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.
A big part of the role is about continuous improvement. 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, including the specific risks facing local government. You’ll help the organisation balance delivery, risk and compliance – supporting informed choices rather than blocking progress. 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’ll also be a visible advocate for good security culture.
You will drive change across the organisation by promoting secure‑by‑design principles, embedding security into the Software Development Lifecycle, and supporting teams to make safer choices when selecting products and services. Through security communication and engagement campaigns, you will help build understanding and shared ownership of security at all levels. The role has a strong external and operational dimension too. You will represent the Council in local, national and international forums and partnerships, sharing insight and learning from others. You will also play a key role in responding to major incidents – supporting Borough Emergency Control Centre activation, taking part in the emergency rota, and coordinating responses with the Executive Team, the Security Operations Centre and cyber incident response partners.
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 – including GDPR, FOI and PCI DSS – in ways that enable delivery rather than restrict it. You also stay close to the evolving threat landscape and understand the organisational challenges that come with managing risk in a local government context. Your technical background gives you deep knowledge of modern security practices across services, infrastructure, hosting and platforms, including open‑source technologies and modern software development approaches.
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, and can set clear service and development standards. You’re confident balancing client, organisational and technical needs, and making the trade‑offs that shape strategy and direction. You’ve worked closely with senior stakeholders and across multiple teams, bringing people together around complex decisions. With experience building and securing complex services in code, you understand how security design choices play out in practice, not just in theory. You communicate clearly and in understandable terminology, bridging the gap between technical detail and user‑centred outcomes. You can assess services, identify risks and vulnerabilities, and work with others to design secure, proportionate solutions that reduce risk while keeping services accessible. Comfortable influencing strategy, policies and behaviours, you adapt your approach as needed and stay effective in a fast‑changing environment.
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’s strategy is to work towards a Fairer Westminster. A Fairer Westminster is one in which our communities are at the heart of our decision‑making and help to determine the city’s future. By working directly with our communities and other partners, we can build a more inclusive city that celebrates our diverse communities, and where residents, workers and visitors from all backgrounds will feel welcome and safe.
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. We champion equality, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, has a sense of belonging and is empowered to be their best, that is the Westminster Way.
As a forward thinking Council we appreciate that people work in different ways, therefore our staff benefit from working a range of flexible working patterns as well as Agile working. The Council is a Disability Confident Employer. If you have declared a disability in your application, we guarantee an interview if you meet the essential criteria of the job. If you are invited for interview, you will be asked if you need any reasonable adjustments in order to attend, and we will make these wherever possible.
Head of Cyber Security in London 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 City Council fosters a culture of inclusivity and empowerment, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Cyber Security in London
✨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 to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a personal project or contribute to open-source initiatives that showcase your cyber security expertise. This not only builds your portfolio but also demonstrates your passion and commitment to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common cyber security scenarios and challenges. Be ready to discuss how you would handle real-world situations, especially those relevant to local government. Practice makes perfect, so consider mock interviews with friends or mentors.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application, and applying directly gives you a better chance of standing out. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our amazing team at Westminster City Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Cyber Security in London
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 fast-paced environment. Let us know how you’ve driven change and improved security culture in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language that bridges technical details with user-centred outcomes. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon where possible and make your points easy to understand.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values there!
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 risks and challenges that local governments face regarding cyber security. Be prepared to discuss how you would balance delivery, risk, and compliance while supporting informed decision-making.
✨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 senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
