Overview

Job Title: Assistant Director of Cyber Security

Salary: Up to £104,000

Contract: Permanent

Location: Essex County Council, Chelmsford (Hybrid Working)

Help Shape the Future of Cyber Security in a Leading Digital Council

Essex County Council (ECC) is on a mission to become one of the most effective, forward-thinking, and financially sustainable local authorities in the UK. At the heart of this transformation is the Essex Digital Service (EDS) department, an innovative, user-centred team delivering modern, secure digital solutions across the organisation. ECC is seeking a dynamic and experienced Assistant Director of Cyber Security to lead their strategic security vision.

In this senior leadership role, you'll be the strategic lead for all aspects of cyber and information security across ECC. You will be responsible for designing and implementing the evolution of our robust cyber security strategy that protects the Council's critical information and technology infrastructure, balancing security with user-centricity and business outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the organisation's key advisor on cyber risk and assurance, influencing executive leadership and over 9,000 users — working collaboratively across internal teams and over 100 partners and suppliers.
• Maintain external networks and collaborate across Greater Essex and with national partners to share intelligence and best practices.
• Drive innovation and lead continuous improvement in security practices and user assurance across all services delivered by EDS.
• Lead a team of approximately 15, including six direct reports, fostering a culture of professionalism, learning, and service excellence.
• Manage budgets of over £2.5 million annually, with influence over a five-year Essex Digital Service investment programme worth up to £40 million.
• Lead the development and execution of ECC's information and cyber security strategy, ensuring alignment with their overall risk appetite and transformation goals.
• Oversee governance, risk, compliance, and security operations including incident response, threat intelligence, vulnerability management, and penetration testing.
• Direct the selection, deployment, and maintenance of appropriate security technologies and processes to protect ECC's data and assets.
• Design and implement the evolution of security standards, policies, and procedures to ensure ECC meets regulatory, legislative, and operational requirements (e.g., PSN, PCI-DSS, ICO, disaster recovery).

Experience Needed

• Strong strategic leadership experience across large-scale organisations, with the ability to influence and communicate effectively at senior and political levels.
• Experience in similarly complex environments, with an understanding of public sector culture and challenges.
• Deep expertise in cyber security governance, compliance, and risk management within complex organisations.
• A track record of developing and implementing enterprise-wide cyber and information security strategies aligned with business goals.
• Extensive knowledge of relevant legal, regulatory, and technical frameworks, including PSN, PCI-DSS, GDPR, and disaster recovery.
• A passion for innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement in cyber and information security.

Why Join ECC?

As Assistant Director Cyber Security, you'll be part of a bold, forward-thinking council that embraces digital innovation and protects public trust. You'll have the opportunity to shape high-impact programmes, influence strategic decisions, and play a key role in protecting and modernising public services.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Information Technology

Industries

• Computer and Network Security

We are not involved in referrals or external recruitment messaging; this description reflects the role and responsibilities for ECC's Assistant Director of Cyber Security.