Information Security Lead

Pembroke College; Oxford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Oxford is looking for an Information Security Lead to manage IT security projects and initiatives. This role requires a strong background in security management and excellent communication abilities. Responsibilities include establishing security standards, managing incident responses, and leading IT software projects. The ideal candidate will hold formal certifications in information security and have substantial technical knowledge of IT infrastructure. A range of benefits are offered alongside competitive pay.

Benefits

Membership of the University staff pension scheme

Travel pass and Cyclescheme loan scheme

Free meals during open kitchen hours

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Strong background in security management required.
• Formal certification in information security is essential.
• Experience in PCI-DSS compliance is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead IT software projects and security initiatives.
• Establish and maintain security compliance.
• Advise on security strategy and manage incident responses.

Skills

Security management

Excellent communication skills

Leadership

Project management

Technical knowledge of IT infrastructure

Education

Formal certification (CISSP, CISM or CRISC)

Training in information security standards (ISO 27001/2)

Tools

Unix/Linux Servers

Windows servers

Firewalls

IDS/IPS

Cryptography

Job description

SOCIT is an Information Services team that provides IT services to a Consortium of Oxford Colleges.

The SOCIT Information Security Lead (ISL) will be working with and reporting to the SOCIT Head of IT and will be responsible for leading IT software projects while also serving as the strategic lead for security initiatives across the Consortium and member Colleges.

The ISL will help the group establish and maintain compliance with information security standards and create a prioritised programme of improvements and ensure implementation both technically and practically.

This role requires strong security expertise alongside project management skills.

Responsibilities

Strategy / Planning / Leadership

• Contributing to strategic planning and budget management; Work with the Head of SOCIT and College governance structures to create and maintain security policies; Monitor and report on compliance with security policies, as well as the enforcement of policies; Represent the group on technical groups and projects within Colleges and the University as agreed with the Head of SOCIT.

Security Management

• Advise on security strategy and planning, ensuring standardised solutions across SOCIT and member Colleges; Manage and coordinate operational components of security incident management, including detection response and reporting; Ensure audit trails, system logs and other monitoring data sources are reviewed periodically and are following policies and audit requirements; Evaluate requests for exceptions to policies, ensuring sufficient mitigating controls are in place; Act as project manager for security initiatives, provide expert guidance on security matters for other IT projects; Create standards in system hardening, change management, documentation. Perform periodic firewall audits; Ensure disaster recovery and data restoration processes work; Provide user-friendly security solutions requiring minimal training; Mentor and support staff delivering security solutions; Offer 2nd and 3rd line support on security matters.

Project Coordination and Management

• Serve as a technical Lead for IT and Security projects, ensuring timely resolution of issues; Manage significant Security projects, collaborating with project sponsors to stay within budget and schedule; Facilitate discussions between sponsors and suppliers to meet project requirements; Update project protocols and ensure administrative closeout procedures are completed.

Experience

Essential

• Strong background in security management; Formal certification (CISSP, CISM or CRISC) and / or formal training in information security standards and best practice (e.g. ISO 27001 / 2, COBIT); Working technical knowledge in broad domains of IT infrastructure such as data networks, server and desktop hardware and operating systems, storage and backups, and related monitoring and management systems; Demonstrable experience of applying security controls in one or more of the following areas : Unix / Linux Servers, Windows servers, firewalls, IDS / IPS, vulnerability management, WAF, Wi-Fi, mobile security, Data Loss Prevention, digital certificates, encryption and authentication techniques, forensics, and LAN / WANs; Solid understanding of security protocols, cryptography, authentication, authorisation, and security; Experience in strategic planning and budget management; Excellent communication and leadership skills; Experience in PCI-DSS compliance.

Desirable

• Knowledge of ITIL and change management processes; Familiarity with university or collegiate environments; Experience in providing IT services in an educational settings; Project management experience.

Benefits

Benefits include membership of the University staff pension scheme, a travel pass and Cyclescheme loan scheme, and free meals are provided at lunchtime when the College kitchens are open. The College also offers an Employee Assistance Programme to assist the health and wellbeing of its employees.