Head of Cyber Security

Job description

This role is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced cyber security leader who is looking to make a significant impact, but it's equally suited to someone who has been operating just below Head of level and is ready to take the next step in their career. Whether you're already leading a cyber security function or you're an ambitious senior cyber security professional looking for your first leadership role at this level, we'd love to hear from you.

Reporting to the Director of Technology, you'll lead our Cyber Security team and play a pivotal role in protecting Southern Housing's information, systems and services. You'll shape and deliver our cyber security strategy while ensuring effective day-to-day security operations, helping colleagues across the organisation manage risk confidently and deliver services securely.

This is a highly visible leadership role that offers the opportunity to influence strategic decisions, engage with senior stakeholders and drive continuous improvement across a large and complex organisation. You'll work closely with senior leaders, technology teams, business continuity, procurement, commercial and operational colleagues, providing assurance on our security posture, compliance landscape and key risks to the Executive Team, Audit & Risk Committee and Board.

We're looking for someone who combines strong cyber security knowledge with sound judgement, curiosity and a collaborative approach. You may already be leading a security function, or you may be ready to move into your first Head of Cyber Security role. What matters most is your ability to think strategically, influence stakeholders, build credibility and help embed security as a business enabler rather than a barrier.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• • Leading and developing the Cyber Security team, ensuring the effective delivery of security services across the organisation.
  • Shaping and delivering Southern Housing's cyber security strategy, operating model, policies, standards and security architecture.
  • Overseeing the prevention, investigation and remediation of cyber security incidents whilst strengthening organisational resilience and recovery capability.
  • Embedding proportionate security-by-design principles into technology change, transformation programmes, projects and procurement activities.
  • Providing meaningful cyber security reporting and assurance to senior leaders, committees and the Board on controls, risks, compliance and improvement priorities.
  • Driving continuous improvement across our security framework, helping us simplify processes, improve awareness and strengthen our Information Security Management System.
  • Supporting our ongoing journey towards ISO 27001 alignment while maintaining compliance with relevant legislation and Cyber Essentials Plus requirements.

This role can be based from our Farringdon or Sittingbourne office , with hybrid working available. There may be occasional requirements for evening or weekend working to support incident response, resilience exercises or planned activities.

Who we're looking for

We recognise that great candidates don't always tick every box. You may already hold a Head of Cyber Security position, or you may be a Cyber Security Manager, Information Security Manager, Security Architect or senior security professional looking for your next career move.

If you have a strong foundation in cyber security leadership and can demonstrate the potential to operate at this level, we'd encourage you to apply.

You'll bring:

• Significant experience within cyber security, information security or technology risk, with exposure to developing security strategies, leading major initiatives and supporting audits, governance and compliance activities.
• Experience leading teams, projects or organisational change initiatives, with the ability to inspire others, build capability and influence stakeholders at all levels. Existing Head of function experience is welcome but not essential.
• A strong understanding of cyber security governance, risk management, security controls and industry frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIST, ITIL or COBIT. You'll have broad technical awareness across cloud and on-premise environments, identity and access management, networks and security tooling.
• The ability to translate complex cyber security concepts into clear, practical advice for both technical and non-technical audiences, including senior leaders and Board members.
• An appreciation of balancing risk, investment and operational priorities, helping the organisation make informed decisions that support business outcomes while maintaining appropriate security standards.
• A pragmatic and solutions-focused approach, with the ability to assess risk, prioritise effectively and remain calm under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

About the Team

You'll join our Technology directorate and lead a dedicated Cyber Security team responsible for protecting Southern Housing's information, systems and services. You'll manage a team of three direct reports and work closely with colleagues across technology, business continuity, procurement, vendor management and enterprise risk.

Together, you'll help strengthen cyber resilience, embed a culture of shared responsibility for security and ensure Southern Housing continues to deliver safe, secure and reliable services to our customers.

Whether you're an established cyber security leader looking for your next challenge or a talented security professional ready to step into a senior leadership role, this is an opportunity to make a real difference while developing your career in a supportive and purpose-driven organisation.

About Us

At Southern Housing, our residents are at the heart of everything we do. As one of the largest housing providers in the UK with over 77,000 homes across London, the Southeast, the Isle of Wight, and the Midlands, we give over 167,000 people somewhere affordable to call their own! We also understand the difference that safe, secure, and affordable homes can make to people's lives.

A career at Southern Housing will allow you to make a difference every day you come to work. Working in the housing sector with us will bring fresh challenges and give you the opportunity to grow and develop, too.

Internal mobility

In line with our Recruitment Policy, colleagues are able to apply for internal roles once they've passed their probation. Interviews will only be arranged once this has been confirmed.

Colleagues who have recently started a new internal role won't be able to apply for another internal move for at least 12 months. Please refer to the Recruitment Policy for more detail.