Head of Cyber Security (FCA Experience essential)
Join PEXA UK, a leading digital platform for property settlement. We are expanding our team in the UK and are looking for a senior leader to protect our digital backbone. As Head of Cyber Security you will work closely with the UK CTO, Group CISO, and the leadership team to define and implement the security strategy across our three UK brands: PEXA UK, Smoove, and Optima Legal.
Key Responsibilities
* Define and deliver the UK cyber security strategy and roadmap aligned with business and group objectives.
* Act as the senior security authority for PEXA UK, Smoove and Optima Legal.
* Partner with the Group CISO, UK CTO and Risk functions to align frameworks and initiatives.
* Lead and mentor a multi‑disciplinary team across SOC, engineering and information security.
* Represent UK security priorities in leadership forums, lender assurance discussions and governance reviews.
* Oversee SOC operations ensuring timely threat detection, response and resolution.
* Continuously improve detection and response capabilities using Cortex XDR, Abnormal Security, Splunk, and Nucleus.
* Manage vulnerability management end‑to‑end, from scanning and prioritisation to remediation tracking.
* Coordinate with third‑party partners such as Blazeguard and CCX to ensure effective service delivery.
* Oversee secure configuration, endpoint management and patch compliance across hybrid environments including Azure and AWS.
* Own the UK information security framework and assurance programs including ISO 27001, FCA standards, SOC audits and lender assurances.
* Maintain and evolve security policies, standards and control frameworks.
* Lead audit preparation, evidence collection and control testing for certifications and partner reviews.
* Build strong partnerships across engineering, IT, legal, HR and operations to embed security in everyday practices.
* Provide input on vendor assessments and third‑party risk management.
* Promote a culture of security awareness through training, phishing simulations and education programmes.
* Report on cyber risk, maturity and incidents to senior leadership with transparency and continuous improvement.
Key Skills
* Proven experience leading cyber security operations in a regulated or financial services environment (FCA exposure preferred).
* Strong understanding of security governance, assurance frameworks and audit processes (ISO 27001, NIST, GDPR, Cyber Essentials Plus).
* Experience with modern security tooling such as Cortex XDR / Palo Alto Networks, Splunk (SIEM and dashboarding), Abnormal Security (email security), Prisma Cloud, Airlock, Nucleus.
* Deep knowledge of incident response, threat hunting and vulnerability management.
* Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills – able to explain complex risks in simple terms.
* Experience building and mentoring high‑performing teams across technical and governance functions.
* Confidence working in partnership with global teams and external partners to deliver consistent, secure outcomes.
Competitive base pay range will be commensurate with experience.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. PEXA is an equal‑opportunity employer and commits to non‑discrimination and diversity.
We are compliant with UK GDPR. For more information see our privacy notice: https://pexa.co.uk/applicant-policy/
Apply today and help shape the future of secure property transactions.
#J-18808-Ljbffr