Back to search results

Chief Information Security Officer

University of Leeds

Location: Leeds
Salary: Competitive dependent on experience - Off grading structure
Hours: Full Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Placed On: 1st October 2025
Closes: 29th October 2025
Job Ref: PSOIT3265-25

Shape the Future of Cyber Leadership in Higher Education

The University of Leeds is seeking a visionary and strategic Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to lead the transformation of our digital security landscape. As one of the UK’s largest and most respected research-intensive universities, we are committed to tackling global challenges through innovation, collaboration, and excellence.

The post holder will be an integral member of the IT Executive Leadership team and will work closely with members of the University Executive Group to ensure our security standards and protocols enable the University to deliver its strategic aims and objectives across student education, research & innovation, and international collaboration. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of cyber resilience in a globally recognised institution.

About the role

Reporting to the Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO) and with a dotted line to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the CISO will:

  • Lead and implement a University-wide information and cyber security strategy
  • Design modern security architecture and foster a zero-trust approach
  • Sustain and empower a high-performing cyber security team  
  • Collaborate with stakeholders across the University to facilitate change and align security with academic freedom and research integrity  
  • Represent Leeds in national and sector-wide cyber security initiatives  
  • Foster a culture of awareness, ownership and proactive cyber hygiene

What we’re looking for

We are looking for an exceptional leader who brings:

  • Proven success in senior information security roles within large, complex organisations
  • A strategic mindset with the ability to align cyber priorities to business outcomes
  • Emotional intelligence and the ability to inspire, influence, and empower others
  • A collaborative approach to leadership and a commitment to inclusion and diversity
  • Deep expertise in areas such as governance, risk management, compliance (ISO27001, PCI-DSS, Cyber Essentials), identity and access management, threat and vulnerability management, and cloud/network security

Why join us?

  • One of the best pension schemes in the UK
  • 42 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays and University closure days
  • Family friendly policies
  • Access to wellbeing, learning, and lifestyle resources
  • Sector discounts 
  • Opportunities for continued professional development and sector engagement

The candidate brief contains further information about the role.  Should you require any additional details or wish to have a confidential, informal discussion please contact Masud Khokhar, Chief Digital and Information Officer: m.khokhar@leeds.ac.uk 

To apply for the role, please submit a CV and supporting statement of not more than 3 pages of A4, providing how your knowledge and expertise equip you to carry out the role set out in the candidate brief.

We value your feedback on the quality of our adverts. If you have a comment to make about the overall quality of this advert, or its categorisation then please send us your feedback
Advert information

Type / Role:

Subject Area(s):

Location(s):

Job tools
 

PhD Alert Created

Job Alert Created

Your PhD alert has been successfully created for this search.

Your job alert has been successfully created for this search.

Ok Ok

PhD Alert Created

Job Alert Created

Your PhD alert has been successfully created for this search.

Your job alert has been successfully created for this search.

Manage your job alerts Manage your job alerts

Account Verification Missing

In order to create multiple job alerts, you must first verify your email address to complete your account creation

Request verification email Request verification email

jobs.ac.uk Account Required

In order to create multiple alerts, you must create a jobs.ac.uk jobseeker account

Create Account Create Account

Alert Creation Failed

Unfortunately, your account is currently blocked. Please login to unblock your account.

Email Address Blocked

We received a delivery failure message when attempting to send you an email and therefore your email address has been blocked. You will not receive job alerts until your email address is unblocked. To do so, please choose from one of the two options below.

Max Alerts Reached

A maximum of 5 Job Alerts can be created against your account. Please remove an existing alert in order to create this new Job Alert

Manage your job alerts Manage your job alerts

Creation Failed

Unfortunately, your alert was not created at this time. Please try again.

Ok Ok

Create PhD Alert

Create Job Alert

When you create this PhD alert we will email you a selection of PhDs matching your criteria.When you create this job alert we will email you a selection of jobs matching your criteria. Our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy apply to this service. Any personal data you provide in setting up this alert is processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice

Create PhD Alert

Create Job Alert

When you create this PhD alert we will email you a selection of PhDs matching your criteria.When you create this job alert we will email you a selection of jobs matching your criteria. Our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy apply to this service. Any personal data you provide in setting up this alert is processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice

 
 
More jobs from University of Leeds

Show all jobs for this employer …

More jobs like this
Join in and follow us

Browser Upgrade Recommended

jobs.ac.uk has been optimised for the latest browsers.

For the best user experience, we recommend viewing jobs.ac.uk on one of the following:

Google Chrome Firefox Microsoft Edge