At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cyber security strategy and operations across multiple organisations.
- Company: Join a dynamic public sector partnership in Glasgow.
- Benefits: Earn up to £89,000 with excellent annual leave and a local government pension.
- Other info: Enjoy flexible hybrid working and inspire specialist teams.
- Why this job: Shape the future of cyber resilience and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in cyber security leadership and risk management.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 89000 £ per year.
Up to £89,000 + local government pension scheme + excellent annual leave
Glasgow - Relaxed Hybrid Permanent
Hays are on the lookout for a Head of Cyber to provide both strategic and operational leadership across a multi-organisation shared service environment. This role supports a partnership of public sector organisations and reports directly to the Chief Information Officer (CIO). You will be accountable for shaping cyber strategy, overseeing governance and risk management, and leading incident response capabilities, while providing assurance on organisational cyber resilience at executive and board level.
This role involves:
- Developing and delivering a cyber security strategy and roadmap aligned to organisational priorities and relevant government resilience frameworks.
- Overseeing cyber security operations, including incident response, threat monitoring, vulnerability management, and third-party security services.
- Acting as the senior cyber authority, offering expert guidance and clear assurance on cyber risk, compliance, and resilience to senior leadership, audit committees, and boards.
- Leading, developing, and inspiring specialist cyber security teams, promoting a strong security culture across the organisation.
- Embedding security-by-design principles across enterprise architecture, digital initiatives, and service delivery.
- Maintaining effective cyber governance, policies, and performance metrics, ensuring alignment with recognised standards such as ISO 27001, NIST, CAF, and Cyber Essentials Plus.
What I'm looking for:
- Demonstrable experience leading a cyber security function covering strategy, operations, and incident management.
- Mergers and acquisitions experience would be useful for the cyber due diligence involved in expanding the partnerships.
- Strong knowledge of risk, governance, compliance, and security architecture within complex environments.
- A technical cyber security background.
- Proven ability to engage, influence, and advise senior stakeholders, including executive teams and boards.
- Experience within public sector organisations or shared service/multi-entity environments is desirable.
What you'll get in return:
- A salary between £80,000 - £89,000.
- Local Government pension scheme.
- Excellent annual leave allowance.
- Great flexibility and hybrid availability.
Head of Cyber Security employer: Hays
Hays is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a robust local government pension scheme, alongside generous annual leave and flexible hybrid working arrangements. Our work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, particularly in the public sector, where you will have the opportunity to lead and inspire specialist cyber security teams while shaping critical strategies that enhance organisational resilience. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, Hays provides a supportive environment for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of cyber security.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Cyber Security
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the cyber security field, attend industry events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Head of Cyber Security role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or presentation that highlights your past achievements in cyber security strategy and operations. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your value to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses to common questions about governance, risk management, and incident response. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can give you an edge. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team and contributing to our mission in cyber security.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Cyber Security
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Cyber Security role. Highlight your experience in leading cyber security functions and any relevant projects that align with the job description. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for cyber security and how you can contribute to our mission. Keep it engaging and personal, so we get a sense of who you are.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading teams and influencing senior stakeholders, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've inspired teams or managed complex projects in the past. We love seeing those success stories!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Cyber Security Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and threats in cyber security. Be ready to discuss your experience with incident response, threat monitoring, and governance frameworks like ISO 27001 and NIST. This shows you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Cyber Security, you'll need to lead teams and influence senior stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire a strong security culture and how you've engaged with executive teams to drive cyber resilience.
✨Understand the Public Sector Landscape
Since this role involves working within public sector organisations, it’s crucial to understand their unique challenges and priorities. Familiarise yourself with the specific regulations and compliance requirements they face, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about their current cyber security strategy, team dynamics, and how they measure success. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.
