Security Risk and Controls Lead

AB AGRI LTD; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural technology firm is seeking a Security Risk and Controls Lead in Peterborough. This role involves assessing and enhancing security controls aligned with NIST 800–53 and ISO 27001. Responsibilities include identifying control gaps, leading risk assessments, and providing guidance to the GRC team. The ideal candidate has expert knowledge in risk frameworks and strong stakeholder engagement skills. The position offers a hybrid work model with excellent benefits, including a pension match and discounts on products.

Benefits

Pension contribution match up to 10%

Up to 10% bonus

Discounts on ABF products

Free lunch option

Employee Assistance Programme access

Qualifications

• Proven experience in security controls and risk management frameworks.
• Expert knowledge of NIST 800‑53 and ISO 27001.
• Strong experience in leading compliance programs.

Responsibilities

• Assess existing security controls and identify gaps.
• Design and develop an enhanced security controls framework.
• Lead risk assessments and strengthen the enterprise risk register.
• Drive the closure of identified risk and control gaps.

Skills

Security controls design

Risk management frameworks

NIST 800-53 knowledge

ISO 27001 knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Job description

Are you a senior security risk professional with deep expertise in controls, risk frameworks and compliance reporting? Do you enjoy translating complex standards into practical, effective controls that strengthen security posture and support strategic decision‑making? ABF's Business Technology Services (BTS) Cyber Security function is looking for a Security Risk and Controls Lead to play a pivotal role in driving the development and implementation of security controls and enhancing enterprise risk management. Reporting to the GRC Manager, you'll lead on controls maturity, risk framework development and reporting, while providing hands‑on support and guidance to the wider GRC team during a critical phase of cyber transformation.

Responsibilities

• Assessing existing BTS security controls and identifying gaps against NIST 800‑53 and ISO 27001 requirements.
• Designing, developing and embedding an enhanced security controls framework aligned to industry‑recognised standards.
• Leading risk assessments and strengthening the enterprise risk register to ensure both operational and strategic risks are accurately captured.
• Actively driving the closure of identified risk and control gaps, supporting remediation activities across BTS.
• Establishing and maintaining robust risk and controls reporting, including dashboards, scorecards and defined KPIs.
• Defining, tracking and reporting key metrics such as control effectiveness, risk coverage, gap closure rate and audit readiness.
• Maintaining audit‑ready documentation and evidence to support internal and external audits and certifications.
• Providing hands‑on support, coaching and guidance to GRC colleagues, ensuring consistency and maturity across risk‑related activities.
• Delivering high‑quality stakeholder engagement and influencing senior leadership across cross‑functional teams.

Qualifications

• Proven experience designing, implementing and embedding security controls and risk management frameworks within complex IT or cyber security environments.
• Expert‑level knowledge of NIST 800‑53 and ISO 27001, including control families, implementation and assurance activities.
• Strong experience leading risk management, control assurance and compliance programmes at enterprise level.
• Demonstrable ability to translate regulatory and framework requirements into practical, actionable controls.
• Experience building and maintaining enterprise risk registers, risk radars, dashboards and KPI‑driven reporting.
• Solid understanding of IT and security environments (infrastructure, applications and cloud) to effectively assess and design controls.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the confidence to influence senior leadership and cross‑functional teams.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving and communication skills, with high attention to detail.

Location and Hybrid

Hybrid, a mix of office and homeworking. This role will be based at our Peterborough offices on the Lynchwood Business Park. The office has recently been renovated and along with a modern work environment has great public transport links, free onsite parking, free drink facilities, free lunch option each day and a great team culture.

Benefits

• AB Foods BTS match up to 10% pension (contributory)
• Up to 10% Bonus
• Opportunity to buy up to days holiday per calendar year
• Discounts on ABF products such as Twinings, Silverspoon, Pataks and Ryvita
• 24/7 free and confidential access to an Employee Assistance Programme to support you as and when necessary
• Free lunch option available every day
• Access to a staff shop with discounted ABF brand products