Head of Governance Risk and Compliance

The Head of Governance, Risk & Compliance is a senior leadership role within NESO's Security function, reporting directly to the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). This role is responsible for developing, implementing and continually enhancing NESO's security governance framework, threat-led cyber risk management framework and assurance strategy across one of the UK's most critical national infrastructure organisations. This role is designated as requiring a National Security Vetting (NSV) clearance. This role can be based from Wokingham or Warwick and offers hybrid working from office and home.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and continual evolution of NESO's Security Governance Framework, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy, risk appetite and regulatory obligations; Develop and maintain security policies, standards, control frameworks and governance processes across cyber, technology and operational environments; Act as a strategic advisor to the CISO on governance, risk and assurance matters; Develop and operate NESO's enterprise cyber risk management framework, aligned to NIS Regulations, CAF, ISO 27001 and enterprise risk management processes; Drive a threat-informed approach to risk identification, assessment, prioritisation and treatment; Establish clear risk ownership and accountability across the organisation; Lead development of Board and Executive Committee cyber risk reporting; Provide independent challenge and assurance to major technology and business programmes; Develop and implement a comprehensive cyber assurance strategy covering technology, operational environments, third parties and critical suppliers; Lead NESO's compliance activities relating to NIS Regulations, CAF, ISO27001 and other applicable regulatory obligations; Manage relationships with regulators, auditors and external assurance providers; Establish metrics and reporting that provide meaningful insight into control effectiveness and organisational resilience; Ensure governance, risk and assurance activities support NESO's digital, data, AI and technology transformation agenda; Embed secure-by-design and risk-based decision-making into technology delivery, cloud adoption and DevSecOps practices; Provide strategic oversight and challenge to major change programmes; Provide governance, risk and assurance oversight for emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI); Lead and develop a high-performing Governance, Risk & Compliance function; Foster a proactive security culture that promotes accountability, transparency and continuous improvement; Build strong relationships across operational, technology and business teams to drive shared ownership of risk

Requirements

Significant experience leading Cyber Security Governance, Risk and Compliance functions within critical national infrastructure, highly regulated or complex operational environments; Demonstrable experience designing and implementing enterprise security governance and threat-led risk management frameworks; Proven track record leading NIS Regulations and CAF compliance programmes; Experience providing cyber risk reporting and strategic advice to Boards, Executive Committees and regulators; Experience operating within digital transformation, cloud, data, AI and DevSecOps environments; Experience leading assurance activities across technology and third-party ecosystems; Strong understanding of modern cyber threats, threat intelligence and risk management methodologies; Experience building and leading high-performing teams; Applicants must have the right to work in the UK by the start of employment

Nice to have

Energy sector experience; Experience working closely with NCSC, Ofgem or other regulatory bodies; CISSP, CISM, CRISC, ISO27001 Lead Implementer/Auditor or equivalent; Experience of developing governance, risk management and assurance approaches for emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Generative AI and advanced analytics, with an understanding of associated security, ethical and regulatory considerations

Benefits

Benefits allowance; Bonus of up to 20% of salary for stretch performance; Private medical insurance; 28 days annual leave as standard; Competitive contributory pension scheme with employer double-match of contributions to a maximum company contribution of 12%; Flexible Bank Holidays & Holiday Trading; Additional Birthday Day Off; Cycle to Work Scheme, Retail & Gym Discounts; Critical Illness Insurance & Personal Accident Insurance; Hybrid working from office and home