Head of Cyber Security

Head of Cyber Security

Bedford Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and shape cyber security strategy in a high-security environment.
  • Company: Globally respected organisation undergoing digital transformation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and high autonomy.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in securing cutting-edge projects.
  • Qualifications: 8+ years in senior cyber roles with expertise in classified systems.
  • Other info: High visibility at exec level and opportunity for career growth.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Cyber Security Lead – High-Security Environment | Bedford | Full-Time

Are you a visionary cyber security leader ready to own and shape the security posture of a mission-critical organisation?

Seeking a
Cyber Security Lead
to define, drive, and deliver enterprise-wide security strategy across complex, high-assurance environments – including classified networks, legacy infrastructure, and integrated IT/OT systems.

This isn\’t just another CISO-lite position. This is a hands-on leadership role reporting directly into the C-suite, where you\’ll take full responsibility for risk, resilience, and cyber transformation in one of the UK\’s most advanced engineering and technology organisations.

What You\’ll Be Doing:

  • Lead end-to-end cyber strategy across multi-classification systems
  • Embed secure-by-design principles into transformation and operations
  • Oversee security operations: threat detection, incident response, vulnerability management
  • Manage cyber risk, compliance, and governance (NIST, NCSC, ISO27001 etc.)
  • Direct assurance for customers across national and international sectors
  • Drive integration of IT and OT security, spanning legacy and modern technologies
  • Lead and develop a cross-functional cyber team across security engineering, ops & governance

What You Bring:

  • 8+ years in senior cyber roles across critical, high-risk environments (e.g. defence, aerospace, critical infrastructure)
  • Deep knowledge of classified systems and secure enterprise architecture
  • Strong experience integrating IT/OT cyber security in legacy and evolving stacks
  • Expertise in security operations and incident management in sensitive domains
  • Excellent communicator, able to engage board-level and technical teams alike
  • Must hold (or be eligible for) UK SC Clearance

Bonus if you have:
CISSP, CISM, SABSA, GICSP, or knowledge of DefStan / DefCon 658.

Why Apply?

  • This is
    not
    a box-ticking compliance role – it\’s a chance to lead the cyber charge
  • High autonomy, high impact, and visibility at exec level
  • Join a globally respected organisation undergoing digital transformation
  • Competitive salary and benefits package
  • You\’ll be helping to secure cutting-edge projects that have real-world impact

Location:
Bedford, Fully Onsite

Interested?
Apply now or reach out via LinkedIn for a confidential discussion.

Head of Cyber Security employer: SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™

Join a globally respected organisation in Bedford that offers a dynamic work culture focused on innovation and excellence in cyber security. As the Head of Cyber Security, you will enjoy high autonomy and visibility at the executive level, with opportunities for professional growth and development in a mission-critical environment. The company provides a competitive salary and benefits package, ensuring that your contributions to securing cutting-edge projects are both meaningful and rewarding.
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Contact Detail:

SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™ Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Cyber Security

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local meetups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its cyber security challenges. We want you to walk in confident, ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re the visionary leader they’ve been searching for!

Tip Number 3

Don’t shy away from showcasing your hands-on experience. We know you’ve got the skills, so be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve tackled cyber security issues in high-risk environments. Make it clear you’re ready to take charge!

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our mission in securing cutting-edge projects.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Cyber Security

Cyber Security Leadership
Enterprise Security Strategy
Risk Management
Resilience Planning
Cyber Transformation
Threat Detection
Incident Response
Vulnerability Management
Compliance and Governance (NIST, NCSC, ISO27001)
IT/OT Security Integration
Security Operations
Communication Skills
Team Development
Knowledge of Classified Systems
Secure Enterprise Architecture

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in cyber security, especially in high-risk environments, and showcase any relevant certifications you hold. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Cyber Security Lead role. Share your vision for cyber security and how you plan to drive our strategy forward. We love a good story!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a hands-on leadership role, make sure to highlight your experience leading teams and managing cyber risk. We’re looking for someone who can engage both technical teams and the C-suite, so don’t hold back on those examples!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!

How to prepare for a job interview at SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™

Know Your Cyber Security Fundamentals

Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and best practices in cyber security. Understand the frameworks mentioned in the job description, like NIST and ISO27001, and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in your previous roles.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

This role is all about leading a team and driving strategy. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led cross-functional teams in high-pressure environments. Highlight your experience in managing risk and resilience, as well as any hands-on projects you've spearheaded.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect to dive deep into technical discussions, especially around threat detection and incident response. Be ready to explain your approach to integrating IT and OT security, and share specific instances where you've tackled vulnerabilities in legacy systems.

Engage with the Interviewers

Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions that show your interest in the company's mission and how you can contribute to their cyber transformation. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and strategic thinking.

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