Job Description
We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Cyber Security Manager to lead and evolve our global information security strategy. This leadership role blends strategic oversight with hands-on expertise, ensuring robust protection of digital assets while enabling innovation and operational excellence. The successful candidate will act as the primary security advisor to executive leadership and the Board, while also driving cross-functional collaboration with Risk & Compliance, the DPO, Legal, and other key stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Governance
* Define, implement, and continuously improve a comprehensive, risk-based cybersecurity strategy aligned to business objectives.
* Develop and enforce enterprise-wide security policies, standards, and frameworks (aligned with ISO, NIST, DORA, and other relevant standards).
* Act as a trusted advisor to the Board and executive team, providing regular reports on posture, metrics, and risk exposure.
Operational Security Management
* Oversee security operations including incident response, vulnerability management, threat intelligence, and SOC functions.
* Lead purple team and red/blue team exercises to continuously assess and strengthen the organisation’s cyber resilience.
* Partner with MSSPs and third-party vendors to ensure effective service delivery, incident response readiness, and threat monitoring.
AI & Emerging Technology Risk
* Develop and enforce AI security governance frameworks covering the safe adoption, usage, and monitoring of AI tools and LLMs.
* Collaborate with engineering and data science teams to secure AI development pipelines, training data, and model integrity.
* Stay ahead of threats related to AI misuse (e.g., deepfakes, synthetic media) and help build employee awareness and response capability.
Team Leadership & Culture
* Build, lead, and develop a high-performing global security team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and excellence.
* Drive security awareness initiatives across the organisation, tailored to diverse roles and geographies.
* Champion secure-by-design principles and influence secure software development practices across teams.
Risk & Compliance Collaboration
* Work closely with Risk & Compliance, Legal, the DPO, and Audit functions to ensure adherence to global regulatory requirements including GDPR, DORA, NIS2, and more.
* Assist Governance teams in gathering and providing evidence for internal and external audits, client questionnaires and board level reporting.
* Define and track key security KPIs, KRIs, and performance metrics to inform risk management and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
* Proven track record in cyber and information security leadership roles across complex, multi-regional environments.
* Deep expertise in incident response, threat intelligence, and operational security best practices.
* Experience in security oversight of AI initiatives and tools (e.g., Copilot, ChatGPT, generative AI).
* Strong working knowledge of MSSP governance and third-party risk management.
* Familiarity with Microsoft security ecosystem (e.g., Microsoft Defender XDR, Sentinel, Purview, Azure Security Center).
* Knowledge of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is advantageous but not required.
* Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to influence and present to executive and board-level stakeholders.
* Experience with security frameworks desirable, such as ISO 27001, NIST, CIS, Cyber Essentials.
* Familiarity with UK public sector security requirements.
* Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CISA, GIAC, or equivalent.
* Demonstrated ability to lead diverse, cross-functional teams across global time zones.
Laura Cowan
laura.cowan@version1.com
#LI-LC1
Additional Information
Why Version 1?
At Version 1, we believe in providing our employees with a comprehensive benefits package that prioritises their wellbeing, professional growth, and financial stability.
* Share in our success with our Quarterly Performance-Related Profit Share Scheme, where employees collectively benefit from a share of our company's profits.
* Strong Career Progression & mentorship coaching through our Strength in Balance & Leadership schemes with a dedicated quarterly Pathways Career Development programme.
* Flexible/remote working, Version 1 is tremendously understanding of life events and people’s individual circumstances and offer flexibility to help achieve a healthy work life balance.
* Financial Wellbeing initiatives including; Pension, Private Healthcare Cover, Life Assurance, Financial advice and an Employee Discount scheme.
* Employee Wellbeing schemes including Gym Discounts, Bike to Work, Fitness classes, Mindfulness Workshops, Employee Assistance Programme and much more. Generous holiday allowance, enhanced maternity/paternity leave, marriage/civil partnership leave and special leave policies.
* Educational assistance, incentivised certifications, and accreditations, including AWS, Microsoft, Oracle, and Red Hat.
* Reward schemes including Version 1’s Annual Excellence Awards & ‘Call-Out’ platform.
* Environment, Social and Community First initiatives allow you to get involved in local fundraising and development opportunities as part of fostering our diversity, inclusion and belonging schemes.
And many more exciting benefits… drop us a note to find out more.