This is an exciting information security leadership role for an engaging Information Security leader to create buy-in for excellence in cyber methodology in this fast-paced digital product engineering environment. Reporting to our Chief Executive Officer, this unique role will shape our information security strategy while working closely with the engineering community to build an appreciation of the value of consistent application of Information Security standards and processes across all product lines. The role will ensure that information security is applied in a transparent, efficient way and will also begin to build GDS’s community of security champions plus its standing with the cross-government security community.

GDS operates as a user centric digital product house for government. We are here to make digital government simpler, clearer, and faster for everyone. We maintain an easy-to-navigate and welcoming front door to government, build common platforms to help departments make better digital services and use our unique position at the centre of government to connect the dots and provide users a seamless experience online. Our software products and services are used by more than 13 million people each week and are relied upon by more than 1,900 public sector organisations.

You will:

• Build relationships across GDS’s multiple product lines, and software engineering communities to gain credibility and create an understanding of the opportunities of building in outstanding information security process in product development.  
• Collaborate in the creation of a high-level Information Security Policy and Strategy, whilst delivering proactive, practical and trusted information security advice, guidance, enforcement and compliance which will make our products more secure and resilient from attack.
• Energise, enthuse and build out our InfoSec capability, including creating a new AppSec team. Embed an outgoing collaborative, consultative approach and bring to life the opportunity of adopting great information security processes in software engineering both to our products, and to citizens’ lives.

Who we’re looking for:

• A communicative, enthusing, collaborative Information Security leader with a deep understanding of the application of information security in Agile, product development environments. You will have a track record of embedding proactive information security standards, practices, and governance in fast-moving, user centric engineering settings.
• An inspiring, personable, people leader and influential business partner you should have demonstrable experience of building new Information Security & Cyber capabilities together with evolving culture and process to embrace contemporary best practice.
• A senior and rounded Information Security professional with impact and gravitas. You should have the ability to operate at the strategic level, across perceived boundaries and with multi-disciplinary teams. You should be capable of building relationships across a complex and nuanced stakeholder landscape.

You can read more about this outstanding opportunity by contacting Alex Richardson at Berwick Partners by emailing alex.richardson@berwickpartners.co.uk or on 0161 498 3409.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in the Information Security and Software Engineering workforce. The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service D&I Strategy.