At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cyber risk and security assurance for critical national digital services.
- Company: Join the Government Digital Service, the heart of UK digital innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous learning and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on government digital security and protect vital services.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in cyber security and risk management at a senior level.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: Bristol, London, Manchester
The Government Digital Service (GDS) is looking for a Cyber Security Governance and Risk Management Principal to lead security assurance across critical national digital infrastructure.
About the role
You’ll join GDS, the digital centre of government, working at the heart of services like GOV.UK and One Login.
Responsibilities
- Lead cyber risk and security assurance across major digital services
- Work across teams delivering services in alpha, beta and live phases
- Influence how security is embedded across government digital delivery
- Support a strong “secure by design” culture across the organisation
What you’ll be doing
You’ll play a key role in protecting and strengthening government digital services, including:
- Leading cyber and information security risk management and assurance
- Conducting security assessments and IT Health Checks across services
- Ensuring SaaS and cloud solutions meet NCSC security principles
- Facilitating security working groups across delivery stages
- Producing formal risk assessments and risk treatment plans (RTPs)
- Advising on secure by design practices, including AI and secure coding
- Supporting incident management and live service security improvements
- Delivering risk briefings to senior leaders, with clear recommendations
- Mentoring teams and building capability across security practices
- Promoting a positive, collaborative security culture
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for an experienced cyber security professional who can operate at a senior level:
- Strong experience delivering cyber risk assessments and assurance
- Deep understanding of threat modelling, cloud security and SaaS environments
- Experience applying security standards and regulatory frameworks
- Confident working in complex, fast-paced digital environments
- Strong stakeholder engagement, able to influence senior leaders
- Excellent communication skills, translating complex risks into clear actions
- Experience mentoring, coaching or building team capability
- Ability to assess risks across emerging technologies (AI, cloud, SaaS)
- Commitment to continuous learning and best practice sharing
Cyber Risk & Governance Lead in Bristol employer: Government Cyber Profession
The Government Digital Service (GDS) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of digital government services across Bristol, London, and Manchester. With a strong commitment to fostering a collaborative culture, GDS provides ample opportunities for professional growth and development, particularly in the rapidly evolving field of cyber security. Employees benefit from engaging in meaningful work that directly impacts national digital infrastructure while being supported by a team that values innovation and secure practices.
Contact Details:
Government Cyber Profession Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cyber Risk & Governance Lead in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the cyber security field on LinkedIn or at industry events. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to cyber risk and governance. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable discussing your experience and skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a blog where you share insights on cyber security trends, risk assessments, or case studies. This not only demonstrates your knowledge but also sets you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications!
We think you need these skills to ace Cyber Risk & Governance Lead in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Cyber Risk & Governance Lead. Highlight your experience in cyber risk assessments and assurance, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects that showcase your skills in a fast-paced digital environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for GDS. Talk about your passion for security and how you can influence a secure by design culture across government digital delivery.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves translating complex risks into clear actions, make sure your application reflects your excellent communication skills. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts clearly to demonstrate your ability to engage with senior leaders.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Cyber Profession
✨Know Your Cyber Security Fundamentals
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of cyber risk assessments, threat modelling, and cloud security. Be ready to discuss how these concepts apply to the role and provide examples from your past experiences.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll need to translate complex risks into clear actions for senior leaders, practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms. Use real-world scenarios to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like conducting a security assessment or advising on secure coding practices. Think through your approach and be ready to outline your thought process clearly.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership and Mentoring Experience
Highlight any experience you have in mentoring teams or building capabilities in security practices. Share specific examples of how you've influenced a positive security culture in previous roles, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
