At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT security, compliance, and AI governance while building a robust security function.
- Company: Join Wordsmith, an innovative company transforming legal tech with AI.
- Benefits: Enjoy a high-ownership role with competitive salary and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams in a dynamic office setting.
- Why this job: Shape the future of security in a fast-paced environment and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT security operations, device management, and incident response required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
I.T Security, Privacy & AI Governance Lead
Edinburgh
Wordsmith
Wordsmith is building the AI-enabled command centre for in-house legal teams.
Our customers are some of the most demanding enterprise legal departments in the world, and they hold us to a high bar on how we secure our systems, devices, and infrastructure.
We're looking for someone to build the IT security function that keeps that trust intact as we scale.
The Role
Security, Privacy & AI Governance Leads make sure Wordsmith's systems, devices, and infrastructure stay secure as the company grows.
You'll build our IT security function from the ground up — covering device management, identity and access, infrastructure controls, and incident response — while also owning the compliance and AI governance work that keeps enterprise customers confident in how we operate.
It's a hands‑on, build‑it‑yourself role. You'll choose the tooling, set the controls, and make sure security is baked into how the company operates day to day, not bolted on afterwards.
What You'll Do
IT Security & Device Management
- Own device compliance and mobile device management (MDM) across the company, using tools like Jamf or Intune to keep endpoints secure and compliant.
- Manage identity and access management (IAM) — provisioning, access reviews, and least‑privilege controls — using tools like Okta.
- Own infrastructure and cloud security controls across our environment (e.g. AWS), working closely with Engineering to keep systems hardened.
Security Operations & Incident Response
- Lead security incident response — full lifecycle investigations, coordinating with internal teams and external partners (e.g. SOCaaS providers), and running post‑incident reviews and tabletop exercises.
- Operate and tune security monitoring and detection tooling (EDR, DLP, SIEM, or similar) to catch and respond to threats quickly.
Compliance & Certification
- Own SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001/27017/27018 end‑to‑end, from policy design through to audit evidence and the audits themselves.
- Automate evidence collection to cut audit overhead and keep the program running without heavy manual effort.
AI Governance & Vendor Risk
- Assess third‑party vendors and AI tools for security and privacy risk before they're adopted, and put the right safeguards in place.
- Support Wordsmith's AI governance program, including risk reviews tied to how AI is used across the product.
Customer & Deal Support
- Partner with Sales, Customer Success, and Legal to support enterprise deals — security questionnaires, DPAs, and contract terms — without slowing the business down.
- Manage our Trust Center, giving customers self‑service access to our security and compliance documentation.
What we're looking for
Essential
- Experience running IT security operations at a fast‑growing SaaS company, including device management and identity and access management.
- Hands‑on experience with MDM platforms such as Jamf or Intune.
- Hands‑on experience with IAM tooling (e.g. Okta) and cloud infrastructure security (e.g. AWS).
- Experience leading security incident response, from investigation through to post‑incident review.
- Working knowledge of SOC 2 and the ISO 27000 series.
- Comfortable evaluating and operating security tooling such as EDR, DLP, or SIEM platforms.
- A strong cross‑functional operator, comfortable bridging IT, Security, Engineering, and GTM teams.
Valued
- Exposure to privacy regulation (e.g. GDPR) and AI governance frameworks (e.g. ISO 42001).
- Relevant certifications — e.g. CISSP/ISC2, CCSK, CIPP/E, or AIGP.
- Experience in legal tech, AI, or another highly regulated SaaS environment.
- Familiarity with tools such as Vanta, Crowdstrike, Zscaler, Datadog, or Whistic.
Why this role matters
The trust enterprise legal teams place in us depends on how well we secure our systems and devices — this role is central to that.
Your work will directly shape how the company handles security operations, device management, and infrastructure risk as we scale globally.
You will have the autonomy to build this function from scratch — this is a high‑ownership role at a company moving fast.
What you can expect
The chance to build an IT security function from the ground up, with real ownership over how it's shaped.
Close collaboration with Engineering, Legal, and GTM in an environment where your work has visible, immediate impact.
How we work
We're an in‑office team in Edinburgh. We work together because it helps us collaborate closely across product, engineering, and legal teams. You should expect to be in the office as your default.
This is a high ownership role. You'll be trusted to run projects, work directly with customers, and drive outcomes without heavy oversight.
IT Security & Compliance Lead employer: Wordsmith AI
Wordsmith is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London where innovation meets collaboration. As a Partner Manager, you'll enjoy competitive compensation and benefits while playing a crucial role in shaping the future of legal technology. With a strong focus on employee growth and a culture that values autonomy and teamwork, Wordsmith empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Security & Compliance Lead
✨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 Wordsmith AI, 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 Wordsmith AI
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Wordsmith AI. 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 IT Security & Compliance Lead
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 Wordsmith AI 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 Wordsmith AI that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wordsmith AI
✨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 Wordsmith AI 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 Wordsmith AI.
✨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.
