Cyber Security Manager

Cyber Security Manager
Hybrid Working pattern: 60% of time in office
Location: Gateshead Civic Centre

Lead. Innovate. Protect. Shape the future of cyber security at Gateshead Council.

Who we are and what we stand for

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might just be the perfect match.

We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.

We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

Drive cyber resilience. Influence strategy. Protect what matters most.

IT & Digital Services play a critical role in delivering the technology, infrastructure and digital capabilities that enable Gateshead Council, its schools and key partners to operate effectively and innovatively. The service provides strategic leadership, development, implementation and support of ICT solutions, ensuring employees are equipped with the tools and skills needed to work efficiently while safeguarding the council’s data through secure, resilient systems. Covering a broad portfolio, IT & Digital Services are at the heart of enabling modern, connected and data-driven services that improve outcomes for residents and communities.

Join us and help defend the digital front line of local government.

As Cyber Security Manager, you will lead the delivery of a robust and forward-thinking cyber security service that safeguards Gateshead Council's digital assets, infrastructure and information. You'll manage a team of specialists, champion best practice, strengthen organisational resilience, and lead the implementation of innovative security solutions. This is a fantastic opportunity for a strategic cyber security leader who thrives on tackling complex challenges while helping to protect services that matter to local people.

What you'll get to do:

• Lead and develop the Council's Cyber Security Team, ensuring our systems, infrastructure and data remain secure, resilient and protected from emerging threats.
• Shape and deliver the Council's cyber security strategy, policies, standards and frameworks, driving best practice across the organisation.
• Lead the Council's cyber security governance, risk, compliance and assurance (GRC) programme, ensuring that risks are effectively managed, controls are regularly assessed, and assurance activities provide confidence that security obligations are being met.
  
• Design and implement security controls, standards and solutions that protect critical services while enabling innovation and digital transformation.
• Identify, assess, report and manage cyber security risks, ensuring effective mitigation measures are in place and organisational resilience is maintained.
• Develop and maintain cyber security assurance frameworks, performance measures and reporting mechanisms, providing clear insight to senior leaders on the effectiveness of security controls and the organisation's security posture.
  
• Lead cyber security projects and the implementation of new technologies, from business case development through to delivery and benefits realisation.
• Oversee compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, standards and industry best practice, supporting audits, inspections and accreditation activities where required.
• Develop and manage the team's work programme, resources and performance, creating a culture of continuous improvement and professional excellence.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to senior leaders, project teams and stakeholders, translating complex technical concepts into practical business solutions.
• Manage relationships with suppliers and partners, ensuring high-quality service delivery and value for money through effective contract and performance management.
• Champion cyber security awareness across the Council, promoting a security-first culture and helping colleagues understand their role in protecting information and systems.
• Lead on cyber resilience, business continuity and recovery planning, ensuring the Council is prepared to respond effectively to cyber incidents.
• Keep pace with emerging technologies, threats and industry developments, identifying opportunities to strengthen security and improve services.
• Produce high-quality reports, presentations and recommendations to support informed decision-making, including regular reporting on cyber risks, compliance, assurance outcomes and security performance.

What you'll bring:

• A degree in a relevant subject or significant equivalent experience in a senior cyber security role.
• CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional or similar industry recognised cyber security qualification.
• Extensive experience of leading cyber security services within a large, complex organisation, including the management and development of technical teams and resources.
• Proven expertise in developing and implementing cyber security strategies, policies and frameworks, ensuring compliance with legislation, standards and industry best practice.
• Strong technical knowledge of cyber security technologies and controls, including network security, intrusion detection and prevention, endpoint protection and security management solutions.
• Significant experience of cyber risk management, business continuity, disaster recovery and cyber resilience planning, with the ability to respond effectively to security incidents.
• Experience of delivering complex cyber security projects and procurements, including managing suppliers, contracts and technology implementations.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, practical advice for colleagues, senior leaders and partners.

What’s in it for you

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Our commitment to you

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation

How to apply

You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.

We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.

If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk

Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.

Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.