At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Cyber Security team and shape the Council’s security strategy.
- Company: Westminster City Council, a forward-thinking and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Flexible working patterns, commitment to diversity, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to improving services for over 200,000 residents.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local government security and community safety.
- Qualifications: Strong understanding of cyber security and experience with recognised standards.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Location: Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, Westminster, SW1E 6QP
Application Deadline: 20th May 2026
About Us
Digital and Innovation in Westminster City Council is a world of extraordinary stories, where creative and enterprising people put local residents and businesses first. Today, Westminster is the most connected borough in London.
The Role
As Head of Cyber Security you can make your own powerful contribution to Westminster’s success. This is a senior security role, where the focus is on helping the organisation do its best work – with security built in, not bolted on.
- You will lead the Cyber Security team and shape the Council’s security strategy and policies, making sure they are practical and fit for a local government environment.
- Working closely with colleagues across Digital and Innovation, and alongside the Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO) and the Data Protection Officer (DPO), you will help embed security into everyday decision‑making and into how services are delivered.
- You will lead work to strengthen the Council’s security posture, aligning with industry‑standard control frameworks and staying on top of the wider threat landscape.
- You will provide clear leadership and direction for the Cyber Security team, including managing the budget for people, tools and capital projects.
- You’ll oversee business‑as‑usual security activity, from incident response and vulnerability management through to security engineering improvements and protecting the Council’s supply chain.
- You will drive change across the organisation by promoting secure‑by‑design principles, embedding security into the Software Development Lifecycle.
- You will represent the Council in local, national and international forums and partnerships, sharing insight and learning from others.
About You
You bring a strong, practical understanding of cyber security and how it supports real business outcomes. You’ve worked with recognised standards such as ISO/IEC 27001 and Cyber Essentials, and you know how to apply information and security legislation in ways that enable delivery rather than restrict it.
- Your technical background gives you deep knowledge of modern security practices across services, infrastructure, hosting and platforms.
- You’re comfortable working across cloud and on‑premise environments, using tools such as identity and access management, SIEM, firewalls and secure remote access.
- You understand DevOps and SecOps ways of working, are used to operating at pace in a culture of continuous release.
- You communicate clearly and in understandable terminology, bridging the gap between technical detail and user‑centred outcomes.
What We Offer
Westminster is an amazing place. We are home to more than 200,000 residents from all backgrounds, over 50,000 vibrant and vital businesses and three‑quarters‑of‑a‑million people work in Westminster.
Westminster City Council is committed to supporting Care Leavers into the workplace. Care Leavers seeking their first job and who wish to be considered under our scheme, will automatically be invited to interview should they meet the essential criteria for the role.
The Council is committed to achieving diverse shortlists to support our desire to increase the number of staff from underrepresented groups in our workforce.
At Westminster City Council, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive workplace and employer of choice. We encourage and welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that, at all levels, represents the communities we serve.
Head of Cyber Security employer: Westminster City Council
Westminster City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and community engagement are at the forefront. As the Head of Cyber Security, you will not only lead a dedicated team but also play a pivotal role in shaping security strategies that directly impact local businesses and residents. With a strong commitment to diversity, flexible working patterns, and continuous professional development, Westminster fosters a culture where every employee can thrive and contribute to a Fairer Westminster.
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 people in the cyber security field. Attend industry events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your past projects and achievements in cyber security. Whether it’s a blog, a GitHub repository, or case studies, having tangible evidence of your expertise can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews like it’s game day! Research the organisation, understand their security challenges, and come armed with ideas on how you can help. Practise common interview questions and be ready to discuss your experience in detail. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of something extraordinary at Westminster City Council!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Cyber Security
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Cyber Security role. Highlight your experience with cyber security standards like ISO/IEC 27001 and how you've applied them in real-world scenarios. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Westminster!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior role, we’re looking for someone who can lead a team effectively. Share examples of how you've managed teams or projects in the past, especially in a cyber security context. Let us know how you’ve driven change and improved security culture in previous roles.
Communicate Clearly:We value clear communication, especially when it comes to bridging technical details with user-friendly outcomes. Use straightforward language in your application to demonstrate your ability to convey complex information simply. This will show us you can connect with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it helps us keep track of all applicants efficiently. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Westminster City Council
✨Know Your Cyber Security Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of cyber security standards like ISO/IEC 27001 and Cyber Essentials. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in real-world scenarios, especially in a local government context.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the Head of Cyber Security, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, focusing on your ability to drive change and promote a secure culture.
✨Understand the Local Government Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and risks that local governments face regarding cyber security. Be prepared to discuss how you would balance delivery, risk, and compliance in this environment.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
You’ll need to bridge the gap between technical details and user-friendly outcomes. Practice explaining complex security concepts in simple terms, as this will be crucial when working with various stakeholders.
