Chief Information Security Officer (we have office locations in Cambridge, Leeds & London)
Genomics England
Genomics England analyses sequenced genomes for the NHS and then equips researchers to use data to help find the cause of disease.
View all jobs at Genomics England
Genomics England partners with the NHS to provide whole genome sequencing diagnostics. We also equip researchers to find the causes of disease and develop new treatments – with patients and participants at the heart of it all.
Our mission is to continue refining, scaling, and evolving our ability to enable others to deliver genomic healthcare and conduct genomic research.
We are accelerating our impact and working with patients, doctors, scientists, government, and industry to improve genomic testing, and help researchers access the health data and technology they need to make new medical discoveries and create more effective, targeted medicines for everybody.
Job Purpose
We are seeking an experienced Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to lead the development and delivery of our Information Security strategy. This pivotal role reports to our CEO, involves working closely with internal and external partners to understand and manage cyber and information security risks, while fostering a culture of security by design across the organisation. As a key member of the CTPO leadership team, the CISO will guide a dedicated cyber security team, build strong relationships across the health and government sectors, and contribute to shaping a secure, inclusive genomics ecosystem internally and externally.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the development and implementation of Genomics England’s information security strategy, ensuring alignment with business goals and risk appetite.
- Oversee security policy and governance frameworks, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards (e.g., ISO 27001, NCSC CAF, Data Protection Act) and managing deviations effectively.
- Direct security operations, including oversight of enterprise security monitoring tools, the Security Operations Centre, and day-to-day threat detection and response.
- Manage and lead cyber incident response, ensuring clear runbooks, rapid reaction to threats, and coordination during material security events.
- Champion a ‘security-first’ and ‘secure-by-design’ culture, partnering closely with product, architecture, and engineering teams to embed security early in the development lifecycle.
- Guide threat intelligence efforts, enabling proactive defence by analysing emerging risks and adapting protections accordingly.
- Lead and develop the Security team, building a strong service and engagement model to support secure delivery across the organisation.
- Collaborate across business functions, supply chain partners, and the Executive Leadership Team to provide security governance, risk reporting, and strategic assurance.
Qualifications
Professional certification in CISSP, CISM or equivalent is considered an advantage. Experience in highly regulated industries such as Healthcare or Financial services is preferred. Additionally, experience working in organisations that design and build digital systems and software is highly desirable.
Additional Information
Salary from:£127,000
Being part of such a meaningful mission is rewarding, and we support our people with a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Generous Leave:30 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, additional leave for long service, and the option to apply for up to 30 days of remote working abroad annually (approval required).
- Family-Friendly:Blended working arrangements, flexible working, enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave benefits.
- Pension & Financial:Defined contribution pension (Genomics England double-matches up to 10%, with options for additional contributions), Life Assurance (3x salary), and a Give As You Earn scheme.
- Learning & Development:Individual learning budgets, support for training and certifications, and reimbursement for one annual professional subscription (approval required).
- Recognition & Rewards:Employee recognition programme and referral scheme.
- Health & Wellbeing:Subsidised gym membership, a free Headspace account, and access to an Employee Assistance Programme, eye tests, flu jabs.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:We promote an inclusive environment that supports equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are proud of our diverse community and are committed to non-discrimination and fairness in our policies and practices. We welcome adjustments in our recruitment process to support candidates with different needs.
Blended Working Model:We operate a hybrid working model, expecting most employees to work in the office at least 2 times per month. Office locations include Canary Wharf, Cambridge, and Leeds. Flexibility in working patterns is encouraged and supported.
Background Checks:Successful candidates will undergo a Standard DBS check. Applicants are asked to disclose any previous offences at application.
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