At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global security awareness initiatives and drive behavioural change across a large organisation.
- Company: Join a leading insurance and cyber security firm in London.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a chance to influence and engage diverse teams globally.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on security culture and protect a multinational workforce.
- Qualifications: Experience in security awareness programmes and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Job ID: 5384382
Posted: 2026-05-21
Closing date: 2026-08-19
Location: London
Salary: 75000 (per annum)
Job type: Permanent
Working pattern: Full time
Industry: Insurance / Cyber Security
Company: Hays
Consultant: James Francis
Hybrid Working – 3 days on site is Compulsory – London City
Role Summary
The Security Awareness Lead is responsible for developing, delivering, and continuously improving global security awareness and behaviour change programme across a multinational organisation of 2,000+ users. This role ensures employees, contractors, and partners understand their security responsibilities, make secure decisions, and actively contribute to a strong security culture. The ideal candidate is a creative communicator, strategic thinker, and experienced security professional capable of driving organisation-wide behavioural change.
Key Responsibilities:
- Security Awareness Strategy: Develop and own the global security awareness and human risk management strategy. Align awareness initiatives with organisational risk, regulatory requirements, and the broader cybersecurity roadmap. Establish a measurable, outcomes-driven approach focused on reducing human-related cyber risks.
- Awareness Programme Delivery: Design and deliver engaging security campaigns, training materials, microlearning modules, phishing simulations, and behavioural nudges. Build a compelling internal “security culture brand” to drive engagement and recognition. Launch role-based training for high-risk groups (e.g., executives, finance, developers, privileged access users).
- Behaviour & Human Risk Management: Conduct human risk assessments and behavioural baselining across regions and business units. Develop KPIs and metrics to track behavioural change, susceptibility, and programme effectiveness. Use data insights from phishing, security incidents, and SOC analytics to drive targeted interventions.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate closely with HR, Communications, IT, Data Protection, Legal, and Regional Business Leads. Influence senior stakeholders and communicate the business value of a strong security culture. Support policy communication and ensure employees understand security responsibilities.
- Tooling & Technology: Manage the security awareness platform (LMS), phishing simulation tools, and behavioural analytics solutions. Evaluate and procure new technologies to enhance the programme (awareness platforms, content providers, risk scoring tools). Integrate awareness workflows into existing processes (onboarding, JML, incident response).
- Global Governance & Compliance: Ensure training and reporting align with global regulatory requirements (ISO 27001, NIST, SOC 2, GDPR, industry-specific regulations). Provide evidence and reporting for internal and external audits. Maintain training records and ensure compliance across all regions.
- Security Champions Network: Build and manage a global network of Security Champions to amplify awareness efforts. Deliver toolkits, content, and community sessions to engage Champions across multiple business units and countries.
Skills, Experience & Qualifications:
- Essential: Proven experience in delivering security awareness, human risk, or behavioural change programmes in medium to large organisations (1,000+ users). Strong understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals, threat landscape, and common human-related risks. Experience designing training, campaigns, and communication for diverse global audiences. Knowledge of awareness platforms (e.g., KnowBe4, Proofpoint, Cofense, Hoxhunt, CybSafe, LMS Tools). Excellent communication, storytelling, and stakeholder-influencing skills. Strong data-driven mindset with ability to create metrics dashboards and analyse behavioural trends.
- Desirable: Certifications such as: SANS Security Awareness (SSAP), CISSP, Security+, or equivalent. Experience in multinational or complex matrixed environments. Experience building Security Champions/Advocacy networks. Background in behaviour science, learning & development, psychology, or communications.
Security Awareness Lead in London employer: Hays
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Security Awareness Lead in London
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Hays, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Hays
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Hays. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Security Awareness Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Hays insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Hays that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Hays to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Hays.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
