Head of Information Security

Head of Information Security

Full Time | £89,411.00 - £104,313.00 (dependent on experience)

Hybrid (minimum of 4 days a week in Southampton)

*Must be able to hold DV clearance.

Who we are

We are Ordnance Survey, Great Britain’s national mapping service and a pioneer in geospatial technology. With over 230 years of trusted data, we empower better decisions, deeper understanding, and meaningful connections to the places we live, move through, and care for.

Help create the confidence that enables Ordnance Survey to thrive in a digital world

At Ordnance Survey, information security is about more than protecting systems and managing cyber threats. It's about creating the trust and confidence that allows our organisation to innovate, grow and deliver nationally important services every day.

As technology continues to evolve, security plays a vital role in helping us make informed decisions, manage risk effectively and deliver trusted digital services. We believe the most effective security teams don't simply protect against threats. They help organisations move forward with confidence, balancing risk, resilience and opportunity.

We're looking for an experienced and collaborative Head of Information Security to lead the delivery and continual improvement of our Information Security capability. Reporting to the Chief Information Security Officer, you will help shape the direction of Information Security at OS while leading the services, controls and operational activities that keep our organisation secure.

As a member of the Security & Resilience Leadership Team, you'll contribute to the development of security strategy and be accountable for translating that strategy into effective capabilities, services and outcomes. Working closely with colleagues across technology, product, operations and corporate functions, you will ensure security is practical, proportionate and embedded in the way we deliver services and manage risk.

What you'll be doing

You'll lead the day-to-day operation, delivery and continual improvement of OS's Information Security capability, ensuring our security services, controls and processes remain effective, proportionate and aligned to organisational priorities.

You will be accountable for

• Contributing to the development and delivery of the Security Strategy and roadmap.
• Leading and continually improving Information Security capabilities, services and operating models, ensuring they meet organisational needs and support business objectives.
• Providing expert Information Security advice, guidance and assurance, ensuring security is embedded in business change, projects, products and technology delivery.
• Leading the response to cyber and information security incidents and ensuring emerging threats and vulnerabilities are effectively managed.
• Leading cyber and information security risk management activities, ensuring risks and controls are managed in line with organisational risk appetite and governance requirements.
• Developing security reporting, metrics and insights that support decision-making, provide visibility of Information security performance and demonstrate the effectiveness of security controls.
• Leading the ongoing review and improvement of Information Security capabilities, services and operating models, ensuring they evolve in line with organisational priorities, emerging threats and industry good practice.
• Building strong partnerships across OS and with external stakeholders to strengthen security outcomes, organisational awareness and shared accountability for security.

As an OS Leader

Operating at the Leading Other Leaders level within the OS Leadership Framework, you will lead through Engage, Grow and Deliver, creating the environment, capability and alignment needed for teams and leaders to succeed.

• Engage – Build trust, alignment and shared purpose across teams, functions and stakeholders.
• Grow – Develop leaders, strengthen capability and prepare the organisation for future challenges and opportunities.
• Deliver – Drive joined-up outcomes through effective decision-making, collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.

Through your leadership, you'll help create a culture where security is understood as a shared responsibility, enabling informed decision-making, innovation and trust across Ordnance Survey.

What we're looking for

You'll be an experienced leader with a track record of developing and leading information security, cyber security or related risk capabilities within a complex environment. You will combine strategic thinking with practical delivery and be comfortable working across organisational boundaries to deliver meaningful outcomes.

You'll likely bring

• Significant experience leading information security, cyber security or security operations functions.
• Strong understanding of information security risk management, security assurance, threat management and vulnerability management.
• Knowledge of recognised security frameworks, standards, maturity models and related industry good practice.
• Experience developing capabilities, services or operating models through structured maturity approaches and continuous improvement.
• The ability to influence senior leaders and translate complex security challenges into practical organisational outcomes.
• Experience using data, reporting and insights to support decision-making and drive performance improvement.
• Experience building productive relationships with government organisations, regulators, industry partners or external security communities.
• A collaborative leadership style that develops capability, builds trust and enables others to succeed.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to lead the continued development of Information Security at Ordnance Survey, helping ensure security remains effective, practical and aligned to organisational priorities.

You'll play a key role in helping protect the information, systems and services that support customers, partners and the wider public, while ensuring security enables the organisation to innovate, grow and deliver with confidence.

In return, you'll have the opportunity to influence organisational outcomes, develop capability across the business and help create a secure, resilient and trusted environment that supports Ordnance Survey's long-term success.

We know that great candidates don't always meet every requirement listed. If this opportunity excites you and you believe you can make a positive contribution, we'd love to hear from you. We value different experiences, perspectives and backgrounds, and we know that diverse teams help us make better decisions, solve problems more effectively and achieve stronger outcomes for our customers and communities

The Rewards

We want you to love what you do and feel supported to do your best work.

Our benefits include

• Competitive salary and pension (OS contribute up to 12.07%)
• Performance‑related bonus (where applicable)
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service)
• Enhanced family leave, including paid partner leave
• Hybrid and flexible working options
• Learning and development support, coaching and mentoring
• Free subscription to OS Maps and access to wellbeing support
• Volunteering leave and matched fundraising

Location & working pattern

We embrace a hybrid working model at OS, because we believe in flexibility and balance. You’ll be based at our fantastic HQ in Southampton, where you'll be expected to spend a minimum of 4 days per week leading and collaborating face-to-face with colleagues.

Security

*Must be able to hold DV clearance.

A key requirement of this role is the ability to obtain and maintain Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance.

OS conducts pre-employment checks for anyone made an offer of employment, including identity, right to work, employment history and criminal record checks via the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS).

Closing Date - Sunday 4th October 2026 at 23:59pm.

How to Apply

• Please submit your CV and Covering letter to support the above criteria

Inclusion

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that people may need during the recruitment process, and you will be asked whether you require any during the application process.

Research indicates that women, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ+ community members, neurodiverse individuals, and people from ethnic minority backgrounds often hesitate to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Ordnance Survey, we are dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive and genuine workplace where everyone can thrive. If you're enthusiastic about this role but your experience doesn't perfectly match every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be the ideal candidate for this or other roles within Ordnance Survey.

Skills required for this role

Government Security, Information Technology Security, Information Technology Strategies, Line Management Experience, National Security Law, Security Management, Security Programming, Security Standards, Security Tools, Stakeholder Engagement, Strategy Development