Overview
In this role you will lead Gateshead Council’s cyber security function, shaping strategy and driving resilient, secure digital services. You’ll manage a team, set standards, and implement innovative security solutions to protect council assets and data. You’ll translate complex security concepts for senior leaders and partners, balancing risk, compliance and transformation. This is a strategic leadership position that impacts services for residents and the wider community. You will work in a hybrid, collaborative environment that values professional excellence and continuous improvement.
Pay / Benefits
- Hybrid & Flexible Working
- Generous Annual Leave
- Flexible Working Hours
- Learning & Development opportunities
- Health & Wellbeing Support
- Cycle to Work Scheme
Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the Cyber Security Team to keep systems secure and resilient against threats
- Shape and deliver cyber security strategy, policies, standards and frameworks across the organisation
- Oversee GRC (governance, risk, compliance and assurance) to ensure effective risk management and assurance activities
- Design and implement security controls and solutions enabling innovation and digital transformation
- Identify and manage cyber security risks with appropriate mitigation and maintain organisational resilience
- Develop cyber security assurance frameworks and reporting for senior leaders
- Lead cyber security projects and new technology implementations from business case to delivery
- Ensure compliance with legislation, standards and regulatory requirements; support audits and inspections
- Manage the team’s work programme, resources, and performance for continuous improvement
- Provide expert advice to senior leaders and stakeholders, translating technical concepts into practical business outcomes
- Manage supplier relationships and contract performance to secure value for money
- Promote security awareness and a security-first culture across the Council
- Lead cyber resilience, business continuity and recovery planning
- Keep pace with emerging technologies and threats to strengthen security
- Produce reports and recommendations to support decision-making on security posture
Key requirements
- Degree in a relevant subject or significant equivalent senior cyber security experience
- CISSP or similar industry-recognised qualification
- Extensive experience leading cyber security services in a large organisation
- Proven ability to develop and implement security strategies, policies and frameworks
- Strong technical knowledge of network security, IDS/IPS, endpoint protection and security management
- Significant experience in cyber risk management, business continuity and disaster recovery
- Experience delivering complex cyber security projects and procurements, including managing suppliers
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills to translate complex concepts for diverse audiences
- Strong communication and stakeholder management
- Strategic thinking and political acumen
- Leadership and team development
- Network security
- Intrusion detection and prevention
- Endpoint protection
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