Interim Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) | £550–£700 per day (Outside IR35) | 3 - 6 months initial contract | Remote
Overview:
A large, complex multi-brand services group is seeking an experienced Interim CISO to lead and mature cyber security strategy across a highly diverse portfolio of 34+ trading brands and c.1,800 employees. This is a strategic leadership assignment suited to an interim leader with a strong consulting or multi-entity governance background, capable of operating across a portfolio ranging from highly regulated professional services environments (including legal services) through to operational and field-based businesses such as facilities, property, and environmental services.
The successful contractor will design a group-wide cyber governance and risk framework that provides consistency, board-level assurance, and scalable security standards, while allowing each trading entity to adopt controls proportionate to its risk profile, regulatory exposure, and commercial model.
Responsibilities:
* Conduct a rapid group-wide cyber maturity, audit, and risk assessment
* Review and enhance executive cyber risk reporting for Board and Audit & Risk Committee audiences
* Develop a group cyber security strategy and transformation roadmap
* Design a scalable control framework / security blueprint adaptable across multiple trading brands
* Build a risk-based model suitable for varied business types, from regulated professional services through to operational SMEs
* Strengthen governance across ISO 27001, NIST CSF, Cyber Essentials Plus, GDPR and NIS-aligned controls
* Provide board-level advisory support on cyber risk, regulatory exposure, and investment priorities
* Assess third-party, supplier, and cross-group access risks across shared services
* Define a target operating model for cyber security ownership, assurance, and oversight
* Partner with IT and cyber operations teams to improve incident readiness, resilience, and escalation governance
* Establish a pragmatic security-by-design approach for future acquisitions, integrations, and new business onboarding
Essential Experience:
* Previous Interim CISO / Fractional CISO / Head of Security engagements
* Experience leading cyber strategy across multi-brand, group, or federated business structures
* Strong background in risk, audit, governance, and executive advisory
* Proven success building cyber roadmaps and operating models
* Consulting, professional services, or transformation-led background highly desirable
* Experience operating across multiple business risk profiles and regulatory environments
* Excellent board presence with the ability to influence CFO, CIO, CEO and Audit stakeholders
* Deep understanding of ISO 27001, NIST CSF, Cyber Essentials, GDPR, third-party risk and resilience
Rates / Duration:
* £550 - £700 Per Day
* 6 Month Contract duration
Interim Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) | £550 – £700 per day (Outside IR35) | 3 - 6 months initial contract | Remote