Director of Information Security in St Albans

Director of Information Security in St Albans

St Albans Full-Time 67500 - 82500 £ / year (est.) On-site
PREMIER FOODS PLC

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead our global information security strategy and protect iconic brands.
  • Company: Join Premier Foods, a top UK food business with beloved brands.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, pension, private medical, and employee benefits platform.
  • Other info: Inclusive culture that values individuality and supports career growth.
  • Why this job: Shape security strategy and influence at the highest level in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in cyber security and strong communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 67500 - 82500 £ per year.

Join Premier Foods — where people, brands and purpose come together.

We’re proud to be one of the UK’s largest listed food businesses, with over 4,000 colleagues across 13 sites shaping the future of some of Britain’s best‑loved brands, found in 94% of households nationwide, making us one of the UK’s top three ambient food suppliers.

From much‑loved household names such as Mr Kipling, Bisto, Oxo, Batchelors and Sharwoods, to our recently welcomed brands Fuel10k and Merchant Gourmet, our portfolio is packed with iconic favourites — and continues to grow.

Lead the security strategy protecting our business and our brands

We’re looking for a Director of Information Security to lead the next chapter of our global information security strategy at Premier Foods.

Reporting directly to our Chief Information Officer and acting as our Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), this is a highly influential leadership opportunity with responsibility for our cyber security, information risk and resilience agenda across both Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT).

You’ll work closely with executive leadership and the PLC Board, providing trusted advice on cyber risk while leading a high-performing Information Security function.

With oversight spanning our corporate technology and manufacturing environments, you’ll help ensure security enables our ambitions while protecting the people, operations and much-loved brands at the heart of Premier Foods.

  • What you’ll be doing
  • Defining and delivering a multi-year Information Security strategy and roadmap aligned to our business ambitions and risk appetite.
  • Acting as the senior advisor to our CIO and executive leadership on cyber security, information risk and emerging threats.
  • Leading, mentoring and developing our Information Security team across security operations, governance, risk, compliance and security assurance.
  • Acting as our CISO, with accountability for the end-to-end security posture of Premier Foods.
  • Driving the continued development of our security framework, aligned to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and the needs of a leading manufacturing organisation.
  • Shaping our approach to OT security across Industrial Control Systems (ICS), SCADA and Io T, working closely with Operations.
  • Championing a Secure by Design approach across IT, Enterprise Architecture and OT/Engineering.
  • Providing strategic leadership across incident response, threat intelligence, attack surface management and Security Operations Centre capability.
  • Owning security investment and budgets, ensuring we balance risk reduction and resilience with value and business enablement.
  • Providing clear reporting on security strategy, investment, risk and resilience to our Executive Leadership Team and other governance forums.
  • What we need from you
  • Significant senior leadership experience across i nformation security, cyber risk and resilience.
  • A proven track record of leading security transformation across both IT and OT environments.
  • Strong Board-level communication and influencing experience, with the confidence to make complex cyber risks clear to senior decision-makers
  • Strong knowledge of industry standards and regulation, including NIST, ISO 27001 and GDPR.
  • A strong understanding of security architecture and secure-by-design principles across cloud, Saa S, networks, on-premise and OT technologies.
  • Experience establishing and leading cyber incident response, threat management and security operations capabilities.
  • The leadership capability to bring together operational and specialist teams across both direct and matrix structures.
  • A collaborative, pragmatic approach, combined with the confidence to challenge, influence and make sound decisions.
  • CISM, CISSP, SABSA or equivalent certification or experience would be beneficial.

What we offer you in return

This is an opportunity to take on a business-critical technology leadership role with genuine Board-level visibility and influence.

You’ll have the scope to shape our information security strategy, develop our capabilities and strengthen cyber resilience across both our corporate and manufacturing environments.

You’ll join a business where you can bring your expertise and perspective, lead talented people and help us continue to evolve.

Our EVP is centred around people, our brands, growth and individuality, giving our colleagues the opportunity to make an impact while continuing to grow their own careers.

Alongside the opportunity to grow your career, we offer a great range of benefits, including:

  • Bonus
  • Company pension
  • Family Private medical
  • Access to our employee benefits platform

Ready to apply?

If you’re an experienced cyber security leader looking for the opportunity to shape strategy, influence at the highest level and lead security across a complex IT and manufacturing technology landscape, we’d love to hear from you.

At Premier foods we believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality.

We aim to ensure all existing and future colleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to work no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love or what they believe in.

Our culture is one where everyone is welcome.

We're proud to be a Disability Smart employer and are committed to supporting disability inclusion throughout our recruitment process.

If you experience any access issues or require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know so we can ensure you have the support you need.

Director of Information Security in St Albans employer: PREMIER FOODS PLC

PREMIER FOODS PLC offers a dynamic work environment where employees can engage with some of the UK's most recognised food brands. The company promotes professional growth through hands-on roles that involve collaboration across various departments, providing opportunities to contribute to brand strategy and innovation. Employees benefit from a culture that values ambition and commercial acumen, making it an attractive place for career development.

PREMIER FOODS PLC

Contact Details:

PREMIER FOODS PLC Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Information Security in St Albans

✨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 PREMIER FOODS PLC, 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 PREMIER FOODS PLC

Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at PREMIER FOODS PLC. 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 Director of Information Security in St Albans

Information Security Strategy
Cyber Risk Management
Leadership Experience
Board-Level Communication
NIST Cybersecurity Framework
ISO 27001
GDPR Compliance

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 PREMIER FOODS PLC 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 PREMIER FOODS PLC that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.

How to prepare for a job interview at PREMIER FOODS PLC

✨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 PREMIER FOODS PLC 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 PREMIER FOODS PLC.

✨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.