Part of the Future Tech Jobs (opens in a new tab) network
Sign in

CISO Jobs

The strategic leader responsible for an organisation's information security. CISOs oversee the protection of digital assets, manage risk, and ensure compliance with regulations.

Open roles
2
Salary range
£78k – £135k
Hiring companies
2
View 2 live roles → Get an alert

A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is a senior executive responsible for establishing and maintaining the organisation's information security programme. They lead the development and implementation of security policies, procedures, and technologies to protect sensitive data and systems. CISOs work closely with other C-suite executives and board members to ensure that security strategies align with business objectives. They also manage teams of security professionals, including security analysts, incident responders, and compliance officers.

What the role does

Inside the role of a CISO

A typical week for a CISO is a mix of strategic planning, team management, and crisis response. They spend time in meetings, reviewing security reports, and engaging with stakeholders.

  1. 01
    Conduct strategic planning sessions with the executive team.
  2. 02
    Review security incident reports and threat intelligence.
  3. 03
    Engage with stakeholders to ensure security policies are understood and followed.
  4. 04
    Manage and mentor the security team.
  5. 05
    Attend board meetings to report on security status and initiatives.
  6. 06
    Respond to and manage security incidents as they arise.
Salary on the board

£78k – £135k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 6 UK listings priced in pounds in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
8% of listings advertise a salary — up from 0% the year before.
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 5 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Cybersecurity
40%
AI
40%
Email Security
20%
Insider Risk Management
20%
Human Risk Management
20%
Compliance
20%
Regulatory Examinations
20%
SaaS
20%
Enterprise Risk Frameworks
20%
Customer Advisory
20%
Managed Service Providers (MSPs)
20%
CISO Advantage
20%
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for cisos. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

  1. Level 1

    Junior CISO

    0–2 yrs

    Assists in the development and implementation of security policies and procedures. Supports the CISO in day-to-day operations and reporting.

  2. Level 2

    CISO

    3–5 yrs

    Leads the information security programme, manages a team of security professionals, and ensures compliance with regulations.

  3. Level 3

    Senior CISO

    6–8 yrs

    Oversees multiple security teams and initiatives. Provides strategic direction and advises the executive board on security matters.

  4. Level 4

    Principal CISO

    9+ yrs

    Holds a senior executive position, driving the organisation's overall security strategy and leading large-scale security initiatives.

Pathway

How to become a CISO

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Entry-Level Security Role

    Start in a junior security analyst or IT support role to gain foundational knowledge and experience.

  2. 2

    Specialise in Security

    Move into a specialised security role such as a security analyst, penetration tester, or incident responder.

  3. 3

    Management Position

    Transition into a management role, such as a security team lead or manager, to develop leadership skills.

  4. 4

    Director of Security

    Advance to a director-level position, overseeing multiple security teams and initiatives.

  5. 5

    Chief Information Security Officer

    Achieve the CISO role, leading the organisation's information security programme and advising the executive board.

  6. 6

    Principal CISO

    Progress to a principal CISO role, driving the organisation's overall security strategy and leading large-scale initiatives.

Live jobs

2 live roles

E

Chief Information Security Officer / CISO - Higher Education

Lead and strengthen the organization's cybersecurity posture during a critical phase of security and risk maturity. Drive strategic improvements across governance, risk management, cyber assurance, and operational security while collaborating with key stakeholders. Oversee a third-party SOC and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements in a research-led, public sector environment.

Experis United Kingdom
Hybrid Contract Clearance Required

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

The CISO will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive security strategy, encompassing cloud environments, product security, and data protection. They will work closely with technology and product teams to embed security by design, engage with enterprise customers, and report to the executive and board on security and risk.

SF Partners Birmingham, United Kingdom £120,000 – £150,000 pa
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

The locations with the most live listings for this role today.

Birmingham

Location
1 open
FAQs

Common questions

  • A combination of relevant degrees, certifications (such as CISSP), and extensive experience in information security is typically required.

  • Gain experience in various security roles, develop leadership skills, and stay updated with the latest security trends and regulations.

  • CISOs are responsible for developing and implementing security policies, managing security teams, ensuring compliance, and advising on security strategies.

  • The path often starts with entry-level security roles, progresses through specialisation and management, and culminates in a CISO position.

  • Salaries for CISOs can vary widely based on experience, location, and industry. For specific salary information, refer to the salary section on this page.

Hiring cisos?

Post your role in 90 seconds and reach the specialist audience that already reads this page.

Post a job → See pricing

🍪 Basic, anonymous analytics (aggregate counts only, never shared) are always on. Accept to also enable third-party tools — Google Analytics, Microsoft Clarity, Mixpanel, Leadfeeder — which help us match you with relevant Cyber Security roles. We never sell your data or use it for cross-site advertising. See our Cookie Policy.