Principal Cyber Security & Infrastructure Specialist
| Posting date: | 13 August 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £51,473 to £57,575 per year |
| Additional salary information: | Competitive |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 27 August 2025 |
| Location: | Birmingham, B19 3SD |
| Company: | West Midlands Combined Authority |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | WMCA/TP/154/637 |
Summary
Are you ready to lead the charge in securing the digital future of the West Midlands Combined Authority?
We’re looking for a Principal Cyber Security & Infrastructure Specialist to take ownership of our operational cyber security infrastructure and systems. This pivotal role will drive the transformation from legacy platforms to modern, secure solutions, ensuring compliance with best practices and alignment with our Digital and Data strategy. As the go-to expert across the organisation, you’ll provide critical support and guidance, enabling continuous improvement and resilience in our digital services.
Please note, this is a 6-month fixed-term contract.
What you will be doing.
- Manage and improve cyber-security systems across cloud and on-prem, addressing risks and performance.
- Support the cyber-security roadmap in line with strategic goals.
- Define and maintain security policies, procedures, and documentation.
- Provide senior-level IT support and incident response.
- Lead complex projects and deliver under pressure.
- Implement solutions based on business needs and industry standards.
- Work independently, making strategic technical decisions.
- Mentor junior staff and share knowledge to build team resilience.
- Drive automation and process improvements.
- Manage risks and ensure security enables business operations.
- Ensure robust backup and recovery for security systems.
- Scale cyber-security architecture across the organisation.
- Collaborate on compliance with internal and external stakeholders.
- Engage suppliers to deliver secure, compliant solutions.
- Adopt emerging cloud technologies for scalable infrastructure.
- Participate in 24/7 support for critical systems.
- Oversee contractors and third-party delivery.
What’s essential.
- Degree in a cyber security-related field.
- Professional certification (e.g. CISSP, Azure Security Engineer, or equivalent).
- Skilled in risk/vulnerability assessments, compliance checks, and audits.
- Experienced in penetration testing and remediation.
- Knowledge of business continuity, disaster recovery, and incident response.
- Hands-on with hybrid cloud security tools (e.g. M365, IAM, threat protection).
- Able to assess and respond to evolving security threats.
- Experience migrating from on-prem to cloud solutions.
- Strong analytical skills for complex technical issues.
- Proven ability in designing cyber security systems and governance.
- Familiar with tools and frameworks (e.g. NCSC, NIST, MITRE, GDPR, PCI DSS).
- Deep understanding of security controls (e.g. firewalls, SIEM, SOC, DLP).
- Proficient in leading and coordinating incident response.
- Effective at managing multiple priorities under pressure.
- Excellent communicator, able to engage stakeholders at all levels.
- Skilled in tailoring technical information for varied audiences.
- Detail-oriented with a strong customer service focus.
- Strong documentation and governance writing skills.
- Works well independently and collaboratively.
- Builds strong relationships with end users.
- Knowledge of PaaS, SaaS, and IaaS technologies.
- Understanding of ITIL, GDPR, and security principles.
Location.
The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD with at least 2 days a week spent in the office. Please note, there may be a requirement to support the business outside of normal business hours/ on-call.
How to apply.
Applying for a role with WMCA is straight forward. Follow these steps to get started.
- Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password.
- Build your Profile.Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
- Write your Supporting Statement.Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
- Submit your application.Do one final check and once complete, click submit.
Anonymised Applications.
Your uploaded CV won’t be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. it’s your chance to showcase your skills and experience.
Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We cannot stop anyone from using AI help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.
Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQs section of our careers site.
Reasonable adjustments.
If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk).
Salary and benefits.
We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
- 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more)
- EV car benefit scheme
- Ethical saving options and healthcare plans.
- Discounted gym membership, will writingandmortgage advice.
- An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
- 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
- Interest free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
- Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more.
For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.
Why join WMCA?
WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.
We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.
Creating an inclusive workplace.
WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.
We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.
We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying
Right to Work in the UK
Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.
Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme