At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-profile cyber security transformation programme and drive impactful change.
- Company: Sword, a leader in business technology solutions across various sectors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, personalised career development, and a fantastic benefits package.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and supports your growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in cyber security while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in cyber security programmes and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Sword is a leading provider of business technology solutions within the Energy, Public and Finance Sectors, driving real transformational change within our clients. We use proven technology, specialist teams and domain expertise to build solid technical foundations across platforms, data and business applications. We have a passion for using technology to solve business problems, working in partnership with our clients to help in achieving their goals.
This contract engagement offers a rare opportunity to own and deliver a high-profile cyber security transformation programme, operating at the intersection of technology, risk, and business strategy, with executive visibility and measurable impact across our clients' organisation. The Programme Manager will own the end-to-end cyber improvement roadmap, coordinating delivery across IT, Security, Procurement, HR, Legal, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), and business teams.
- Proven experience delivering large-scale cyber security or technology transformation programmes
- Strong understanding of cyber security frameworks (NIST CSF, UK CAF, ISO 27001)
- Experience operating across complex stakeholder environments and driving cross-functional delivery
- Strong programme management capability (planning, risk management, governance, and reporting)
- Ability to translate cyber strategy into structured, deliverable plans
- Confident engaging senior leadership and influencing decision-making
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a pragmatic, outcome-focused approach
This opportunity is offered on a contract basis and can operate Outside IR35 or on a PAYE basis. At Sword, our core values and culture are based on caring about our people, investing in training and career development, and building inclusive teams where we are all encouraged to contribute to achieve success.
We offer comprehensive benefits designed to support your professional development and enhance your overall quality of life. In addition to a Competitive Salary, here's what you can expect as part of our benefits package:
- Personalised Career Development: We create a development plan customised to your goals and aspirations, with a range of learning and development opportunities within a culture that encourages growth.
- Flexible working: Flexible work arrangements to support your work-life balance. We can’t promise to always be able to meet every request, however, are keen to discuss your individual preferences to make it work where we can.
- A Fantastic Benefits Package: This includes generous annual leave allowance, enhanced family friendly benefits, pension scheme, access to private health, well-being, and insurance schemes.
At Sword we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, ensuring that all applicants receive fair and equal consideration for employment, regardless of whether they meet every requirement. If you don’t tick all the boxes but feel you have some of the relevant skills and experience we’re looking for, please do consider applying and highlight your transferable skills and experience. We embrace diversity in all its forms, valuing individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Your perspective and potential are important to us.
If we can do anything to help make the hiring process more accessible, please let our talent acquisition team know when you apply so we can support any adjustments.
Programme Manager (Cyber Security) employer: Sword Group
Sword is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets inclusivity. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide personalised career growth plans and flexible working arrangements that promote a healthy work-life balance. Our comprehensive benefits package, coupled with the opportunity to lead high-impact cyber security transformation programmes, makes Sword a rewarding place to advance your career in technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager (Cyber Security)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the cyber security field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of cyber security frameworks like NIST CSF and ISO 27001. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects, as this will show you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also deliver results.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your professionalism.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from candidates who are excited about joining us at Sword. Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with our mission to drive transformational change.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager (Cyber Security)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in cyber security and programme management. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you've delivered large-scale cyber security programmes in the past. This helps us see the impact you've made.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value diversity and want to know what makes you unique. Share your story and how it connects to our mission at Sword.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sword Group
✨Know Your Cyber Security Frameworks
Make sure you brush up on key cyber security frameworks like NIST CSF, UK CAF, and ISO 27001. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently will show that you understand the technical foundations necessary for the role.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Think about your past experiences working with complex stakeholder environments. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully engaged senior leadership and influenced decision-making in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Programme Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss your programme management capabilities, especially in planning, risk management, and governance. Have a few examples ready that demonstrate your ability to translate cyber strategy into structured, deliverable plans.
✨Emphasise Your Problem-Solving Approach
Highlight your analytical and problem-solving skills during the interview. Share instances where you've taken a pragmatic, outcome-focused approach to overcome challenges in cyber security or technology transformation programmes.
