Cyber Security Manager

Gateshead Council; Gateshead; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

Pension Scheme

Annual Leave 28-32 days

Flexible Working Hours

Hybrid Working

Training & Development

Wellbeing Support

Cycle to Work Scheme

Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme

Exclusive Discounts

Job summary

Gateshead Council is seeking a Cyber Security Manager to lead the cyber security team, develop strategy and ensure resilient, secure systems across the council. You will drive governance, risk and assurance programmes and deliver security controls to enable digital transformation.

The role demands strong leadership, strategic thinking and excellent communication with senior staff. The post requires CISSP or equivalent, a relevant degree or substantial senior experience, and a proven track record

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant subject or significant equivalent senior experience.
• CISSP or similar industry recognised qualification.
• Extensive experience leading cyber security services in large organisations.
• Proven expertise in developing and implementing cyber security strategies and frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of network security, intrusion detection and endpoint protection.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the cyber security team, ensuring secure, resilient systems.
• Shape and deliver the council's cyber security strategy, standards and frameworks.
• Governance, risk, compliance and assurance (GRC) programme leadership.
• Design and implement security controls to protect critical services.
• Identify, assess and manage cyber risks with effective mitigations.
• Provide expert advice to senior leaders and translate complex concepts into business solutions.
• Oversee supplier relationships and performance management for security services.
• Lead cyber resilience, business continuity and incident recovery planning.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Cyber security expertise

Communication

Education

Degree in a relevant subject

CISSP or equivalent qualification

Significant senior cyber security experience

Tools

IDS/IPS

Security management solutions

Job description

As Cyber Security Manager, you will lead the delivery of a robust and forward-thinking cyber security service that safeguards Gateshead Council's digital assets, infrastructure and information. You'll manage a team of specialists, champion best practice, strengthen organisational resilience, and lead the implementation of innovative security solutions. This is a fantastic opportunity for a strategic cyber security leader who thrives on tackling complex challenges while helping to protect services that matter to local people. What you'll get to do:

• Lead and develop the Council's Cyber Security Team, ensuring our systems, infrastructure and data remain secure, resilient and protected from emerging threats.
• Shape and deliver the Council's cyber security strategy, policies, standards and frameworks, driving best practice across the organisation.
• Lead the Council's cyber security governance, risk, compliance and assurance (GRC) programme, ensuring that risks are effectively managed, controls are regularly assessed, and assurance activities provide confidence that security obligations are being met.
• Design and implement security controls, standards and solutions that protect critical services while enabling innovation and digital transformation.
• Identify, assess, report and manage cyber security risks, ensuring effective mitigation measures are in place and organisational resilience is maintained.
• Develop and maintain cyber security assurance frameworks, performance measures and reporting mechanisms, providing clear insight to senior leaders on the effectiveness of security controls and the organisation's security posture.
• Lead cyber security projects and the implementation of new technologies, from business case development through to delivery and benefits realisation.
• Oversee compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, standards and industry best practice, supporting audits, inspections and accreditation activities where required.
• Develop and manage the team's work programme, resources and performance, creating a culture of continuous improvement and professional excellence.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to senior leaders, project teams and stakeholders, translating complex technical concepts into practical business solutions.
• Manage relationships with suppliers and partners, ensuring high-quality service delivery and value for money through effective contract and performance management.
• Champion cyber security awareness across the Council, promoting a security-first culture and helping colleagues understand their role in protecting information and systems.
• Lead on cyber resilience, business continuity and recovery planning, ensuring the Council is prepared to respond effectively to cyber incidents.
• Keep pace with emerging technologies, threats and industry developments, identifying opportunities to strengthen security and improve services.
• Produce high-quality reports, presentations and recommendations to support informed decision-making, including regular reporting on cyber risks, compliance, assurance outcomes and security performance.
• A degree in a relevant subject or significant equivalent experience in a senior cyber security role.
• CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional or similar industry recognised cyber security qualification.
• Extensive experience of leading cyber security services within a large, complex organisation, including the management and development of technical teams and resources.
• Proven expertise in developing and implementing cyber security strategies, policies and frameworks, ensuring compliance with legislation, standards and industry best practice.
• Strong technical knowledge of cyber security technologies and controls, including network security, intrusion detection and prevention, endpoint protection and security management solutions.
• Significant experience of cyber risk management, business continuity, disaster recovery and cyber resilience planning, with the ability to respond effectively to security incidents.
• Experience of delivering complex cyber security projects and procurements, including managing suppliers, contracts and technology implementations.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, practical advice for colleagues, senior leaders and partners.

We're delighted that you're interested in working with us. You'd be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive. At Gateshead Council you'd be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we're confident that it isn't just the salary that attracts our staff. Drive cyber resilience. Influence strategy. Protect what matters most. IT & Digital Services play a critical role in delivering the technology, infrastructure and digital capabilities that enable Gateshead Council, its schools and key partners to operate effectively and innovatively. The service provides strategic leadership, development, implementation and support of ICT solutions, ensuring employees are equipped with the tools and skills needed to work efficiently while safeguarding the council's data through secure, resilient systems. Covering a broad portfolio, IT & Digital Services are at the heart of enabling modern, connected and data-driven services that improve outcomes for residents and communities.

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don't just offer a great salary - we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions - a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services - plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).