plans and accountable owners.
- Operate pragmatic policy lifecycle and exception management processes.
- Define evidence and assurance expectations for technical security controls.
- Validate control effectiveness and ensure ongoing audit readiness.
- Support vendor and customer security due diligence activities.
- Observe incident response exercises and ensure corrective actions are tracked and closed.
- Design and deliver organisation‑wide security awareness and training programmes.
- Maintain clear, accessible security guidance and best practices for all teams.
- Lead and develop the information security function, partnering across engineering, IT, operations, and governance teams.
- Contribute to resilience, reliability, and continuous improvement initiatives from a risk and governance perspective.
- 7+ years’ experience in information security or ISMS leadership roles.
- Hands‑on experience owning ISO 27001 end‑to‑end, including audits and management reviews.
- Strong experience managing evidence, documentation, and compliance artefacts.
- Proven ability to translate technical security controls into compliance‑ready evidence.
- Track record of influencing stakeholders through collaboration rather than enforcement.
- Experience with additional frameworks such as SOC 2, ISO 27701, or CIS.
- Professional security certifications (e.g. CISSP, CISM, ISO Lead Auditor/Implementer).
- Experience working closely with security engineering or platform teams.
- Background in fast‑moving or growth‑oriented environments.
Information Security Lead in Birmingham employer: GCS
Contact Detail:
GCS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Information Security Lead in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the information security field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your online presence sorted! Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and showcases your experience in information security governance and risk management. Join relevant groups and engage with posts to get noticed.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of ISO 27001 and other frameworks. Be ready to discuss how you've led compliance efforts and managed audits in the past. We want to see your hands-on experience shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Information Security Lead in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Information Security Lead. Highlight your experience with ISO 27001 and any relevant frameworks, as well as your leadership skills in information security governance. We want to see how you can own the ISMS end-to-end!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about information security and how your background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your hands-on experience with audits and compliance – we love that stuff!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead and influence stakeholders. We’re looking for examples of how you've successfully managed risk registers or implemented security policies that made a real difference.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at GCS
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in information security governance and risk management. Brush up on ISO 27001 and any other frameworks mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with audits and compliance artefacts will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical knowledge too.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role is all about leading the information security function, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Talk about how you’ve influenced stakeholders through collaboration rather than enforcement, and highlight any training programmes you’ve designed or delivered.
✨Be Audit-Ready
Since maintaining an audit-ready evidence pipeline is crucial, come equipped with examples of how you’ve managed documentation and compliance artefacts in previous roles. Discuss your approach to ensuring ongoing audit readiness and how you’ve validated control effectiveness in the past.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
The company is looking for someone who contributes to resilience and reliability initiatives. Be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented continuous improvement processes in your previous roles, especially from a risk and governance perspective. This shows that you’re proactive and focused on long-term success.