Head of Cyber Operations (Defence)

The Cabinet Office supports the Prime Minister and ensures the effective running of government. It is also the corporate headquarters for government, in partnership with HM Treasury, and takes the lead in certain critical policy areas.

We are the Cabinet Offices cyber security team, and our mission is to secure their department against cyberthreats. We protect our nationwide internal IT infrastructure, and high-profile citizen-facing digital services such as GOV.UK

Please note that this role requires SC clearance, which would normally need 5 years UK residency in the past 5 years. This is not an absolute requirement, but supplementary checks may be needed where individuals have not lived in the UK for that period. This may mean your security clearance (and therefore your appointment) will take longer or, in some cases, not be possible.

As the Head of Cyber Operations Defence, you will:

• Lead the Cabinet Offices cyber security operations function, by providing strategic direction and coordinating day-to-day delivery of threat intelligence, threat detection and incident response.
• Be responsible for leadership and line management of senior and lead analysts.
• Work closely with the Deputy Director of Cyber and information Security (CISO) to design, and drive implementation and delivery of, the departments cyber security strategy and roadmap
• Deputise for the Deputy Director of Cyber and Information Security (CISO) as required, including attending the Digital Senior Leadership Team, Technical Design Authority, and programme boards
• Oversee and support the technical response to major cyber security incidents and critical vulnerabilities impacting the Cabinet Office
• Identify and deliver opportunities for continual improvement of the security operations function and identify areas for maturity building in line with best practice in government sector
• Brief senior stakeholders on cyber security threats, vulnerabilities, incidents, and mitigations
• Work closely alongside other cyber and information security functions, supporting the continual improvement of wider capabilities
• Work with stakeholders from across the Cabinet Office to ensure an end-to-end approach to cyber security, and ensure that cyber security is embedded in other central and local functions
• Work with Government Security Group, the National Technical Authorities (e.g., NCSC) and law enforcement to ensure knowledge sharing and collaboration
• Contribute to the overall development of the Cabinet Office Digital and the Government Security profession
• Budget & Resource Management: You will take full ownership of the team's budget, ensuring resources are strategically allocated to drive high-impact outcomes.

Who you are

Were interested in people who have:

• Experience leading an operational cyber security function, or the delivery of cyber security capabilities in an organisation
• A comprehensive and in-depth understanding of cyber threats, vulnerabilities and mitigations, including a technical background and awareness of modern threat landscape, including emerging threats
• High levels of personal resilience, remaining calm under pressure with the ability to think and act strategically, developing practical, creative and innovative solutions, business models and approaches, and implementing these
• Experience building, developing, and managing diverse and high-performing teams
• Experience leading operational and strategic planning
• Experience building and implementing strong operational processes
• Familiarity with setting, monitoring and reporting measurable performance objectives
• A risk-based approach to decision making
• Excellent communication skills, and a track record of delivering clear and concise written and verbal communications to senior stakeholders on complex issues
• An ability to form strong working relationships, influence others, and coordinate activities across multiple teams
• A problem-solving mindset, and an ability to analyse complex issues and identify simple and deliverable solutions which balance quality and long-term sustainability with need for rapid delivery

Its desirable that you have:

• Professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or equivalent.
• An understanding of new and emerging digital technologies and the opportunities they provide to improve the delivery of public services in the UK and their security implications
• Ability to share expertise and promote diversity while navigating a complex organisation

Additional information:

Cabinet Office policy is that a minimum 60% of your working time should be spent at your principal workplace. For some roles, due to their nature and the business need, this may be up to 100%. Requirements to attend other locations for official business will also count towards this level of attendance.

This role is available in London, Bristol, Glasgow and York. Existing CO staff who wish to apply can retain their current location if successful.