Head Of Cyber Operations Defence

Job summary

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 Office’s cyber security team, and our mission is to secure the department against cyber threats. We protect our nationwide internal IT infrastructure, and high-profile citizen-facing digital services such as GOV.UK.

Job description

As the Head of Cyber Operations Defence, you will

• work closely with the Deputy Director of Cyber and information Security (CISO) to design, and drive implementation and delivery of, the department’s 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
• lead the Cabinet Office’s cyber security operations function, by providing strategic direction and coordinating day-to-day delivery of threat intelligence, threat detection, incident response, vulnerability management and ethical hacking capabilities
• Oversea 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

• be responsible for leadership and line management of senior and lead analysts.

Person specification

We’re interested in people who have

• 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 leading an operational cyber security function, or the delivery of cyber security capabilities in an organisation
• 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 comprehensive and in-depth understanding of cyber threats, vulnerabilities and mitigations, including a technical background and awareness of modern threat landscape, including emerging threats
• 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

It’s 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.