Overview: We are seeking a highly experienced and well-rounded Head of Security to lead and manage our cybersecurity function.
This role is critical to ensuring the security, resilience, and maturity of the organization's cyber operations.
The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of cybersecurity across multiple domains, along with exceptional leadership and communication skills to drive the team forward and translate technical challenges into actionable business decisions.
This role will lead a team of cyber security professionals and will be pivotal in shaping the organization's long-term cybersecurity strategy.
Key Responsibilities: Leadership & Team Management: Lead and manage a team of security professionals, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations while unblocking issues for the team and ensuring optimal performance.
Cybersecurity Breadth & Depth: Oversee a wide range of cybersecurity functions including security operations, governance, assurance, risk management, incident response, and compliance.
Drive security initiatives that safeguard the organization's assets and reputation.
Stakeholder Management & Communication: Act as a key liaison between technical teams and senior leadership.
Communicate complex technical concepts clearly and effectively to non-technical stakeholders, ensuring that decisions are made with a full understanding of risks and implications.
Security Operations & Assurance: Lead security operations (SOC), ensuring effective monitoring, detection, and response to incidents.
Oversee security assurance processes, including compliance with regulatory requirements, audits, and security assessments.
Strategic Planning & Growth: Develop and execute long-term cybersecurity strategies that align with business objectives.
Grow and mature the security function, ensuring resilience and future-proofing against emerging threats.
Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including IT, operations, and other business units, to integrate security into the broader business strategy.
Ensure security controls are aligned with operational needs, particularly in environments with Operational Technology (OT).
Utilities & OT Security: (Beneficial) Oversee the security of OT environments, particularly in utilities or industrial sectors.
Ensure cybersecurity measures address the unique challenges posed by OT systems.
Hybrid & Flexible Working: This is a hybrid role in either Portsmouth or Horley Qualifications & Experience: Extensive experience in cybersecurity, with a broad understanding of operations, governance, risk management, and compliance.
Proven leadership experience, managing and developing high-performing cybersecurity teams.
Strong ability to communicate complex technical topics to non-technical stakeholders, including C-suite executives and senior leadership.
Experience in security operations, including incident response, SOC management, and security assurance.
Background in creating and implementing long-term cybersecurity strategies.
Experience in the utilities sector or OT security (Operational Technology) is highly beneficial.
Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to thrive in high-pressure environments and lead with confidence.
Strong understanding of security frameworks (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST) and regulatory requirements.