Overview

Job title: Director of Assurance & Cyber Security (CISO) – Manchester Foundation Trust. Lead and implement the Trust's information and cyber security strategy within the Group Digital Services Team.

You will be part of a growing, supportive team, with scope to develop your skills and knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Provide a clear vision and direction for information and cyber security operations, promoting continuous improvement, innovation, and agile service delivery.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Trust to ensure information and cyber security policies are implemented and enforced.
• Oversee a range of technical and process security controls and lead a programme of continuous improvement in response to changing threats and risk.
• Lead and develop a specialist team to deliver a progressive information and cyber security service addressing the dynamic nature of cyber threats, with robust governance and assurance across the IT security portfolio.
• Demonstrate thorough understanding of the technology underpinning the Trust’s digital systems and broad knowledge of information security frameworks, regulation, vulnerability management, incident management and response, secure development, cyber security engineering and governance of cyber risk.

About us

MFT is one of the largest NHS Trusts in England, with a diverse, digitally enabled organisation that prioritises inclusive culture, patient care, research, and sustainability. The Trust comprises multiple hospitals and community services, with a focus on collaboration, transformation, and high-quality research and education.

Details

Location: Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Cobbett House, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL

Pay: Band 8d — £91,342 to £105,337 a year (pro rata)

Contract: Permanent, Working pattern: Full-time

Date posted: 05 September 2025

Job reference: 349-COR-7335430-RL4

Job locations: Manchester

Employer: Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Education to a minimum of Master’s degree level or equivalent senior level experience
• Formal certification (CISSP, CISM or CRISC) and/or formal training in information security standards (e.g., ISO 27001/2, COBIT, Cyber Essentials)
• Advanced IT literacy and experience with a range of IT applications
• Evidence of continued professional development

Desirable

• ITIL qualification
• COBIT

Knowledge and Experience

• Proven leadership experience and/or formal management qualification
• Expertise in an IT security environment, with strategic and budgetary planning experience
• Experience in the NHS and in security technologies (firewalls, IDS/IPS, IAM, SIEM, cloud, remote working)
• Experience leading IT security in change-rich environments, presenting to stakeholders, and working with external partners
• Experience in budget management, project management, security policy development, and enterprise IT security solutions
• Understanding of audits, contingency and disaster recovery planning, and security legislation
• Experience in leading and motivating a team of security professionals and providing IT-focused enterprise architecture and strategy

Desirable

• Understanding of NHS data usage and healthcare environment experience
• Senior NHS management experience

Diversity and Equality

MFT is committed to equality of opportunity and valuing diversity. All individuals are encouraged to apply regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. For special application requirements, email resourcing@mft.nhs.uk.

Additional information

Applications from job seekers requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For more information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. Guidance regarding criminal records checks for overseas applicants is also available.

Employer details

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Cobbett House, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL