Head of Security Governance Risk and Compliance

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Oxford seeks a Head of Security Governance Risk and Compliance to lead its Information Security Team. This role involves overseeing strategic planning and managing information security risk while contributing to a high-performance team and organizational change. The position offers a competitive salary and generous benefits in a prestigious educational environment.

Benefits

38 days of annual leave

Flexible working options

Generous family leave schemes

Excellent contributory pension scheme

Affordable commuting options

Access to social clubs

Qualifications

• Demonstrable record of success in strategic planning and development of Cyber GRC.
• Ability to drive change in large non-centralised organisations.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning and delivery for governance and management of information security risk.
• Plan and implement systems for automation of GRC activities.

Skills

Strategic Planning

Cyber GRC

Team Management

Communication

Education

Graduate calibre

Job description

Job Title: Head of Security Governance Risk and Compliance, Assurance Directorate

Salary: Grade 9: £55,636 - £64,228 with a discretionary range to £70,029

Contract: Full Time, Permanent (flexible or Part time working, min 90% FTE will also be considered)

Spanning the historic streets of the "city of dreaming spires," the University of Oxford has been ranked the world's leading university for nine consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you'll contribute to ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.

The Assurance Directorate

Delivering professional risk, compliance, assurance, information compliance and information security services across the University

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your well-being, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.

• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay

paternity/partner leave.

• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.

• An excellent contributory pension scheme.

• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.

• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

About the Role

We have a rare opportunity in the Information Security Team for a Head of Security Governance Risk and Compliance (GRC), who will lead the strategic planning and delivery of the cross-University approach for the governance and management of information security risk and compliance. Reporting to the Chief Information Security Officer, this role is one of their two deputies.

About You

If you are of graduate calibre and have a demonstrable record of success in impactful strategic planning and development of Cyber GRC along with managing a team of technical specialists, then this could be the role for you. The ability to drive change in a large non-centralised organisation will be key to your success.

We are looking for someone who is driven to achieve results and with a positive, can-do attitude and approach. As well as being a great communicator, you will plan and implement systems for automation of GRC activities; frameworks and reporting tools; and audit and audit programme management. You'll need to develop relationships with internal and external stakeholders and interested parties, providing thought leadership to challenge and lead thinking in information security GRC in an impactful way in our complex and federated collegiate University.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact [e-mail] or call 01865 283354.

Sponsorship and Right To Work

This role meets the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa. The University will meet the cost of the Skilled Worker visa and NHS surcharge for applicants that require a visa. Please let us know in your application if you require sponsorship.

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

• A covering letter/supporting statement

• Your CV

• The details of two referees

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 30th June 2025 Interviews will take place on 18th July 2025 and will be held face-to-face

Contact Person :

John Chapman

Vacancy ID :

178350

Contact Phone :

Closing Date & Time :

30-Jun-2025 12:00

Pay Scale :

STANDARD GRADE 9

Contact Email :

[e-mail]

Salary (£) :

£55,635 - £64,228 discretionary range upto £70,029