Head of Security Office & Risk Governance

VITO Research; Antwerpen; Hybrid; EUR 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

VITO is seeking a Security Officer to own end-to-end protection of its critical research assets. The role combines strategic leadership with pragmatic execution, defining security vision, architecture and enabling innovation across the organisation.

You will head the VITO Security Office, coordinate across ICT, facilities, risk and legal teams, and report to the CEO. Fluent in English and Dutch, you will drive policy, incident response, risk assessments and security awareness to protect IP and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent through experience.
• Proven experience in information security and cybersecurity; familiarity with frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIS2 or equivalent.
• Solid experience in physical security and integrated security management.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to operate both strategically and hands-on.
• Excellent communication and advisory skills; able to act decisively under incident pressure.
• Fluent in English and Dutch.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain an integrated security strategy and roadmap aligned with VITO’s research activities and risk profile.
• Lead the VITO Security Office and ensure clear roles, responsibilities and collaboration across security domains.
• Act as the primary point of contact for security matters for research departments and corporate services.
• Represent VITO towards national, European and international authorities (e.g. law enforcement, intelligence services, defence and corporate security bodies).
• Develop, maintain and enforce security policies, principles and standards.
• Drive the security architecture in close collaboration with the Information Security Officer and other stakeholders, ensuring coherence across digital, physical and organisational security.
• Ensure that security measures are effectively implemented, adopted and maintained within the organisation—without centralising all execution.
• Coordinate physical security measures and ensure their integration with digital security controls.
• Provide direction on Zero Trust principles and Identity & Access Management.
• Oversee incident management, security monitoring and follow‑up actions.
• Coordinate security risk assessments and threat modelling together with the Risk Manager.
• Support and coordinate internal and external security audits, initiate required remediation actions and monitor their timely completion.
• Provide assurance to customers and partners that VITO can execute strictly confidential and sensitive projects.
• Safeguard knowledge security, IP protection and security requirements in contracts and collaborations.
• Ensure correct handling of confidential research information across the organisation.
• Raise awareness and build security maturity through targeted communication and sensitisation initiatives.

Skills

Information security

Cybersecurity

ISO 27001

NIS2

Physical security

Security governance

Analytical skills

English & Dutch

Education

Master’s degree or equivalent

Job description

VITO is seeking a Security Officer to own end-to-end protection of its critical research assets. The role combines strategic leadership with pragmatic execution, defining security vision, architecture and enabling innovation across the organisation.

You will head the VITO Security Office, coordinate across ICT, facilities, risk and legal teams, and report to the CEO. Fluent in English and Dutch, you will drive policy, incident response, risk assessments and security awareness to protect IP and