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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
1
Salary range
£78k – £135k
Hiring companies
1
View 1 live role → 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
23% 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%
Cloud Security
20%
IAM
20%
DLP
20%
CASB
20%
Cloud Encryption
20%
Incident Response
20%
Security Architecture
20%
Regulatory Compliance
20%
Network Security
20%
Data Security
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

1 live role

Technical CISO Lead

This role involves leading the transformation of AI security architecture, managing strategic cyber initiatives, and designing secure hybrid/cloud systems. The Technical CISO Lead will work closely with technology teams, advise executives, and champion automation in various security domains.

Randstad Technologies Recruitment London, United Kingdom £349 – £465 pd
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

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

London

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.

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