At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the charge in protecting sensitive data and implementing cutting-edge security strategies.
- Company: Join a leading organisation focused on innovative data security solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the evolving field of data security and cryptography.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in data security and strong technical knowledge required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to work on quantum-resilient security solutions.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Key Responsibilities:
- Define and drive the enterprise-wide data protection strategy, ensuring robust safeguards for sensitive information across cloud services, applications, and endpoints.
- Develop and mature the organisation's DLP operating model, including policy frameworks, rule sets, alerting thresholds, and continuous monitoring enhancements.
- Implement strong governance for data classification, handling, retention, and encryption, ensuring secure management of data throughout its lifecycle.
- Lead the organisation's strategic direction on quantum-resilient security, including assessments of quantum-related risks and the creation of a staged readiness plan.
- Assess, recommend, and oversee the rollout of advanced cryptographic technologies, ensuring alignment with evolving standards and business risk appetite.
- Embed secure data practices across projects and platforms, working collaboratively with Architecture, Technology, Risk, Legal, and Compliance to ensure security is built in from the outset.
- Stay ahead of emerging data security and cryptography threats, continuously scanning the external environment for new risks and regulatory drivers.
- Act as escalation point for data protection incidents, providing expert advice on containment, investigation, and lessons learned.
- Manage relationships with specialist vendors, consultancies, and technology partners, ensuring solutions deliver value and meet security expectations.
Performance Objectives:
- Deliver a coherent organisational strategy for data protection and DLP, with clear controls, governance structures, and reporting mechanisms.
- Reduce data-exfiltration and insider-risk exposures, supported by quantifiable improvements in control effectiveness and risk visibility.
- Produce a credible, risk-aligned post-quantum cryptography roadmap, addressing future-proofing, migration planning, and regulatory readiness.
Skills and Experience Specification
Essential:
- Extensive leadership experience in data security, information security, or cybersecurity, ideally within large or complex organisations.
- Deep technical knowledge of DLP tooling, data classification models, encryption technologies, and secure data lifecycle controls.
- Strong grounding in cryptographic fundamentals, key management schemes, and secure system design.
- Demonstrable experience deploying enterprise-grade DLP solutions across hybrid cloud, on-premises, and endpoint ecosystems.
- Ability to convert complex technical risks into clear strategic insights for senior executives and board-level stakeholders.
- Proven capability in cross-functional collaboration, engaging effectively with technology, business, risk, and compliance teams.
- Professional security certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CCSP, or cryptography-specific accreditations.
- Awareness of evolving cryptographic and security guidance, including NIST post-quantum cryptography standards.
Desirable:
- Hands-on experience with quantum-safe cryptography, cryptographic agility programmes, or emerging quantum-resilient security solutions.
- Background in highly regulated sectors such as financial services, insurance, or healthcare.
- Experience leading data security incident response, breach investigations, or complex data-related forensics.
Head of Data Security in City of London employer: Hays Technology
Contact Detail:
Hays Technology Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data Security in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the data security field and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of Data Security role. 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! Attend industry events, webinars, or meetups related to data security and cryptography. This not only helps you learn about the latest trends but also puts you in front of potential employers who value your knowledge.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and expertise. Use our website to find roles that excite you and match your skills. Tailor your approach to each company to show them why you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership experience. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled data security challenges in the past and how you can help the organisation stay ahead of emerging threats.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data Security in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in data security and DLP. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Technical Know-How: When detailing your experience, be specific about the tools and technologies you've worked with. We’re looking for deep technical knowledge, so mention any DLP solutions or encryption technologies you’ve implemented.
Demonstrate Leadership Experience: As a Head of Data Security, leadership is key! Share examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, especially in complex environments. We love to see how you’ve driven strategic initiatives and collaborated across functions.
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. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Technology
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of data security, especially around DLP tooling and encryption technologies. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've implemented these strategies successfully.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Data Security, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare to share instances where you've led teams or projects, particularly in complex environments. Highlight how you’ve collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve security goals.
✨Stay Current with Trends
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in data security and cryptography, especially post-quantum standards. Be prepared to discuss how these trends could impact the organisation and what proactive measures you would recommend.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about potential data protection incidents and how you would handle them, including containment and investigation strategies.