Cyber Security Manager

Job Description

Are you an experienced cyber security professional looking to make a real difference in local government? London Borough of Harrow is seeking an ambitious and highly capable Cyber Security Manager to lead and enhance our cyber security capability, helping to protect critical council services, resident information, and business data.

This is a unique opportunity to join a forward-thinking organisation where cyber security is a strategic priority. The role offers a balanced mix of operational delivery (50%) and strategic leadership (50%), requiring both hands-on technical expertise and the ability to influence business decisions, governance, and long-term security strategy.

About the Role

As Cyber Security Manager, you will be responsible for maintaining and improving Harrow Council's cyber security posture, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, standards, and best practices. You will play a key role in safeguarding the council's digital estate, supporting major transformation programmes, and driving the adoption of modern security technologies.

Working closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation, particularly our Information Governance and Data Protection functions, you will help ensure that resident and business information is protected while enabling the council to deliver innovative digital services securely.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the council's cyber security operations and strategic security programme.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, government security frameworks, and industry best practices.
• Develop and implement cyber security policies, standards, and procedures.
• Manage cyber security incidents, investigations, and response activities.
• Identify and mitigate cyber risks across the council's technology estate.
• Work closely with Information Governance, Data Protection, ICT, and service teams to ensure a coordinated approach to security and compliance.
• Provide cyber security leadership and advice to senior management and key stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement across security monitoring, threat detection, vulnerability management, and security awareness.

Why Join London Borough of Harrow?

At London Borough of Harrow, you will have the opportunity to shape the cyber security strategy of a large and diverse organisation that delivers vital services to residents and businesses every day. You will work with modern Microsoft security technologies, influence strategic decision-making, and play a critical role in protecting the council from evolving cyber threats.

If you are passionate about cyber security, public service, and making a difference, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today and help us secure the future of Harrow Council.

Location: Harrow, London (Hybrid Working; 3 days at office)

You will be an experienced cyber security professional with strong technical expertise and a proven track record of delivering security programmes within a complex environment.

You will have:

• Extensive hands-on experience with the Microsoft Security portfolio, including:
• Microsoft Defender suite
• Microsoft Entra ID
• Microsoft Purview
• Microsoft Intune
• Microsoft Sentinel
• Microsoft Copilot for Security
• Experience operating and improving Security Operations Centre (SOC) functions.
• Strong knowledge of cyber security frameworks, risk management, governance, and compliance.
• Experience managing security incidents and coordinating response activities.
• The ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Excellent stakeholder management and leadership skills.

For more information, please refer to Role Profile/ Selection Criteria

About us

Harrow Council is the 12th largest London borough and one of the most culturally diverse local authorities in the UK, making it a great place to live, work and visit with a range of cultures, religions and opinions that come together to produce high achieving schools and a close and friendly community. Located 10 miles from the city centre and just 13 minutes to Euston from Harrow & Wealdstone station there are great transport links via the Metropolitan Line, Watford DC Line and national rail service. It is easily accessible to the M1, M25 and A406.

Other information

Support for candidates visit:Harrow.gov.uk Our behavioural indicators roles below G11 and above G11 Here at Harrow Council, the vision is one of 'Working together to make a difference for Harrow' Please click here to view Harrow Council's benefits

Important Note

To deliver our commitment to equality of opportunity in service provision, all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs at the London Borough of Harrow. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender, reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, or maternity unless a Genuine Occupational Qualification applies. As such, we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. For further information, please read our equality statement.

As a disability-confident employer, we are committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and accessible to everyone. This includes reasonably adjusting the recruitment process for those with disabilities or long-term health conditions. For further information, please contact us at resourcing@harrow.gov.uk

London Borough of Harrow is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Harrow operates stringent, safer recruitment procedures.

Due to the high number of applications received for some posts, we may close vacancies before the stated closing date if sufficient applications are received. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible.

Harrow redeployees will be given priority consideration.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, any your data protection rights, can be found by visiting www.cifas.org.uk/fpn