Head of IT Security and Platform Engineering (Hybrid) Newcastle

My client, a Global organisation based in Newcastle city centre are seeking an experienced Head of Security and Platform Engineering to start ASAP.

This pivotal role takes the lead in delivering breakthrough improvements in reliability and performance across technology platforms, ensuring our systems consistently exceed expectations. As the leading force behind our cyber security agenda, you will champion a step change in modern security controls-introducing cutting-edge measures that protect the business.

You will lead four core technology towers, and inspire teams to set bold targets, measure progress, and celebrate success as we raise the bar for platform resilience, scalability, and security.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Define and drive the vision, strategy, and roadmaps for Platform towers, aligned with business objectives and risk appetite.
• Oversee integration and collaboration across the four core platform towers:
• Digital Workspace Services (DWS)
• Support and System Reliability Engineering (SSRE)
• Platform and Cloud Engineering (PaCE)
• Security & Network Operations (SNOPs)
• Establish and socialise the Cyber Security Strategy and Roadmap, ensuring alignment with enterprise resilience and regulatory requirements

Cyber Security Leadership

• Shape the cyber security vision and build a corresponding technical roadmap which delivers a world class security controls across cloud infrastructure, networks, end points, identity & access management, application security, and threat detection.
• Collaborate closely with the SNOPs Lead to adapt the SNOPs roadmap priorities in line with shifts in industry, evolving threat landscape and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure effective 24/7 security operations (inc. security incident management)
• Collaborate closely with the Enterprise Resilience function (1st Line of Defence) to ensure integrated risk management and incident response.
• Promote stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration to embed a culture of security awareness and ownership across the organisation.

Operational Oversight

• Ensure high availability, performance, and security of all technology systems and infrastructure.
• Monitor and improve service levels, incident resolution times, and system reliability metrics.
• Lead cross-functional coordination for escalations, major incidents, and service continuity planning.

Team Leadership & Development

• Provide leadership and direction to platform tower leads
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation across all teams.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and capability development to meet evolving technology needs.

Technology Platform Delivery

Oversee the delivery and life cycle management of:

• Microsoft 365 and collaboration platforms
• Cloud platforms (design, automation, cost optimisation)
• Network and security operations (compliance, threat management)
• Monitoring, observability, and backup/recovery systems
• Ensure alignment with architectural standards and regulatory requirements (eg, DORA, Cyber Essentials Plus).

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the escalation point for unresolved issues across platform towers.
• Collaborate with product teams, business units, and external vendors to ensure service excellence and alignment with user needs.
• Represent Technology in all relevant Information Security, Risk and project Committees, ensuring visibility and accountability for and robust management of cyber security risks.
• Represent Security and Platforms and in governance forums such as the Architectural Review Board (ARB).

Essential Skills

• Proven leadership in managing cyber security and cross-functional technology teams in a complex, global environment.
• Deep understanding of IT infrastructure, cloud platforms (eg, Azure), and enterprise collaboration tools (eg, Microsoft 365).
• Strong grasp of ITIL-based service management, including incident, change, and problem management.
• Expertise in security and compliance frameworks, including DORA and Cyber Essentials Plus.
• Prior hands-on experience in delivering security solutions within enterprise environments
• Knowledge of disaster recovery, business continuity, and vulnerability management.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and vendor negotiation skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• ITIL Foundation certification (Intermediate or Expert level desirable).
• Relevant cloud certifications (eg, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect, AWS Certified Solutions Architect).

Experience

• 10+ years in IT leadership roles, with at least 5 years managing platform or infrastructure services.
• Demonstrated success in leading digital transformation or cloud migration initiatives.
• Experience working in regulated environments with a strong focus on security and compliance

The role is Hybrid working 3 office days a week in a central Newcastle location great for transport links by train, car or bus. Apply now for immediate consideration.