Head of Cyber Security

Commercial Ltd; Kings Hill; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading local authority-owned organization in the UK is seeking a Head of Cyber Security to develop and implement a comprehensive cyber security strategy. This strategic role includes oversight of compliance with regulations, managing the information security management system, and ensuring the protection of digital assets. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in cyber security leadership, a relevant professional certification, and strong analytical skills. This position offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits.

Benefits

Salary of £100,000‑£110,000 per annum

25 days annual leave plus birthday off

Life assurance cover (4× salary)

Single cover health cash plan

Pension scheme with 6% employer contribution

Retail and gym discounts

Volunteer days and learning opportunities

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading cyber security strategy in multi-entity organizations.
• Professional certification such as CISM, CISSP, or CISA.
• Experience with ISMS and compliance frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for cyber security vision and strategy.
• Collaborate with Cyber Operations team on security activities.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements like GDPR.

Skills

Leadership in cyber security

Collaboration

Compliance with security standards

Strategic presentation skills

Understanding of GDPR and regulations

Education

Professional certification (CISM, CISSP, or CISA)

Tools

ISMS management

ISO 27001

NIST

Job description

Corporate Services underpins the success of all Commercial Services Group trading divisions by providing the infrastructure, expertise and governance needed to enable growth, innovation and resilience. The Cyber Security function sits within Corporate IT and plays a central role in protecting the Group's digital assets, data and reputation. Why this role matters As Head of Cyber Security, you will be responsible for shaping and delivering CSG's cyber security vision and strategy. You will lead the development and continual improvement of a Group-wide security programme, ensuring that our digital infrastructure, applications and data are secure, compliant and resilient. This is a strategic leadership role that also holds operational oversight and will act as the organisation's Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). What you'll be doing

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Group's cyber security vision, strategy and programme
• Collaborate closely with the Cyber Operations team and wider IT colleagues to align strategy, governance and operational security activities
• Monitor and improve the organisation's information security posture, ensuring initiatives are aligned to business goals
• Oversee the Information Security Management System (ISMS) and maintain compliance with relevant standards including ISO 27001, NIST-CSF and Cyber Essentials Plus
• Lead on policies, controls and risk mitigation in collaboration with technical and operational teams
• Provide assurance over incident response capabilities and governance, ensuring effective escalation procedures
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements such as GDPR, NIS and the UK Data Protection Act
• Act as the accountable officer for information security across CSG
• Report regularly to the Executive Board and Audit & Risk Committee on strategic security matters
• Promote a strong culture of cyber security awareness through training and internal engagement
• Act as a key liaison for auditors, regulators and law enforcement
• Maintain alignment with Kent County Council's CISO on governance and assurance

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading cyber security strategy and governance in a complex, multi-entity organisation
• Professional certification such as CISM, CISSP or CISA
• Hands‑on experience managing ISMS and compliance with frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIST, CIS‑20CSC and Cyber Essentials
• Strong understanding of security legislation and regulatory requirements, including GDPR and PCIDSS
• Confident presenting to Executive Boards, Audit Committees and external stakeholders
• A collaborative and credible leader, able to influence technical and non‑technical audiences
• Experience working at a senior level within IT infrastructure and cyber architecture
• Comfortable operating across operational and strategic levels with matrix leadership responsibilities

About the Company

Commercial Services Group is one of the UK's largest local authority‑owned trading organisations, comprising 33 diverse businesses that operate across education, local government, the NHS and beyond. We provide services in recruitment, energy, procurement, legal, IT, HR, education supplies, facilities management and more. With more than 1,800 employees and a global footprint, we combine commercial excellence with social impact, reinvesting a significant proportion of our profits into public services.

Commercial Services Group is the UK's largest local authority‑owned trading company (LATCO), generating over £800 million in revenue and supporting 16,000 education and public sector customers worldwide. With more than 1,800 employees across the UK, Dubai and Bangkok, we are working towards becoming the global leader in education and public sector solutions. We are expanding rapidly, with annual growth of around 25 percent, supported by a blend of organic development, acquisitions and strategic partnerships. Our 33 trading businesses deliver a wide range of services including education management, IT, HR, legal, energy, procurement and supplies. CSG is wholly owned by local authorities, and a significant proportion of our profits is reinvested into frontline public services. Over £77 million has already been returned, reflecting our commitment to combining commercial performance with meaningful social impact.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary of £100,000‑£110,000 per annum
• 25 days annual leave increasing with service, plus your birthday off
• Life assurance cover (4× salary)
• Single cover health cash plan
• Pension scheme with 6 percent employer contribution
• Additional benefits including retail and gym discounts, wellbeing programme and cycle to work scheme
• Volunteer days and access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities
• A collaborative and ambitious working environment with real purpose