HW Interim Solutions are supporting a large, complex organisation with a significant IT/OT estate in the appointment of an Interim Head of Security Operations.

This role will operate as a critical number two to the CISO, providing oversight across security operations, acting as a senior escalation point for risk and incidents and supporting the ongoing maturity of the organisation’s cyber capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as deputy to the CISO, providing day to day oversight of security operations
• Serve as a senior escalation point for security incidents and risk management
• Support the development and optimisation of the Security Operations Centre (SOC), including involvement in RFP processes for future state capability
• Work closely with the Incident Response Lead to strengthen response frameworks and execution
• Oversee and ensure effective use of key security tooling, including:
• Microsoft Sentinel
• Microsoft Defender suite
• Darktrace
• Contribute to broader security strategy across a complex IT and OT environment
• Provide governance and oversight across penetration testing, threat & vulnerability management, and SOC operations
• Engage with senior stakeholders, translating technical risk into clear business impact

Key Requirements

• Proven experience operating at Head of / Deputy Head of Security Operations level
• Strong background in security operations within complex IT/OT environments
• Hands-on familiarity with SIEM/SOAR tooling (Sentinel), endpoint security (Defender) and threat detection platforms (eg. Darktrace)
• Experience supporting or leading SOC design, optimisation, or vendor selection (RFP processes)
• Solid understanding of:
• Incident response frameworks
• Penetration testing
• Threat & vulnerability management
• Ability to operate as a calm, credible escalation point during incidents
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Location: North West (3 days onsite initially, reducing post-impact)

Duration: 6–12 months

Rate: Competitive (Outside IR35)