Head Of IT Security And Platform Engineering (Hybrid) Newcastle - To £115K+ Bens

OverviewMy client, a Global organisation based in Newcastle city centre, is seeking an experienced Head of Security and Platform Engineering to start ASAP. This pivotal role leads improvements in reliability and performance across technology platforms and champions a step change in modern security controls to protect the business.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Governance

Define and drive the vision, strategy, and roadmaps for Platform towers, aligned with business objectives and risk appetite.

Oversee integration and collaboration across the four core platform towers: Digital Workspace Services (DWS), Support and System Reliability Engineering (SSRE), Platform and Cloud Engineering (PaCE), Security and Network Operations (SNOPs).

Establish and socialise the Cyber Security Strategy and Roadmap, ensuring alignment with enterprise resilience and regulatory requirements.

Cyber Security Leadership

Shape the cyber security vision and build a technical roadmap delivering world-class security controls across cloud infrastructure, networks, endpoints, identity and access management, application security, and threat detection.

Collaborate with the SNOPs Lead to adapt priorities in line with industry shifts, threat landscape, and regulatory requirements.

Ensure effective 24/7 security operations (including security incident management).

Collaborate with the Enterprise Resilience function to ensure integrated risk management and incident response.

Promote stakeholder engagement and a culture of security awareness and ownership across the organisation.

Operational Oversight

Ensure high availability, performance, and security of all technology systems and infrastructure.

Monitor and improve service levels, incident resolution times, and system reliability metrics.

Lead cross-functional coordination for escalations, major incidents, and service continuity planning.

Team Leadership and Development

Provide leadership and direction to platform tower leads.

Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation across all teams.

Support recruitment, onboarding, and capability development to meet evolving technology needs.

Technology Platform Delivery

Oversee the delivery and lifecycle management of: Microsoft 365 and collaboration platforms; Cloud platforms (design, automation, cost optimisation); Network and security operations (compliance, threat management); Monitoring, observability, and backup/recovery systems.

Ensure alignment with architectural standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., DORA, Cyber Essentials Plus).

Stakeholder Engagement

Act as the escalation point for unresolved issues across platform towers.

Collaborate with product teams, business units, and external vendors to ensure service excellence and alignment with user needs.

Represent Technology in Information Security, Risk and project Committees, ensuring visibility and accountability for and robust management of cyber security risks.

Represent Security and Platforms in governance forums such as the Architectural Review Board (ARB).

Essential Skills

Proven leadership in managing cyber security and cross-functional technology teams in a complex, global environment.

Deep understanding of IT infrastructure, cloud platforms (e.g., Azure), and enterprise collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft 365).

Strong grasp of ITIL-based service management, including incident, change, and problem management.

Expertise in security and compliance frameworks, including DORA and Cyber Essentials Plus.

Prior hands-on experience in delivering security solutions within enterprise environments.

Knowledge of disaster recovery, business continuity, and vulnerability management.

Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and vendor negotiation skills.

Qualifications

Bachelor''s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field (Master''s preferred).

ITIL Foundation certification (Intermediate or Expert level desirable).

Relevant cloud certifications (e.g., Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect, AWS Certified Solutions Architect).

Experience

10+ years in IT leadership roles, with at least 5 years managing platform or infrastructure services.

Demonstrated success in leading digital transformation or cloud migration initiatives.

Experience working in regulated environments with a strong focus on security and compliance.

The role is Hybrid working with 3 office days a week in a central Newcastle location, great for transport links by train, car, or bus. Apply now for immediate ..... full job details .....