Head of Information Security
| Posting date: | 20 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £68,000.0 to £80,000.0 per year |
| Additional salary information: | Up to £80,000 plus bonus |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 13 March 2026 |
| Location: | Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 1AA |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 2 days per week |
| Company: | Hays Specialist Recruitment |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 4772889_1771588324 |
Summary
Head of Information Security
£68,000 - £80,000 plus discretionary bonus and excellent benefits
Bolton / Hybrid (3 days on-site)
We're supporting a large, complex organisation seeking a Head of Information Security to lead its global security function. This is a senior strategic role where you will shape the organisation's global information security vision, define enterprise-wide security strategy, and ensure resilience across all technology environments during a time of rapid change.
You'll oversee governance, architecture, operations, and incident response, while working closely with senior leadership to safeguard critical systems, data, and digital services. Acting as a trusted advisor, you'll translate complex cyber risks into clear business insight and drive a secure‑by‑design culture across the organisation.This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced information security leader to make a significant impact within a forward‑thinking and highly regulated environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Define, develop, and drive a global information security strategy aligned to organisational priorities and risk appetite.
- Lead multidisciplinary teams spanning governance, risk, compliance, architecture, operations, and incident response.
- Embed recognised frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIST CSF, NIS2, and DORA into policies, processes, and technology platforms.
- Oversee security operations, including monitoring, threat detection, incident response, and vulnerability management.
- Conduct and support risk assessments, ensuring robust controls are implemented and maintained.
- Partner with Technology, Risk, Compliance, Legal, and wider operational teams to identify, manage, and mitigate cyber risks.
- Ensure secure‑by‑design principles are incorporated into technology architecture, transformation programmes, and business change.
- Support business continuity and disaster recovery planning by integrating cybersecurity into resilience frameworks.
- Act as the organisation's senior representative on information security matters, advising board‑level stakeholders when required.
- Lead engagement with external partners, networks, auditors, and regulatory bodies.
What We're Looking For
- Proven senior security leadership experience in cybersecurity or information security within a complex, multi‑site, or multinational organisation.
- Extensive experience developing enterprise-wide security strategies aligned to frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIST CSF, CIS Controls, or DORA.
- Strong understanding of cloud and hybrid security environments, including Microsoft 365 and Azure.
- Strong operational expertise across EDR/XDR, SIEM (e.g., Microsoft Sentinel, Splunk), identity protection, and vulnerability management.
- Experience with security audits, compliance programmes, and regulated industry requirements.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, with confidence engaging senior executives and leadership teams.
- Strategic mindset with the ability to balance commercial priorities, operational demands, and cyber risk.
Benefits
- £68,000 - £80,000 per annum (depending on experience)
- Discretionary performance‑based bonus scheme, circa 10-15%
- Joint contributory pension scheme 8% - potential to be reviewed in coming months
- 33 days leave including bank holidays
- Buy and sell holiday scheme
- Hybrid working (3 days onsite)
- Career development opportunities with access to accredited training and qualifications
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