Job summary
We’re seeking an experienced Head of Cyber Security to lead and shape our cyber security strategy.You’ll provide senior technical leadership, protecting critical systems and information assets.Working closely with executive leaders, you’ll manage risk, compliance, and incident response.You’ll lead and develop a specialist cyber security team and oversee SOC operations.This role is key to enabling secure digital transformation across the organisation.
Main duties of the job
Head of Cyber Security
About you:
- Proven senior cyber security leadership experience
- Strong knowledge of NHS / regulated environments
- Expertise in ISO27001, GDPR, and cyber incident management
- Confident communicator with inclusive, values-based leadership
About us
North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust provides 24 hour, 365 days a year accident and emergency services to those in need of emergency medical treatment and transport.
Our highly skilled staff provide life-saving care to patients in the community and take people to hospital or a place of care if needed.We also provide non-emergency patient transport services for those patients who require non-emergency transport to and from hospital and who are unable to travel unaided because of their medical condition or clinical need.
Alongside the other emergency services, we also work to ensure the safety of the public and treatment of patients in the event of a major incident.
We also deliver the NHS 111 service in the North West. NHS 111 replaced NHS Direct in 2013. This service was introduced to make it easier for people to access local NHS healthcare services in England. It provides non-emergency medical help fast, and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please check the attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details about this role and its responsibilities.
Person Specification
Skills / Competencies
Essential
- Proven ability to define and deliver enterprise-wide cyber security strategies
- Deep knowledge of security architectures, network security, cloud security, and identity management.
- Proven experience implementing ISO27001, GDPR, NHS digital standards, and national cyber frameworks.
- Expertise in managing major incidents, forensic investigations, and threat intelligence.
- Strong understanding of ITIL v4 principles and ability to integrate security into service delivery.
- Skilled in presenting complex security strategies to senior leadership and external stakeholders.
- Experience with security automation, SIEM platforms, and SOC operations.
- Knowledge of enterprise architecture frameworks (TOGAF).
- Familiarity with NHS Data Security and Protection Toolkit and Cyber Essentials Plus.
- Demonstrable compassionate and inclusive leadership.
- Experience in the application of HR processes.
- Demonstrable experience of line management responsibilities.
Qualification and Knowledge
Essential
- Degree in Cyber Security, Information Security, or related discipline.
- CISSP or CISM certification.
- Evidence of continued professional and personal development.
Experience
Essential
- Extensive experience in senior cyber security roles within complex, regulated environments (NHS or similar).
- Track record of delivering strategic security initiatives and operational excellence.
- Proven ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams and external partnership.
- Experience in developing and influencing complex stakeholder relationships to shape digital strategy, support informed decision-making, and manage expectations effectively.
- Experience in working across organisational boundaries, sharing best practice and contributing to system-wide planning and improvement
- Demonstrated success in delivering strategic technology initiatives and operational excellence at organisational scale.
- Experience in leading and developing high-performing teams and setting standards for delivery.
- Experience in setting and delivering strategic objectives
- Experience managing budgets and supplier contracts for large-scale technology services.
Values and Behaviours
Essential
- Working together – demonstrate collaborative and inclusive working and challenge behaviour that is not inclusive or acceptable.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
