Cyber Security Technical Specialist

Ofwat; City Of London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK regulatory body is seeking a Principal Cyber Security Technical Specialist to engage with stakeholders on cyber resilience in the water sector. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in cyber security, risk assessments, and strong communication skills. This role involves collaboration with government bodies and tracking legislative developments, offering a dynamic and innovative work environment.

Benefits

Good employer pension contributions

25 days annual leave increasing with service

Access to exclusive discounts

Fees for professional memberships

Qualifications

• Experience with planning and delivery in cyber security.
• Ability to assess costs and value of security solutions.
• Experience conducting risk assessments.

Responsibilities

• Shape engagement with Defra on cyber security.
• Track proposed Cyber Security and Resilience Bill.
• Evaluate technical proposals and their implications.

Skills

Cyber security experience

Knowledge of cyber security frameworks

Excellent communication skills

Building stakeholder relationships

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Education

CISSP, CISM, or GICSP certification

Job description

About Us

We are Ofwat, the Water Services Regulation Authority, a non‑ministerial government department responsible for regulating the water sector in England and Wales. Following the Independent Water Commission’s final report, the UK government has set out a bold new direction - one that brings together expertise from across the sector to deliver better outcomes for customers and the environment.

We are working in collaboration with the government and other regulators to help establish a new body for England, combining our strengths with those of the Drinking Water Inspectorate, the Environment Agency, and Natural England. We’re also continuing to engage with the Welsh Government to support future decisions for Wales.

While these changes take shape, our mission remains the same: to hold water companies to account, drive performance, and ensure the sector delivers real value for customers, communities, and the environment. If you’re passionate about making a difference, this is a unique moment to join us and help shape the future of water, and together we can continue to make a positive impact.

The Role

We’re looking for a Principal Cyber Security Technical Specialist to join our Water Supply team, part of Ofwat's RAPID & Environmental Planning directorate. The team focuses on water company investment planning and the delivery of water supply (source to tap) including water resources, treatment and distribution.

In our Price Review 2024 (PR24) final determination, we have made record allowances of £455 million for water sector cyber security. However, the requirements of the sector continue to evolve. We have recently consulted on a cost change process, which would be an opportunity for the water companies to submit requests for additional allowances, if there are significant changes in the cyber security environment. As we await further details of which recommendations from the Independent Water Commission the government plans to accept, Ofwat will continue to work ever more closely with the DWI and the water companies on cyber resilience.

The Ofwat Principal Cyber Security Technical Specialist role will play an important part in shaping this increased engagement and how we respond to developments in the cyber security sector. For example, we expect engagement with Defra and to track the proposed Cyber Security and Resilience Bill (CSRB) as it passes through parliament and into legislation, considering the impact on the water sector.

We’re looking for an experienced cyber security professional who can combine strong technical insight with strategic thinking. You’ll have experience conducting or reviewing risk assessments, managing cyber security risks, and evaluating the costs and value for money of different cyber security solutions. You’ll have a solid understanding of the current cyber security landscape and the ability to assess both detailed technical proposals and their wider policy or strategic implications. While experience in a regulatory body or the water sector would be an advantage, it isn’t essential.

About You

Below are some of the key essential experience, skills & knowledge required for this post:

• Relevant cyber security experience including planning and delivery, assessment of costs and value, and/or risk assessment of security vulnerabilities.
• Ability to demonstrate strong knowledge of cyber security frameworks, particularly NCSC CAF, and ideally certified as CISSP, CISM, or GICSP (or equivalent).
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to review and respond effectively to company cyber security plans and strategies, as well as communicate complex concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience of building and maintaining constructive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including the ability to influence and collaborate effectively to deliver desired outcomes.
• Flexible approach to work in a dynamic and fast‑paced environment with the ability to prioritise workloads and work autonomously.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to analyse complex security issues, identify root causes, and develop effective solutions.

Why You Should Join Us

• People Centric: Our people are at the heart of Ofwat and everything we do – we ensure all voices are heard and treat each other with respect; you'll be given the autonomy and the support to do your role in the best way.
• Innovative Work Environment: We embrace agile and new ways of working and have a culture built on trust, flexibility, and collaboration.
• Development Opportunities: Gain valuable experience and develop your skills in a supportive and dynamic setting.
• Work‑Life Balance: Enjoy the flexibility of working from home combined with the benefits of in person collaboration in our Birmingham and London offices.
• Good employer pension contributions.
• 25 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 with each year of service, plus bank holidays and an extra 2.5 days of privilege leave.
• Access to exclusive discounts on a variety of goods and services, including retail outlets, theatre tickets, holidays, insurance, and a gym membership.
• Fees paid for membership of relevant professional bodies.
• Up to 3 volunteering days per year.
• Recognition vouchers scheme rewarding your hard work.
• Generous shared parental leave and pay supporting your family life.