Chief Information Security Officer CISO - CONTRACT - REMOTE
Chief Information Security Officer CISO - CONTRACT - REMOTE

Chief Information Security Officer CISO - CONTRACT - REMOTE

Leeds Full-Time 72000 - 108000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
R

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic security initiatives and provide expert advice to financial services clients.
  • Company: Join a top MSP known for delivering exceptional security solutions.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, remote work flexibility, and potential for increased hours.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in cyber resilience while working with high-profile clients.
  • Qualifications: Must have experience with FCA regulations and strong communication skills.
  • Other info: This is a contract role with a commitment of 2-3 days per week, increasing as needed.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.

One of Reed Technology’s best MSPs clients has a requirement for a CISO to come on board and deliver strategic security leadership, regulatory guidance, and cyber risk oversight to financial services clients.

Role: Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Day rate: Competitive OUTSIDE IR35

Time commitment: Expected time commitment – 2-3 days per week, although this could rise to 4-5 days depending on client engagement

Start date: ASAP (Targeting mid-June)

Location: Remote – with occasional client visits in person in London

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Contract vCISO to provide expert security leadership to our financial services clients. This role is ideal for a senior security professional who thrives in a client-facing, advisory capacity and is passionate about helping organisations meet regulatory expectations and strengthen their cyber resilience.

As a vCISO, you will act as an outsourced Chief Information Security Officer, delivering tailored security advice, overseeing cyber risk management, and supporting clients through regulatory and audit readiness processes (e.g., ISO 27001, SOC 2). You will also play a key role in shaping and expanding our security advisory services.

Key Responsibilities

  • Serve as a trusted security advisor to FCA-regulated financial services clients.
  • Provide strategic guidance aligned with FCA, PRA, SYSC, and GDPR requirements.
  • Lead and support risk assessments, security posture reviews, and audit preparations (ISO 27001, SOC 2).
  • Communicate effectively with board-level stakeholders and senior leadership.
  • Collaborate with the sales team to evolve existing services and design new offerings.
  • Support the transition to a long-term fractional retainer model for vCISO services.

Required Experience & Skills

  • Proven experience advising FCA-regulated firms.
  • Deep knowledge of SYSC, GDPR, and at least one audit framework (ISO 27001 or SOC 2).
  • Strong client-facing and communication skills, with the ability to engage C-level and board stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver pragmatic, business-aligned security strategies.
  • UK-based, with availability for occasional in-person meetings in London.
R

Contact Detail:

Reed Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Chief Information Security Officer CISO - CONTRACT - REMOTE

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the financial services sector, especially those who have experience with FCA-regulated firms. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential clients and showcase your expertise in security leadership.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the latest regulatory requirements and frameworks such as SYSC, GDPR, ISO 27001, and SOC 2. Being well-versed in these areas will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in the field.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss real-world examples of how you've successfully advised clients on security strategies and risk management. Highlighting specific outcomes can help you stand out during interviews and show your practical experience.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your communication skills by practising how to convey complex security concepts to non-technical stakeholders. This is crucial for a role that involves engaging with C-level executives and board members.

We think you need these skills to ace Chief Information Security Officer CISO - CONTRACT - REMOTE

Strategic Security Leadership
Regulatory Guidance
Cyber Risk Management
Client-Facing Advisory Skills
Knowledge of FCA Regulations
Understanding of PRA and SYSC
GDPR Compliance Expertise
ISO 27001 Proficiency
SOC 2 Familiarity
Risk Assessment Skills
Security Posture Review
Audit Preparation Experience
Effective Communication with C-Level Stakeholders
Business-Aligned Security Strategy Development
Collaboration with Sales Teams

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in advising FCA-regulated firms and your knowledge of SYSC, GDPR, and relevant audit frameworks like ISO 27001 or SOC 2. Use specific examples to demonstrate your strategic leadership and client-facing skills.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for cybersecurity and your ability to provide tailored security advice. Mention your experience with regulatory guidance and how you can help clients strengthen their cyber resilience.

Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on roles where you served as a trusted security advisor or led risk assessments and security posture reviews. Emphasise your communication skills and ability to engage with board-level stakeholders.

Showcase Your Strategic Vision: In your application, convey your understanding of the financial services sector and your vision for evolving security advisory services. Discuss how you can support the transition to a long-term fractional retainer model for vCISO services.

How to prepare for a job interview at Reed

✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision

As a CISO, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to provide strategic security leadership. Prepare to discuss your vision for enhancing cyber resilience and how you can align security strategies with regulatory requirements like FCA and GDPR.

✨Highlight Client-Facing Experience

This role requires strong client-facing skills. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully engaged with C-level executives and board members in previous roles, showcasing your ability to communicate complex security concepts clearly.

✨Discuss Regulatory Knowledge

Familiarity with regulations such as SYSC and frameworks like ISO 27001 or SOC 2 is crucial. Prepare to discuss your experience with these standards and how you've helped organisations achieve compliance in the past.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you addressed them, particularly in relation to risk assessments and audit preparations.

Chief Information Security Officer CISO - CONTRACT - REMOTE
Reed

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

R
  • Chief Information Security Officer CISO - CONTRACT - REMOTE

    Leeds
    Full-Time
    72000 - 108000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-08-13

  • R

    Reed

Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>