Cyber Security and Digital Resilience Lead - KTP Associate

Aston University; Redditch; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Mentorship

Development budget £2000

Annual leave 26 days

4 day working week

Job summary

Aston University invites applications for a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) associate to develop and embed an in-house cybersecurity compliance capability at G&O Springs. You will work with senior university academics and industry mentors to apply cutting-edge cybersecurity practices across live aerospace and defence settings.

Based in Redditch with a hybrid arrangement, you will map information flows, design priority controls and governance routines to pursue US and UK defence supply-chain

Qualifications

• A minimum master's degree in information security, Cyber Security, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstratable advanced theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of secure systems, risk management, and cyber resilience.
• Strong analytical and research capability, supported by effective project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven competence in policy development, quality assurance, process mapping, and gap analysis against recognised information security frameworks (including ISO 27001 and NIST).
• Experience within an industrial setting or with policy/process development in compliance-focused environments is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Map information flows across the business and design priority controls.
• Build governance routines the business needs to pursue defence and aerospace opportunities.
• Collaborate with senior management, IT, engineering and production teams.
• Lead and deliver strategic business change with academic and industry mentoring.

Skills

Analytical thinker

Team player

Adaptable

Proactive learner

Communicates well

Education

Master's degree in information security

Job description

The successful applicant on this Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project will develop and embed an in-house cyber security compliance capability at G&O Springs, equipping the business to meet NIST SP 800-171, CMMC readiness requirements and ISO 27001 expectations across both office and factory environments. You will work within G&O Springs, collaborating with senior management, IT, engineering and production teams to map information flows, design priority controls, and build the governance routines the business needs to pursue US & UK defence and aerospace supply-chain opportunities.

What you will gain:

• Develop and implement advanced cybersecurity and digital resilience frameworks (including ISO 27001 and NIST 800-171) within a live aerospace and defence manufacturing environment
• Gain hands-on experience embedding governance, risk management, incident response and continuous improvement processes across complex digital and operational systems
• Work within a high-growth SME supplying major aerospace and defence organisations, contributing to strategic capability development and market expansion
• Contribute to establishing a permanent in-house cybersecurity capability that supports access to high-value, security-critical programmes and international markets
• Collaborate closely with leading experts from Aston University and the Manufacturing Technology Centre, benefiting from academic supervision and industry mentoring

This KTP offers a unique opportunity for an individual keen to lead and deliver strategic business change. You will work closely with senior University academics and company leadership to apply cutting-edge cybersecurity and digital resilience practices, embedding them into real-world operations to drive sustainable growth and long-term competitive advantage.

• A minimum master's degree in information security, Cyber Security, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstratable advanced theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of secure systems, risk management, and cyber resilience.
• Strong analytical and research capability, supported by effective project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven competence in policy development, quality assurance, process mapping, and gap analysis against recognised information security frameworks (including ISO 27001 and NIST).
• Experience within an industrial setting or with policy/process development in compliance-focused environments is highly desirable.

Desirable:

• Relevant professional certifications or accreditations in cyber security, information security, risk, governance, compliance, or change management (e.g. CISM, CISSP, ISO 27001 Implementer, or equivalent).
• Experience with Operational Technology/Manufacturing and Cyber security.

Attributes:

• Analytical thinker who can solve complex problems
• Able to articulate business and technical problems, logical solutions and impactful outcomes
• Team player who works productively across locations and disciplines
• Adaptable and comfortable in a hybrid work setting (office-based with travel)
• Proactive learner who makes the most of development opportunities
• Communicates well with both technical and non-technical stakeholders

• £2000 per annum for personal and professional development for the duration of the project
• Annual leave (26 days p/a)
• 4 Day Working Week (Monday to Thursday) hybrid working arrangement
• Professional support and mentorship
• Mental Health and wellbeing support: https://www.aston.ac.uk/staff-public/hr/Benefits-and-Rewards/health-wellbeing

Career prospects:

KTP Associates lead strategic projects, bridging the academic and business worlds, which can enhance and fast-track their career with ownership of a multi year strategic project working with and learning from senior business leadership. You will benefit from expert coaching and mentoring. 60% of KTP associates are offered employment by their host companies at the end of the KTP.

This is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded by G&O Springs and Innovate UK. KTPs are collaborative, three-way partnerships creating positive impact and driving innovation by linking businesses with the UK's world class knowledge bases to deliver innovation projects led by skilled graduates. It is essential you understand how KTP works and the vital role you will play if you secure this position. To learn more please visit: www.aston.ac.uk/ktp

Aston University:

You will work in a project team with Dr Anitha Chinnaswamy and Prof. Joshua Ignatius from Aston University, Manufacturing Technology Centre experts, and the senior team members at G&O Springs with further support from an Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Adviser.

The Business Partner:

G & O Springs is a precision spring manufacturer for Aerospace and safety critical applications. A family-owned business with a strong set of values, G & O Springs' mission is to provide industry-leading products and services to international safety-critical OEMs while embracing environmental and social responsibility. This is an exciting time to work with this growing, innovative company.

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC):

This collaborative project is supported by colleagues from the MTC who will support with the practical implications of implementing cyber-security solutions, ensuring solutions developed work in practice and minimise business disruption.

Location:

You will have a hybrid working arrangement, based predominantly at G&O in Redditch. You will also have access to facilities at Aston University in central Birmingham. Due to the nature of the project, candidates are required to reside within a commutable distance of G&O Springs.