At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cyber security strategies to protect vital digital services and information.
- Company: Join NICE, a key player in improving health and wellbeing across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with tailored development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in safeguarding health services while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Master's degree or equivalent experience in cyber security with relevant certifications.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Do you want to do meaningful work that makes a genuine difference to society? Our main purpose here at The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is to improve health and wellbeing by putting science and evidence at the heart of health and care decision‑making. As an organisation we all collaborate to achieve this goal by empowering our workforce to do great things.
Main duties of the job
As Head of Cyber Security, you will lead NICE's cyber security function, providing strategic direction and expert leadership to protect digital services, infrastructure and information assets. You will act as NICE's senior cyber security specialist and oversee security operations, manage risk and embed secure‑by‑design principles across digital and technology services. Working closely with senior leaders, technical teams and external partners, you will play a key role in strengthening NICE's security posture and resilience across services.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development, implementation and enforcement of cyber security strategies, policies and standards across the organisation.
- Act as NICE's cyber security subject matter expert, advising senior leaders and technical teams on complex risks, threats and mitigations.
- Oversee security operations, incident response and threat intelligence, ensuring strong protection and rapid response to cyber incidents.
- Manage organisational risk and vulnerability management, including compliance with Cyber Essentials Plus and the Data Security and Protection Toolkit.
- Embed secure‑by‑design principles into digital services, systems and technology programmes from early design through delivery.
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, NHS partners and suppliers to align security approaches and share intelligence.
About us
The Infrastructure, Cyber & IT Operations team plays a critical role in ensuring NICE's digital services are secure, resilient, and reliable. The team is responsible for safeguarding systems and information, supporting users across the organisation, and maintaining operational stability with minimal risk or disruption. As part of this team, you will help protect nationally important digital services while enabling NICE to deliver trusted guidance and information to health and care users across England.
Benefits
- Generous NHS Pension
- Flexible working – options such as remote working, compressed hours and flexible start/finish times
- Exclusive discounts with a Blue Light Card
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, time to recharge
- Inclusive staff networks – Women in NICE, Race Equality Network, Disability Advocacy and NICE and Proud
- Tailored development – personalised learning and development opportunities
Person specification
Education / Qualifications – Essential
- Holds highly developed specialist knowledge and expertise acquired through master's degree level or equivalent qualification/experience, and holds specialist knowledge of the relevant area(s) of expertise as outlined in the person specification.
- Holds either Certified Information Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) or Certified Cyber Professional (CCP) qualification.
Experience – Essential
- Proven experience in a senior cyber security role with direct line management, performance management and coaching responsibilities.
- Significant practical experience in security operations, vulnerability assessment and threat intelligence.
Experience – Desirable
- Experience working in the Health Sector/NHS.
Skills / Knowledge – Essential
- Expert‑level understanding of core cyber security concepts, infrastructure security and the modern threat landscape.
- Proficiency in developing and implementing security policies and risk management frameworks based on standards such as CAF, Cyber Essentials, ISO27001 etc.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check for any previous criminal convictions.
Head of Cyber Security in Manchester employer: NICE – The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
At The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to improving health and wellbeing across society. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, offering generous benefits such as a robust NHS pension, flexible working arrangements, and tailored development opportunities that empower our employees to grow and excel in their careers. Located in the vibrant city of Manchester, you will be part of a team that plays a crucial role in safeguarding nationally important digital services while making a meaningful impact on health and care decision-making.
Contact Details:
NICE – The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Cyber Security in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at NICE on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the company culture and what they really value in a Head of Cyber Security.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of cyber security trends, especially in the health sector. We want to show that we’re not just experts but also passionate about making a difference in health and care.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to leadership and risk management. We need to demonstrate our ability to lead teams and manage complex security challenges effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the NICE team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Cyber Security in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Cyber Security role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in security operations and risk management. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at NICE!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about cyber security and how you can contribute to NICE's goals. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention your qualifications like CISSP or CISM. These are essential for us, so make them stand out in your application. We’re looking for someone who’s got the expertise to lead our cyber security function!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at NICE – The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
✨Know Your Cyber Security Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and threats in cyber security. Be ready to discuss your expertise in areas like risk management, incident response, and secure-by-design principles. This role is all about being the go-to expert, so show them you know your stuff!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the Head of Cyber Security, you'll need to lead teams and manage performance. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led projects or teams in the past. Highlight your experience in coaching and developing others, as this will be key to your success in the role.
✨Understand NICE's Mission
Familiarise yourself with NICE's goals and how cyber security plays a role in improving health and wellbeing. Be ready to discuss how your work can contribute to their mission. Showing that you align with their values will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Build Relationships
This role involves collaborating with various stakeholders, so think about how you can demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Prepare to talk about how you've worked with internal teams and external partners in the past to enhance security measures and share intelligence.
