About the role

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Location: DBT hubs (with hybrid working options) London, Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Darlington, Salford and Edinburgh
Salary: Up to £117,800 plus benefits (Civil Service transfer rule will apply for existing Civil Servants)

Join us in shaping a secure future for UK business and trade.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is seeking an exceptional Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to lead our cybersecurity strategy and protect our critical systems, data, and digital infrastructure.

As a key member of our leadership team, you will drive innovation, resilience, and compliance to support DBT’s mission of fostering economic growth, promoting international trade, and advancing UK businesses in a fast-evolving digital landscape.

About the role

As CISO, you will:

• Develop and implement a robust cybersecurity strategy to safeguard DBT’s sensitive data and digital assets.
• Lead risk management, ensuring compliance with UK government standards (e.g., NCSC, GDPR, and NIST frameworks).
• Oversee incident response, threat intelligence, and resilience planning to protect against cyber threats.
• Collaborate with cross-government partners, industry stakeholders, and international counterparts to enhance cybersecurity capabilities.
• Provide strategic leadership to a dedicated team, fostering a culture of security awareness and innovation.
• Advise senior leadership and the Audit and Risk Committee on cybersecurity governance and emerging risks.

About you

We’re looking for a proven leader with tangible experience of:

• Strategic Cyber Security Planning
• Cyber Security Governance
• Cyber Risk Management
• Security Architecture
• Cyber Incident Management

You’ll be part of both the Government Digital and Data and Government Security professions, with access to a vibrant cross-government community of experts.

View the Government Cyber Security Framework for full descriptions of the essential criteria.

Why Join DBT?

• Make a national impact by securing systems that underpin UK trade and economic growth.
• Work in a dynamic, collaborative environment with access to cutting-edge technology and resources.
• Benefit from flexible working, professional development, and a competitive pension scheme.
• Contribute to a department at the heart of the UK’s global business agenda.

Interviews

We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, people with a disability, and people with gender diverse identities.