Head of Cyber Security

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

Job summary

A leading cyber security firm is seeking a Head of Cyber Security to shape and deliver its cyber security vision and strategy. This strategic leadership role involves overseeing the development of a Group-wide security program, ensuring compliance and operational effectiveness. The ideal candidate will have significant experience with ISMS, strong regulatory knowledge including GDPR, and the ability to communicate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Competitive salary and extensive benefits offered.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Life assurance cover (4x salary)

Health cash plan

Pension scheme with 6% employer contribution

Retail and gym discounts

Learning and development opportunities

Volunteer days

Qualifications

• Experience managing Information Security Management System (ISMS) and compliance frameworks.
• Strong understanding of cyber security legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to present to Executive Boards and engage stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Group's cyber security strategy development.
• Ensure the organization's information security posture is aligned with business goals.
• Promote a culture of cyber security awareness within the organization.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Cyber security compliance

Risk mitigation

Incident response

Communication with stakeholders

Regulatory knowledge (GDPR)

Education

Professional certification (CISM, CISSP, CISA)

Tools

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

• 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
• 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
• 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.
• Salary of £100,000-£110,000 per annum
• 25 days annual leave increasing with service, plus your birthday off
• Life assurance cover (4x 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