Here's what you need to know about Kinetic
At Kinetic, we're redefining operational excellence in higher education, conferencing, and events. As the leading provider of software solutions for student accommodation, event management, catering, and residential services, we help institutions streamline operations, elevate customer experiences, and unlock their full potential.
With over 25 years of experience and trusted by more than 350 institutions worldwide, our software empowers universities and venues to run smarter, faster, and more collaboratively. From bustling campuses to dynamic corporate environments, our technology adapts to the rhythm of each organisation — helping them thrive in a fast-changing world.
But we're more than just software. We're a team of passionate problem-solvers, innovators, and collaborators who care deeply about our customers and each other. Our culture is built on empowerment, community, and continuous growth. We believe in giving people the tools, support, and freedom to do their best work — and have fun while doing it.
Joining Kinetic means being part of a purpose-driven business where your ideas matter, your development is supported, and your impact is real. If you're ready to help shape the future of operational technology in education and events, we'd love to meet you.
What will I be bringing to life in this role?
We're seeking an experienced Information Security Officer to lead security strategy, operations, and compliance. This is a hands-on role combining strategic security architecture with operational security management and regulatory compliance oversight. The successful candidate will define security standards across our product portfolio, manage security environments, and serve as our central point for ISO27001, PCI/DSS, and GDPR compliance while supporting commercial teams with tender responses and client security assurance.
Core Responsibilities
Strategic (30%)
* Define technical security architecture and standards across multi-cloud SaaS platforms
* Embed security into product development lifecycle and roadmap planning
* Conduct threat modeling and risk assessments for new features and system changes
* Evaluate and recommend security technologies and tools
Operational (40%)
* Manage security environments across Azure and AWS infrastructure
* Coordinate security incident response and vulnerability remediation
* Oversee security monitoring, alerting, and detection capabilities
* Manage vulnerability assessment and penetration testing programs
* Maintain identity and access management controls
Compliance & Assurance (30%)
* Maintain ISO27001 certification and manage audit cycles
* Ensure PCI/DSS compliance for payment processing systems
* Manage GDPR compliance across all products and operations
* Complete HECVAT and security questionnaires for higher education tenders
* Support sales and customer success with security documentation and evidence
* Act as primary security contact for customers and prospects
What will I need to hit the ground running?
Essential Requirements
* Substantial information security experience in SaaS/cloud software environment (ISV or B2B software preferred)
* Proven track record managing ISO27001 certification and compliance
* Practical GDPR implementation experience in software products
* PCI/DSS compliance experience with payment processing systems
* Strong understanding of cloud security (Azure and/or AWS)
* Application security and secure development lifecycle knowledge
* Security incident management and cross-functional response coordination
* Excellent communication skills - able to translate technical security for commercial and executive audiences
* Experience supporting tender responses and client security assurance
Preferred/Nice-to-Have
* Professional certifications: CISSP, CISM, CISA, or equivalent
* Higher education sector experience
* Multi-tenant SaaS architecture security experience
* DevSecOps and CI/CD security integration knowledge
* Security frameworks: NIST, CIS Controls, OWASP
* Multi-jurisdictional data protection knowledge
* Enterprise sales cycle support experience
Key Attributes
* Strategic thinker who can balance security with business needs
* Pragmatic approach to security implementation
* Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
* Collaborative and able to influence across teams
* Proactive in identifying risks and improvement opportunities
* Comfortable in fast-paced, dynamic environment
What extras will make me thrive?
At Kinetic, we believe work should come with rewards that make a real difference. Here's just a taste of what you can expect when you join us:
* 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays) - with extra days the longer you're with us
* Two paid wellbeing days each year, with a budget to enjoy some time out with someone important to you
* Enhanced pension contributions to support your future
* Two paid days a year to give back through volunteering, charity work, or sustainability projects with our Green Team
* Salary sacrifice schemes for electric vehicles and cycle-to-work
* 24/7 access to our Employee Assistance Programme for confidential advice and support
* A full annual health check to keep you at your best
* A flexible benefits platform - from life assurance and learning opportunities to retail discounts and cinema tickets
* A genuine people-first culture where your growth and wellbeing come first
* Performance-related bonus scheme to reward your contribution
* Regular socials - from team get-togethers to all-company celebrations, with each department owning a budget for their events
* The opportunity to attend group conferences, away days and learning forums both in the UK and abroad - network with other talent
We've created a welcoming office environment, with well-stocked kitchens offering free breakfast, fresh fruit, hot and cold drinks, and a range of tuck shop goodies to keep you fuelled throughout the day.
Kinetic is an equal opportunity employer, fostering diversity and committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
About Kinetic
Kinetic was founded in 1998 with one aim: to develop the most innovative software to help university accommodation and conferencing teams deliver the best student and customer experiences possible.
Fast forward 25 years, and we are now the technology partner of choice to the worlds' leading universities and colleges. We are ranked #1 on the APUC framework, ITS1051 AP, for student accommodation management, conferencing and events management, hotel management and multifunctional management systems.
We supply mission-critical software for over 350 customers, from Stanford University to Monash in Australia... Not to mention over 80% of universities in the UK.
Since 2015, Kinetic has been part of the Volaris Group. Volaris help strengthen and grow vertical market software companies so, like Kinetic, they become leaders in their industry.