Head of Cyber Protection Operations

Aviva; Norwich; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Aviva is seeking a Head of Cyber Protection Operations to oversee critical cyber security functions. This role involves managing teams, enhancing security capabilities, and ensuring effective risk management in a dynamic threat landscape. The ideal candidate will possess extensive cyber security knowledge and leadership experience.

Benefits

Bonus opportunity – 25% of annual salary

Generous pension scheme - Aviva will contribute up to 14%

29 days holiday plus bank holidays

Up to 40% discount on Aviva products

Up to £1,200 of free Aviva shares per year

Supportive policies including parental and carer’s leave

Flexible benefits including sustainability options

3 paid volunteering days

Wellbeing support and tools

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of Cyber Security concepts and technologies.
• Experience leading a global team in a 24/7 environment.
• Ability to build relationships and communicate complex issues.

Responsibilities

• Manage key cyber protection capabilities and oversee technical services.
• Lead a high-performing team and drive strategy and innovation.
• Sponsor cybersecurity projects ensuring timelines and budgets are managed.

Skills

Cyber Security concepts

Team leadership

Risk management

Communication

Supplier relationship management

Service level agreements

Contract negotiations

Industry standards knowledge (NIST, ISO27001)

Regulations knowledge (GDPR, DORA)

Job description

Head of Cyber Protection Operations

National: £110,000 - £140,000 / London: £120,000 - £160,000

The Head of Cyber Protection Operations is responsible for managing the operation of key cyber protection capabilities on behalf of the group. This role oversees a number of teams charged with running technical services which serve to protect Aviva from cyber attacks, malicious insiders and data loss within risk tolerance. Responsibilities also include: sponsoring changes projects which deliver security enhancements, ensuring projects are completed on time, within scope/budget.

A bit about the job:

This role provides strategic and operational leadership across Aviva’s cyber protection functions. It ensures critical security capabilities are effectively delivered, risks are managed, and teams are empowered to protect the organisation in a dynamic threat landscape.

• Lead a high-performing team of cyber and project professionals, driving strategy, innovation, and continuous improvement across protection capabilities

• Oversee daily operations of technical security functions, ensuring services are resilient, risk-aware, and aligned with business needs

• Sponsor and guide cybersecurity projects to successful delivery, ensuring timelines, scope, and budgets are effectively managed

• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to assess and mitigate risk, while maintaining a forward-looking roadmap for cyber capabilities

• Manage team performance and cost base, making informed financial decisions and supporting broader portfolio-level investment planning

Skills and experience we’re looking for:

• In-depth knowledge of Cyber Security concepts and technologies

• Experience leading a global team in a 24/7 environment

• Ability to build relationships and engage with all levels of management, communicating complex technical issues to a range of audiences. Experience managing external supplier relationships to secure the best value and service for Aviva

• Experience with service level agreements, commercial engagements, and contract negotiations

• Demonstrable knowledge of industry standards such as NIST and ISO27001. Knowledge of relevant regulations such as GDPR and DORA

What you’ll get for this role:

Our purpose - with you today, for a better tomorrow – is a promise we make to our colleagues too. And one of the ways we live up to that promise is by investing in you. We have so much to offer when it comes to being an Aviva colleague.

• National salary £110,000 - £140,000 and London salary £120,000 - £160,000 (depending on location, skills, experience, and qualifications)
• Bonus opportunity – 25% of annual salary Actual amount depends on your performance and Aviva’s.
• Generous pension scheme - Aviva will contribute up to 14%, depending on what you put in.
• 29 days holiday plus bank holidays, and you can choose to buy or sell up to 5 days
• Make your money go further - Up to 40% discount on Aviva products, and other retailer discounts
• Up to £1,200 of free Aviva shares per year through our Matching Share Plan and share in the success of Aviva with our Save As You Earn scheme
• Brilliantly supportive policies including parental and carer’s leave
• Flexible benefits to suit you, including sustainability options such as cycle to work
• Make a difference, be part of our Aviva Communities and use your 3 paid volunteering days to help others
• We take your wellbeing seriously with lots of support and tools

Take a look to learn more. Put a salary into this calculator to see what your total Aviva Reward could be.

Aviva is for everyone:

We’re inclusive and welcome everyone – we want applications from all backgrounds and experiences. Excited but not sure you tick every box? Even if you don’t, we would still encourage you to apply. We also consider all forms of flexible working, including part time and job shares.

We flex locations, hours and working patterns to suit our customers, business, and you. Most of our people are smart working – spending around 50% of their time in our offices every week - combining the benefits of flexibility, with time together with colleagues.

To find out more about working at Aviva take a look here

We interview every disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job. Once you’ve applied, please send us an email stating that you have a disclosed disability, and we’ll interview you.

We’d love it if you could submit your application online. If you require an alternative method of applying, please give Harjot Kaur a call on [phone] or send an email to [e-mail]