At a Glance
- Tasks: Support high-profile programmes by providing expert guidance on information assurance and cyber risk.
- Company: Join a leading organisation focused on national security and defence.
- Benefits: Competitive pay of £700 per day and the chance to work on impactful projects.
- Why this job: Make a difference in national security while collaborating with top stakeholders in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Must have substantial experience in Information Security and hold DV clearance as a British Citizen.
- Other info: This is a 12-month contract role, ideal for those passionate about cybersecurity.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Location: Oxfordshire
Clearance Required: DV British Citizens only
Contract Type: Inside IR35
Duration: 12 months
Rate / Salary: £700pd
Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled DV-cleared Information Security Specialist to support a range of high-profile programmes with national significance. You will provide expert guidance on information assurance and cyber risk, helping ensure systems, solutions, and data are protected by effective, risk-based security controls. This role is ideally suited to someone with a strong background in secure government or defence environments, capable of working across multiple stakeholders and influencing key decisions from a security perspective.
Key Responsibilities
- Analyse and communicate cyber and information risks to project teams and risk owners.
- Provide expert subject matter advice to senior stakeholders, including CISOs and project leads.
- Guide IT and transformation projects on security best practices, architecture, and compliance.
- Evaluate technical designs to ensure alignment with enterprise security architecture.
- Maintain alignment with MOD, HMG, and NCSC frameworks and accreditations.
- Engage with national authorities (e.g., NCSC) to support accreditations and assurance.
- Oversee security testing activities (e.g., ITHC, vulnerability assessments).
- Maintain security risk records, support audits, and provide regular reporting.
- Promote a culture of high standards in information assurance and risk management.
Required Skills & Experience
- Substantial experience in Information Security, Risk Management, or Assurance roles.
- Deep understanding of UK government and defence security standards.
- Familiarity with formal system accreditation and secure system design principles.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Strong analytical thinking with a solutions-focused mindset.
Security Clearance
Developed Vetting (DV) is essential; candidates must be British Citizens.
Interested? If you are looking to apply your security expertise in a challenging contract, apply now and get in touch.
Information Security Specialist employer: Xpertise Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Xpertise Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Information Security Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the information security field, especially those who have experience in government or defence environments. Attend relevant industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and challenges in the sector.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific security frameworks and standards mentioned in the job description, such as MOD, HMG, and NCSC. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently during interviews will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your experience in stakeholder engagement and communication. Think of examples where you've successfully influenced decisions or guided projects on security best practices, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current cyber threats and risk management strategies. Being knowledgeable about recent incidents and how they were handled can provide valuable talking points during your discussions with interviewers.
We think you need these skills to ace Information Security Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Information Security Specialist position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your substantial experience in Information Security, Risk Management, or Assurance roles. Provide specific examples that demonstrate your understanding of UK government and defence security standards.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills are crucial for this role, include instances where you've successfully communicated complex information to senior stakeholders or influenced key decisions.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the job. Use keywords from the job description, such as 'cyber risk', 'security best practices', and 'MOD frameworks', to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Xpertise Recruitment
✨Understand the Security Landscape
Familiarise yourself with UK government and defence security standards. Be prepared to discuss how these frameworks influence your approach to information security and risk management.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves engaging with senior stakeholders, practice articulating complex security concepts in a clear and concise manner. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your ability to influence key decisions.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about secure system design principles and formal system accreditation processes. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to evaluate hypothetical scenarios related to security architecture.
✨Highlight Your Analytical Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you approach risk analysis and problem-solving. Provide examples of how you've successfully identified and mitigated risks in previous roles, showcasing your solutions-focused mindset.