Head of Cybersecurity

Smart Recruiters
Uxbridge
10 months ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Head of Cyber Security

Lead IT Infrastructure Engineer

Senior SCADA & OT Engineer

Security Solutions Architect

Head of IT

Head of IT

Job Description

We are seeking a forward-thinking Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) – Head of Cybersecurity to lead and evolve our enterprise-wide security strategy. Reporting to the Chief Information Digital Technology Officer (CIDTO), this role sits at the core of our transformation journey—balancing risk, innovation, and customer trust.

This is a rare opportunity for a cybersecurity leader with deep expertise, vision, and commercial acumen to make a significant impact on a pan-European scale. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years’ experience in cybersecurity, with exposure to varied business models, including Private Equity-backed organizations.

Key Responsibilities

  • Cybersecurity Leadership: Define, lead, and execute a comprehensive global cybersecurity strategy aligned with APCOA’s digital transformation and growth objectives.
  • Data Protection & Compliance: Ensure protection of customer data, including PII and payment information (PCI-DSS), across all digital parking platforms and services.
  • Risk Management: Develop a pragmatic enterprise risk framework to assess, mitigate, and report cyber risks across the business. Regularly brief senior leadership and boards.
  • Innovation & Investment: Build strong business cases for cybersecurity investment and innovation, demonstrating measurable ROI and alignment with strategic goals.
  • Operational Excellence: Oversee security operations, including threat intelligence, vulnerability management, incident response, and SOC capabilities.
  • Transformation Driver: Act as a change leader to embed a strong security culture across APCOA, from engineering teams to frontline operations.
  • Governance & Policy: Develop, implement, and maintain cybersecurity policies, standards, and controls in line with best-in-class frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001, GDPR).
  • Cross-functional Leadership: Collaborate with IT, digital product teams, legal, compliance, operations, and customer service to integrate security seamlessly.
  • Talent Development: Build and inspire a high-performing cybersecurity team, mentoring talent and fostering growth across levels.


Qualifications

  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive cybersecurity leadership experience with demonstrable impact in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
  • Proven experience in payment security, customer data protection, and PCI-DSS within technology-enabled consumer or B2B services.
  • Experience working in PE-backed or investment-focused organizations, with ability to drive security maturity in fast-evolving structures.
  • Strong track record across diverse business models (e.g., infrastructure, digital platforms, mobility-as-a-service).
  • Deep understanding of emerging threats, security architecture, and cloud-native environments.
  • Experience leading security in regulated and high-volume transactional environments.
  • Relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, CISA, CCSP) and/or advanced degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or a related field.
  • Based in the UK, with the ability to travel within Europe as needed

Leadership Attributes

  • Visionary & Strategic: Able to define and articulate the future of cybersecurity in a digitally enabled business.
  • Business-Savvy: Commercially astute with the ability to translate technical risks into clear business language and priorities.
  • Influential Communicator: Exceptional communicator who can inspire confidence and drive stakeholder buy-in from Board to front-line.
  • Transformational Leader: Demonstrated ability to lead change, evolve legacy environments, and embed security-by-design practices.
  • Collaborative & Empathetic: Builds strong relationships across the organization and leads with integrity and authenticity.



Additional Information

At APCOA, we see beyond the parking space. We see a world where mobility is intelligent, sustainable, and seamlessly integrated into daily life.

Our new Group HQ is more than a physical space — it’s the heartbeat of a new enterprise, where high-impact leaders shape the future.

If you’re ready to apply your expertise to meaningful challenges and help transform an industry --join APCOA Group HQ. Let’s build what’s next.

APCOA Group HQ is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Penetration Tester Jobs in the UK: What Employers Actually Want in 2026

The demand for skilled professionals in cyber security has never been higher, and penetration testers sit at the very heart of this rapidly evolving industry. As organisations across the UK continue to digitise their operations, protect sensitive data, and defend against increasingly sophisticated threats, the need for ethical hackers has grown dramatically. If you are considering a career in this field—or looking to advance within it—it is essential to understand what employers are really looking for in 2026. This guide breaks down the current expectations, required skills, certifications, and practical experience that can help you stand out in a competitive job market.

SOC Analyst Jobs UK 2026: Salaries, Skills & How to Get Hired

Cyber security is one of the UK's fastest-growing career paths — and SOC analyst is where most people begin. It's in high demand, genuinely accessible, and you don't need a degree or years of experience to get started. But knowing what UK employers actually want in 2026 — what they pay, which certs matter, and how to stand out — is a different matter. This guide covers all of it.

How Many Cyber Security Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a Cyber Security Job?

If you are trying to build or move forward in a cyber security career, it can feel like the list of tools you are expected to know never ends. One job advert asks for SIEM platforms, another mentions penetration testing tools, another lists cloud security, threat intelligence platforms, endpoint detection, scripting languages and compliance frameworks. Scroll LinkedIn and it gets worse. Everyone seems to “know” dozens of tools, certifications and platforms. Here is the reality most cyber security hiring managers agree on: they are not hiring you because you know every tool. They are hiring you because you understand risk, can think like an attacker and a defender, follow process, communicate clearly and make good decisions under pressure. Tools matter — but only when they support those outcomes. So how many cyber security tools do you actually need to know to get a job? For most job seekers, the answer is far fewer than you think. This article explains what employers really expect, which tools are essential, which are role-specific and how to focus your learning so you look credible, not overwhelmed.