Cybersecurity Project Manager

Jacobs; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Professional development

Mentorship and coaching

Global communities of practice

Flexible working policy

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking an Operational Technology (OT) & Cybersecurity Project Manager to lead complex programmes across the UK's critical infrastructure.

You’ll partner with engineering, operational and cybersecurity specialists to deliver projects that protect essential services and drive resilience across Energy, Water, Rail, Highways, Aviation and Defence.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering complex technology and OT/cybersecurity projects in large organisations.
• Experience in Critical National Infrastructure or regulated environments.
• Strong project delivery with budgets, schedules, RAID logs and stakeholder reporting.
• Ability to translate technical requirements for stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the delivery of OT and cybersecurity projects from concept to handover.
• Lead programmes improving cyber resilience, asset visibility, network segmentation and vulnerability management.
• Collaborate with engineers, operational teams, cybersecurity specialists, clients and partners.
• Shape delivery strategies, governance, and ensure scope, schedule and budget alignment.
• Manage risks, dependencies, issues and change activities; support informed decisions.
• Bridge between technical teams and business stakeholders to deliver meaningful outcomes.
• Build relationships with clients and senior stakeholders; act as trusted advisor.
• Support business case development and investment decisions for long-term resilience.
• Ensure alignment with regulations and standards in Critical National Infrastructure environments.
• Drive continuous improvement in delivery, security maturity and business value.

Skills

OT cybersecurity

Project management

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Budgeting & forecasting

Contract governance

Team leadership

PM qualification

Cybersecurity frameworks

ICS/SCADA familiarity

Education

PRINCE2

APM PMQ

PMP

Job description

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in helping secure and strengthen the UK's Critical National Infrastructure. As an Operational Technology (OT) & Cybersecurity Project Manager, you'll lead complex programmes that improve the resilience, security and performance of industrial environments across sectors including Energy, Water, Rail, Highways, Aviation and Defence.

You’ll have the opportunity to work at the forefront of OT cybersecurity, partnering with engineering, operational and cybersecurity specialists to deliver projects that protect essential services relied upon by millions of people every day. Whether your background is in project management, operational technology, engineering or cybersecurity, you'll be empowered to lead meaningful initiatives, influence strategic decisions and drive real-world outcomes across critical infrastructure environments.

Day to Day

• Take ownership of the successful delivery of OT and cybersecurity projects from initial concept through to operational handover and benefits realisation
• Lead programmes that improve cyber resilience, asset visibility, network segmentation, vulnerability management and operational security across critical environments
• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams including engineers, operational stakeholders, cybersecurity specialists, clients and technology partners
• Shape project delivery strategies, establish governance structures and ensure projects remain on track against scope, schedule and budget
• Provide leadership in managing project risks, dependencies, issues and change activities while supporting informed decision-making
• Act as the bridge between technical teams and business stakeholders, translating complex cybersecurity concepts into meaningful business outcomes
• Build strong relationships with clients and senior stakeholders, becoming a trusted advisor throughout the project lifecycle
• Support business case development and investment decisions that enable long-term cyber resilience and operational improvements
• Ensure projects align with industry regulations, cybersecurity standards and operational requirements within Critical National Infrastructure environments
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance project delivery, security maturity and business value
• Provide regular updates and strategic insights to project sponsors and senior leadership teams
• Contribute to the successful delivery of programmes that support digital transformation and the future of secure industrial operations

What's In It For You

• Lead complex, high-profile projects that make a tangible impact on the security and resilience of the UK's critical infrastructure
• Work at the forefront of OT cybersecurity, supporting some of the most important operational environments in the country
• Gain exposure to diverse sectors including Energy, Water, Rail, Highways, Aviation and Defence
• Collaborate with experienced cybersecurity professionals, engineers, consultants and programme leaders
• Develop your expertise across OT security, industrial control systems, cyber resilience and digital transformation programmes
• Influence strategic projects and engage directly with senior stakeholders and decision-makers
• Expand your knowledge of industry-leading frameworks, regulatory requirements and best practices for critical infrastructure security
• Access ongoing professional development, training and certification opportunities to accelerate your career growth
• Build both technical and leadership capabilities through exposure to complex programmes and challenging project environments
• Progress your career within a growing cybersecurity practice with opportunities to take on increasing levels of responsibility and influence

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• Generous holiday allowance and pension scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements that support work-life balance
• Investment in your professional development through training, certifications and continuous learning opportunities
• Access to experienced mentors, subject matter experts and global communities of practice
• Opportunities to work on diverse and engaging projects across multiple Critical National Infrastructure sectors
• A collaborative and inclusive culture built on safety, integrity, respect and belonging
• The opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that helps protect essential services and communities
• Access to a global network of expertise, innovation and career opportunities

We know that great candidates don't always meet every requirement. If you're excited by the opportunity to help secure critical infrastructure, lead meaningful projects and develop your career within OT cybersecurity, we'd love to hear from you.

Here's what you'll need

We're looking for an experienced project professional who can confidently lead complex OT and cybersecurity initiatives within critical operational environments. You'll ideally bring

• Experience delivering complex technology, infrastructure, operational technology (OT), cybersecurity, network or business transformation projects within large organisations
• Experience working within Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), utilities, energy, industrial or other regulated and safety-critical environments
• Strong project delivery expertise, with experience managing project plans, schedules, budgets, governance activities, RAID logs and stakeholder reporting
• The ability to engage effectively with engineers, architects, operational teams and technical specialists, translating technical requirements into successful project outcomes
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams, coordinating internal stakeholders, clients, suppliers and third-party delivery partners
• Strong commercial and financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control and benefits realisation
• Experience managing project risks, issues, dependencies, change controls and delivery governance throughout the project lifecycle
• Experience managing supplier relationships, contracts, Statements of Work (SoWs), purchase orders and associated governance processes
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels
• Experience delivering OT and/or cybersecurity projects, with an understanding of the challenges associated with critical operational environments
• A recognised project management qualification such as PRINCE2, APM PMQ, PMP, or equivalent project delivery experience

Nice to have

• Experience delivering projects within electrical Transmission & Distribution, power networks or wider utility environments
• Familiarity with cybersecurity and resilience frameworks such as IEC 62443, NCSC CAF, NIS/NIS2 or similar industry standards
• Knowledge of industrial control systems (ICS), SCADA environments and OT network architectures
• Experience delivering cyber resilience, network segmentation, asset visibility, vulnerability management or security improvement programmes
• Exposure to innovation programmes, research initiatives or proof-of-concept projects
• Knowledge of emerging technologies including AI, automation, digital transformation and resilience engineering
• Experience supporting operational resilience, compliance or regulatory improvement initiatives within critical infrastructure environments

#DigitalUKI

Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally. Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging. We put people at the heart of our business, and we truly believe that by supporting one another through our culture of caring, we all succeed. We value positive mental health and a sense of belonging for all employees.

With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits, and opportunities, from well-being benefits to our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place. No matter what drives you, you’ll discover how you can cultivate, nurture, and achieve your goals – all at a single global company. Find out more about life at Jacobs.

We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we’re more connected and creative. We accept people for who they are, and we champion the richness of different perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds in the workplace, as a source of learning and innovation. We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including through our Jacobs Employee Networks, Communities of Practice and our Find Your Community initiatives, allowing every employee to find connection, purpose, and belonging.Find out more about ourJacobs Employee Networks here.

Jacobs partners with VERCIDA to help us attract and retain talent from a wide range of backgrounds. For greater online accessibility please visit https//www.vercida.com/uk/employers/jacobs to view and access our roles.

As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.