Cyber Security Manager

Harrow Council; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The London Borough of Harrow is seeking a Cyber Security Manager to lead and enhance our cyber security capability, protecting council services and resident data. The role balances hands-on delivery with strategic leadership in a large public sector environment.

You will work closely with Information Governance and Data Protection teams to safeguard digital services while enabling secure digital transformation and innovative council services.

Qualifications

• Extensive hands-on experience with the Microsoft Security portfolio.
• Experience leading cyber security programmes within a complex environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Excellent stakeholder management and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage cyber security operations and the strategic security programme.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and security frameworks.
• Develop and implement cyber security policies, standards and procedures.
• Manage cyber security incidents, investigations and response activities.
• Identify and mitigate cyber risks across the council's technology estate.
• Coordinate with Information Governance, Data Protection, ICT and service teams.
• Provide cyber security leadership and advice to senior management and stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement in security monitoring, threat detection and vulnerability management.

Skills

SOC operations

Cyber security frameworks

Governance

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Tools

Microsoft Defender suite

Microsoft Entra ID

Microsoft Purview

Microsoft Intune

Microsoft Sentinel

Copilot for Security

Job description

Overview

Are you an experienced cyber security professional looking to make a real difference in local government? London Borough of Harrow is seeking an ambitious and highly capable Cyber Security Manager to lead and enhance our cyber security capability, helping to protect critical council services, resident information, and business data.

This is a unique opportunity to join a forward-thinking organisation where cyber security is a strategic priority. The role offers a balanced mix of operational delivery (50%) and strategic leadership (50%), requiring both hands‑on technical expertise and the ability to influence business decisions, governance, and long‑term security strategy.

About the Role

As Cyber Security Manager, you will be responsible for maintaining and improving Harrow Council's cyber security posture, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, standards, and best practices. You will play a key role in safeguarding the council's digital estate, supporting major transformation programmes, and driving the adoption of modern security technologies.

Working closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation, particularly our Information Governance and Data Protection functions, you will help ensure that resident and business information is protected while enabling the council to deliver innovative digital services securely.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the council's cyber security operations and strategic security programme.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, government security frameworks, and industry best practices.
• Develop and implement cyber security policies, standards, and procedures.
• Manage cyber security incidents, investigations, and response activities.
• Identify and mitigate cyber risks across the council's technology estate.
• Work closely with Information Governance, Data Protection, ICT, and service teams to ensure a coordinated approach to security and compliance.
• Provide cyber security leadership and advice to senior management and key stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement across security monitoring, threat detection, vulnerability management, and security awareness.

Why Join London Borough of Harrow?

At London Borough of Harrow, you will have the opportunity to shape the cyber security strategy of a large and diverse organisation that delivers vital services to residents and businesses every day. You will work with modern Microsoft security technologies, influence strategic decision‑making, and play a critical role in protecting the council from evolving cyber threats.

If you are passionate about cyber security, public service, and making a difference, we would love to hear from you.

Location: Harrow, London (Hybrid Working; 3 days at office)

About You

You will be an experienced cyber security professional with strong technical expertise and a proven track record of delivering security programmes within a complex environment.

You will have:

• Extensive hands‑on experience with the Microsoft Security portfolio, including:
  • Microsoft Defender suite
  • Microsoft Entra ID
  • Microsoft Purview
  • Microsoft Intune
  • Microsoft Sentinel
  • Microsoft Copilot for Security
• Experience operating and improving Security Operations Centre (SOC) functions.
• Strong knowledge of cyber security frameworks, risk management, governance, and compliance.
• Experience managing security incidents and coordinating response activities.
• The ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Excellent stakeholder management and leadership skills.

Related Documents

For more information, please refer to Role Profile/ Selection Criteria