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.
- Other info: High visibility at exec level and opportunity for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in securing cutting-edge projects.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in senior cyber roles with expertise in classified systems.
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 in Bedford 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.
Contact Details:
SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Cyber Security in Bedford
✨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 SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation, 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 SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation. 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 Head of Cyber Security in Bedford
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 SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation 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 SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation
✨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 SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation 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 SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation.
✨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.
