Head of Cyber Security

Global Resourcing; England; Hybrid; GBP 138,375 - 166,050; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a hands-on Interim Head of Cyber Security for a contract role in the United Kingdom. This position involves assessing and enhancing the cyber security capability of the client, leading incident response, and optimizing security technologies. The ideal candidate has senior leadership experience in cyber security, preferably within the public sector, and holds relevant certifications. This role offers £750-£900 per day, requiring hybrid work with one day in Surrey.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior cyber security leadership in the public sector.
• Strong knowledge of cyber security tools and compliance frameworks.
• Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Assess and strengthen the organisation's current cyber security posture.
• Lead the deployment of security technologies.
• Embed security into organisational culture.

Skills

Leadership in cyber security

Risk management

Incident response

Strategic planning

Education

Certifications such as CISSP or CISM

Tools

Darktrace

Microsoft Defender

Fortinet

Job description

Job Summary

Initial 3–6 month contract, £750-£900pd inside IR35, Hybrid - 1 day per week in Surrey.

We’re looking for a hands‑on Interim Head of Cyber Security to lead and enhance our client’s cyber security capability. The role will be responsible for assessing the organisation’s current security maturity, driving rapid improvements, increasing maturity and laying the groundwork for a longer‑term strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess and strengthen the organisation's current cyber security posture.
• Lead the deployment and optimisation of technologies including Darktrace, Microsoft Defender, and Fortinet.
• Embed security into organisational culture and strategic planning.
• Lead incident response, risk management, and compliance activities.
• Report directly to senior leadership on risks, performance, and improvements.

Requirements

• Proven experience in senior cyber security leadership within the public sector (local authority preferred).
• Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of Darktrace, Microsoft Defender, and Fortinet tools.
• Comfortable working at both strategic and technical levels.
• Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams and third-party vendors.
• Familiarity with UK public sector governance and compliance frameworks.

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Contract

Job function

• Information Technology

Industries

• Staffing and Recruiting