Principal Cyber Security Specialist

Cornwall Council; Truro; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the UK seeks a Principal Cyber Security Specialist to lead cyber security efforts and innovate within the organisation. You will develop strategic roadmaps, manage supplier relationships, and ensure compliance with security standards. This role requires expertise in service support and a strong understanding of information security management. The position offers career progression opportunities and a range of benefits, including a competitive salary and a defined benefit pension scheme.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Defined benefit pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Employee health and wellbeing programme

Employee benefits scheme

Qualifications

• Expertise in service support and adeptness in incident management.
• Ability to explain cyber security concepts to senior directors.
• Experience in security architecture and technical specialism.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic and tactical cyber security roadmaps.
• Lead specialist teams in cyber security solution management.
• Manage operational relationships with suppliers and support cyber security infrastructure.

Skills

Strategic mindset for business analysis

Change management skills

Proficiency in security testing

Troubleshooting

Information security management

Job description

The Principal Cyber Security Specialist will be working within the Innovation and Digital Service at Cornwall Council specifically in the Information Services team. This team is responsible for developing monitoring, operating and supporting cyber security solutions to protect the organisation's digital assets and systems. The Principal Cyber Security Specialist role is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned expert in cyber security to lead and innovate within a dynamic organisation. As a senior technical leader you will develop strategic and tactical cyber security roadmaps ensuring the organisation's digital assets are protected against potential threats. You will lead specialist teams in building, managing and supporting cutting-edge cyber security solutions while also collaborating with technical architects to integrate core security principles into architectural designs.

In this role you will manage operational relationships with suppliers, contribute to customer requirements discovery and support the ongoing development of cyber security infrastructure products and services. You will also provide specialist technical support for incidents, problems and changes ensuring compliance with industry best practices and organisational standards.

With financial accountability for complex infrastructure products and the responsibility of managing multidisciplinary teams you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of cyber security within the organisation. This position offers the opportunity to work with the latest technologies, drive continual service improvement and mentor and develop team members to achieve exceptional business outcomes.

Working Pattern

Cornwall Council is dedicated to fostering a flexible and family‑friendly working environment that prioritises work‑life balance and focuses on delivering results. Employees have the right to request flexible working from day one with options such as term‑time working, part‑time working and hybrid working which allows staff to split their time between the office and remote work. This approach ensures that the needs of both the individual and the service are met promoting a supportive and inclusive culture.

As a team we pride ourselves on ensuring we are available to support each‑other given the unpredictable nature of cyber events against our network.

What you'll need to succeed

To excel as a Principal Cyber Security Specialist you need a strategic mindset for business analysis, expertise in service support and adeptness in change and incident management. The individual must be empathetic and capable of clearly explaining cyber security concepts to senior directors across various business functions, being adaptable to challenging problems. Ownership and initiative are crucial along with skills in information security management, security architecture and technical specialism. Proficiency in security testing and user‑focused design are essential. Troubleshooting, problem resolution and high personal integrity are key, as is the ability to review the designs of complex systems. These skills ensure effective leadership in cyber security safeguarding digital assets and delivering secure business outcomes.

What you'll get in return

Cornwall Council is committed to providing a reward and benefits package to attract, motivate and reward its employees. We offer a range of flexible working options to our staff and a high‑performing, learning organisation environment. As a Principal Cyber Security Specialist you have exciting career progression opportunities, with potential advancement to Cyber Security Manager or senior leadership positions where you influence the overall business strategy.

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary
• Defined benefit pension scheme based on career average earnings, with option for extra voluntary contributions
• Generous annual leave entitlement with the possibility to purchase additional leave
• National award‑winning employee health and wellbeing programme
• Employee benefits scheme offering discounts on local and national goods and services

Core Competencies

• CCTV
• Low Voltage
• Network Management
• IDS
• Computer Networking
• Field Service
• ICD Coding
• Military Experience
• Security
• Security System Experience
• Information Security
• Troubleshooting

Employment Type

Full‑Time