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Head of Cyber Security - Job Opportunity at Shaw Trust

Remote, GB
Contract
Executive
Posted: July 14, 2025
Remote
£84,000 per year

Benefits

25 days annual leave with incremental increases up to 28 days after 3 years, plus bank holidays and option to purchase additional holiday - providing above-average time off compared to standard UK offerings
2 days paid volunteering leave annually - demonstrating commitment to social responsibility and work-life balance
Enhanced pension scheme after 6 months - providing superior retirement benefits beyond basic workplace pensions
Life Assurance at 3 times annual salary - offering substantial financial protection for dependents
Comprehensive learning and development opportunities including paid apprenticeship and masters' qualifications - representing significant investment in career advancement
Access to diverse employee networks including LGBTQ+, Racial Equality, Disability Equality, Women's, Neurodiversity, and Young Professionals Networks - fostering inclusive workplace culture
Health and wellbeing initiatives including employee assistance programme and health cash plan - providing holistic support beyond basic healthcare
Menopause friendly accreditation with peer support groups - demonstrating progressive approach to workplace inclusion

Key Responsibilities

Lead enterprise-wide cyber security operations to protect critical infrastructure and data assets across a major social purpose organization, directly impacting service delivery to vulnerable populations
Establish and maintain compliance with Cyber Assessment Framework standards, ensuring organizational resilience against evolving cyber threats while meeting regulatory requirements
Orchestrate integrated security operations using Microsoft Defender, Sentinel, and Azure platforms to create a unified defense ecosystem that proactively identifies and mitigates risks
Direct strategic threat intelligence and incident response capabilities, positioning the organization to rapidly respond to security events and minimize business disruption
Manage and develop a team of Infrastructure Engineers while fostering cross-functional collaboration to embed security-first thinking throughout the organization
Optimize security tool effectiveness and SOC partner relationships to maximize return on cybersecurity investments while maintaining operational excellence
Drive vulnerability management and ethical hacking initiatives to proactively identify and address security gaps before they can be exploited
Influence technology directorate strategy and reporting to ensure cyber security considerations are integrated into all business decisions and digital transformation initiatives

Requirements

Education

Degree or equivalent level of experience in related subject

Experience

Extensive experience with Azure platform, MS Defender, Sentinel, and Cyber Assessment Framework

Required Skills

Extensive understanding of the Azure platform and its Azure data development, including but not limited to Azure storage, Azure SQL, Azure data Factory, Azure Function Apps, Azure Logic Apps, Azure Authentication Extensive understanding of MS Defender Extensive understanding of Sentinel Extensive understanding of the Cyber Assessment Framework Understanding of SQL or other coding principles / language for purposes of master data service integrations
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Cybersecurity leadership roles are experiencing unprecedented demand as organizations face increasingly sophisticated threat landscapes, with particular emphasis on cloud-native security platforms like Microsoft Azure and integrated security operations centers. The shift toward remote work has amplified the need for comprehensive security frameworks that can protect distributed workforces while maintaining operational efficiency. The Cyber Assessment Framework has become a critical compliance requirement across UK organizations, particularly in the public and third sectors, driving demand for leaders who can navigate both technical implementation and regulatory compliance. This represents a significant shift from traditional security approaches toward more structured, outcome-based security management. Social purpose organizations are increasingly recognizing cybersecurity as a business enabler rather than just a cost center, with boards demanding strategic security leadership that can balance protection with mission delivery. This has elevated the CISO role to become a key strategic position within organizational leadership structures.

Salary Evaluation

The £84,000 annual salary represents a competitive but conservative positioning for a Head of Cyber Security role in the current UK market. Given the extensive Azure expertise required and the strategic nature of the position, similar roles in commercial organizations typically command £90,000-£120,000. However, the social sector context and comprehensive benefits package help balance the total compensation offering.

Role Significance

The position involves leading a team of Infrastructure Engineers with potential for expansion based on organizational growth and security maturity development. The role also requires coordination with SOC partners and cross-functional stakeholders, effectively managing a larger extended security ecosystem.
This is a senior executive position reporting directly to the Director of Technology, positioning the role as a key member of the IT Leadership team with significant influence over organizational technology strategy. The role carries substantial responsibility for protecting critical infrastructure that directly impacts service delivery to vulnerable populations served by Shaw Trust.

Key Projects

Implementation and optimization of Microsoft Sentinel as the primary SIEM platform, requiring integration with existing Azure infrastructure and development of custom detection rules Development of comprehensive threat intelligence capabilities to proactively identify risks specific to the social services sector Establishment of mature incident response procedures that can handle security events while maintaining service continuity for vulnerable service users Creation of security awareness and training programs tailored to the unique operational environment of social purpose organizations

Success Factors

Deep technical expertise in Microsoft security technologies combined with the ability to translate complex security concepts into business language for senior leadership and board-level communications Strong regulatory compliance knowledge, particularly around the Cyber Assessment Framework, with the ability to balance security requirements with operational efficiency in a mission-critical environment Exceptional team leadership and stakeholder management skills, essential for building security culture across diverse organizational functions while maintaining collaborative relationships with external partners Strategic thinking capabilities that can align cybersecurity investments with organizational mission and social impact objectives, demonstrating clear value proposition for security initiatives

Market Demand

High demand with limited qualified candidates, particularly for professionals who combine deep Microsoft security stack expertise with regulatory framework knowledge and team leadership experience in mission-critical environments.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Microsoft Azure security platform expertise is fundamental to success in this role, as the organization's security infrastructure is heavily invested in the Microsoft ecosystem. This includes not just basic administration but advanced implementation and optimization of security controls across the platform. Sentinel SIEM platform mastery is essential for developing the threat detection and response capabilities that form the core of modern cybersecurity operations. The ability to create custom detection rules and optimize the platform for the organization's specific threat landscape is crucial. Cyber Assessment Framework knowledge is mandatory for ensuring compliance with UK regulatory requirements, particularly important for an organization that likely handles sensitive personal data and operates in regulated environments.

Beneficial Skills

Programming and automation skills beyond basic SQL knowledge would enable more advanced security automation and integration capabilities, improving operational efficiency and response times Public sector and social services industry knowledge would provide valuable context for understanding the unique threat landscape and regulatory requirements facing the organization Project management and change management capabilities would be valuable for implementing security improvements while maintaining operational continuity in a mission-critical environment

Unique Aspects

Fixed-term 12-month contract structure may indicate either a specific project focus or potential for conversion to permanent based on performance and organizational needs
Rolling recruitment deadline suggests urgent business need and potential for rapid hiring process for qualified candidates
Remote work arrangement provides flexibility while requiring strong self-management and virtual team leadership capabilities
Social purpose organization context offers meaningful work environment with direct impact on vulnerable populations and social mobility initiatives

Career Growth

Typical progression timeframe would be 2-3 years in this role to fully develop the security program and demonstrate measurable improvements in organizational security posture, followed by opportunities for advancement to CISO or broader technology leadership roles.

Potential Next Roles

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at larger organizations, leveraging the comprehensive security leadership experience gained in this role Director of Technology or Chief Technology Officer positions, building on the infrastructure and strategic technology experience Cybersecurity consulting roles focusing on public sector and social purpose organizations, utilizing the unique sector expertise developed

Company Overview

Shaw Trust

Shaw Trust is a well-established social purpose organization in the UK, focused on breaking down barriers to enable social mobility and providing services that support people facing various challenges including disability and social exclusion. The organization operates across multiple service areas and has a significant presence in the UK social services sector.

Shaw Trust holds a respected position within the UK social purpose sector, with recognition through various equality and inclusion certifications including National Equality Standard and Disability Confident Leader status. The organization represents a stable, values-driven employer with strong commitment to employee development and social impact.
As a UK-focused organization with national reach, this role offers the opportunity to impact cybersecurity practices across a geographically distributed operation while working within the UK regulatory and compliance framework.
The organization emphasizes inclusiveness, team spirit, and individual value, creating a supportive environment for professional growth. The comprehensive diversity networks and learning opportunities indicate a mature organizational culture that invests in employee development and wellbeing.
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