Chief Information Security Officer

Cambridge University Press & Assessment; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 180,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic publisher in the UK is seeking a Chief Information Security Officer to oversee enterprise security. In this hybrid role, you will shape security strategies, manage risks, and lead the implementation of security standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership abilities, cybersecurity expertise, and experience in regulated environments. This position offers a competitive salary and a collaborative work environment.

Benefits

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Private medical and Permanent Health Insurance

Discretionary annual bonus

Group personal pension scheme

Life assurance up to 4 x annual salary

Green travel schemes

Qualifications

• Deep IT and data threat expertise with mitigation strategies.
• Experience in regulated environments is highly desirable.
• Exceptional leadership and management abilities required.

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise security and risk policy development.
• Implement and monitor security standards and policies.
• Assess emerging cyber threats and evaluate risks.

Skills

Leadership

Risk management

Communication

Cybersecurity

Analytical thinking

Collaboration

Education

Professional certifications (CISSP, CISM, CISA)

Job description

Job Title

Chief Information Security Officer

Salary

GBP180,000 – GBP200,000

Location

Cambridge, hybrid 40% – 60% office based

Contract

Full time permanent

Overview

Are you ready to lead enterprise security for a world–leading academic publisher and assessment organisation? As Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), you'll shape and safeguard the security strategy for Cambridge University Press & Assessment, ensuring our products, services, systems and data remain protected in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

About the Role

As CISO, you will ensure the security of our products, services, systems and data. You'll establish and direct our global enterprise security strategy, lead the implementation and monitoring of security standards and policies, and provide expert guidance to the Executive Board and Security & Data Privacy Committee. You'll develop and lead Group Security, manage security projects and initiatives, and proactively monitor threats to keep our defences robust.

You are expected to remain informed of emerging cyber security threats and advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence, and to assess both the risks and opportunities these developments present for the security of our organisation.

Key Accountabilities

• Leading enterprise security and risk policy, aligning strategies with business priorities, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Developing and delivering security awareness programmes and business continuity frameworks.
• Defining and leading projects to reduce risk and security exposure.
• Monitoring and reporting on emerging threats and progress to senior committees.
• Managing security–related vendor relationships and significant fraud/malpractice investigations.
• Driving technical innovation and ensuring responsible, secure adoption of new technologies.
• Building and mentoring high–performing teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture.

About You

A successful candidate will demonstrate deep expertise and hands–on experience in identifying and addressing IT and data threats. This includes a thorough understanding of current technologies and effective mitigation strategies to safeguard organisational assets.

Experience working in regulated environments is highly desirable. We are looking for candidates who understand the complexities and requirements of compliance, data protection, and risk management in sectors such as education, finance, healthcare, or other regulated industries.

Professional certifications, such as CISSP, CISM, or CISA, are highly desirable and reflect a strong commitment to industry best practices and ongoing professional development.

Exceptional leadership and management abilities are essential, with a proven track record of inspiring and guiding diverse teams towards shared goals. The ideal candidate combines strategic thinking with commercial awareness, ensuring that security initiatives align with broader business objectives.

Excellent communication and influencing skills are required, with the ability to explain complex security issues to non–technical stakeholders in a clear and compelling manner. Analytical and problem–solving strengths, particularly in the context of risk management, are critical for navigating today’s challenging security landscape.

An innovative mindset is crucial, enabling the anticipation of emerging security threats and trends. The role demands a collaborative approach, working effectively with cross–functional teams and external partners to deliver robust security outcomes. Finally, resilience is key, with the ability to perform well under pressure and adapt to rapidly changing security environments.

Rewards and Benefits

We support you to be at your best in work and to live well outside of it. In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a world–class, flexible rewards package, featuring family–friendly and planet–friendly benefits including:

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Private medical and Permanent Health Insurance
• Discretionary annual bonus
• Group personal pension scheme
• Life assurance up to 4 x annual salary
• Green travel schemes

We are a hybrid working organisation, offering flexible working options from day one. Most colleagues spend 40–60% of their time at their dedicated office or location. We also consider other arrangements for those needing adjustments due to disability.

Application Process

Ready to pursue your potential? Apply now.

We review applications on an ongoing basis, with a closing date for all applications being 1st December.

Please note that successful applicants will be subject to satisfactory background checks including DBS due to working in a regulated industry.

Cambridge University Press & Assessment is an approved UK employer for the sponsorship of eligible roles and applicants under the Skilled Worker visa route. Please refer to the gov.uk website for guidance to understand your own eligibility based on the role you are applying for.

Why Join Us

Joining us is your opportunity to pursue potential. You'll belong to a collaborative team that explores new and better ways to serve students, teachers and researchers across the globe – for the benefit of individuals, society and the world. Sharing our mission will inspire your own growth, development and progress, in an environment that embraces difference, change and aspiration.

Cambridge University Press & Assessment is committed to being a place where anyone can enjoy a successful career, where it’s safe to speak up, and where we learn continuously to improve together. We welcome applications from all candidates, regardless of demographic characteristics, cultural, or social class/background.

We believe better outcomes come through diversity of thought, background and approach. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and communities, actively seeking to employ people from a wide range of different communities.