Head of Security Operations

• Ensuring AJ Bell has the appropriate capability to detect and respond to security events and incidents.
• In partnership with the 3rd party managed service provider, ensure that AJ Bell maintains 24x7 operational security coverage.
• Proactively drive efficiency improvements via the use of automation and AI in security operations processes.
• Own and develop AJ Bell's incident response framework and playbooks, including undertaking regular training and testing (including table top exercises) up to and including executive level.
• Develop and maintain AJ Bell's threat intelligence capabilities to enable effective response to the evolving threat landscape, delivering and disseminating actionable intelligence to operations teams and key stakeholders.
• Ensure operational processes for managing AJ Bell's supply chain risk are effective
• Own the end-to-end vulnerability management process, including penetration testing, mitigation assessment and remediation tracking.
• Effectively communicate the security posture of AJ Bell with the development and delivery of regular MI and reporting, where gaps are identified work with the security engineering team to provide clear requirements for security solutions.
• Manage the operational security vendor relationships, overseeing regular performance reviews and commercial management.
• Manage and oversee the development of a team of security analysts responsible for maintaining BaU security operations and act as an escalation point for day-to-day security issues identified by colleagues.
• Identify the future needs of the business with respect to the security operations function and develop AJ Bell's capability accordingly.
• Foster an environment of continuous improvement to grow and develop AJ Bell's security capability by establishing repeatable, managed and measured processes.

• Expert understanding and knowledge of Information Security risk management tools and techniques
• Extensive experience of Information Security standards and frameworks
• Awareness and understanding of the Information Security threat landscape
• Knowledge of security investigations best practice including the use of Microsoft Purview and computer forensics an advantage.
• Experience of utilising and monitoring Information Security solutions e.g. email / web gateways, SIEM, Endpoint protection etc.
• Strong awareness of Cloud services and supporting security solutions & standards.
• Good understanding of cloud native and devops practices including pipelines and associated processes
• Hands on experience of managing and configuring systems including Microsoft Active Directory, Windows and Linux in an enterprise environment is highly advantageous
• Hands on experience with internet proxies, end point security tools and data loss prevention systems also highly advantageous
• Experience working within recognised Information Security frameworks and best practices such as ISO27001, NIST etc.
• Knowledge of relevant regulatory requirements (e.g. GDPR/FCA/PRA)
• Experience in an Information Security role gained in a financial services or e-commerce environment is preferred
• Strong written communication skills, with ability to contribute to executive committee and Board level papers.
• Self-motivated, professional, tenacious and enthusiastic
• Strong ownership of tasks, attention to detail and following through to conclusion
• Ability to challenge approach, strategy and implementation to ensure Information Security is consistently considered and improved
• Ability to work under own initiative to plan and communicate effectively with colleagues and customers
• Structured, self-starting, flexible and enjoy working in fast-paced environments
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to plan, organise and follow through on assigned tasks and complete with little or no prompting from management
• Ability to learn and develop new skills and take on new challenges
• Excellent attention to detail

• Competitive starting salary
• Starting holiday entitlement of 28 days, increasing up to 31 days with length of service and a holiday buy and sell scheme
• A choice of pension schemes with matched contributions up to 8% (Increasing with length of service)
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Annual free share awards scheme
• Buy As You Earn (BAYE) Scheme
• Health Cash Plan - provided by SimplyHealth
• Private healthcare scheme and dental plan
• Free gym membership, with an on-site gym providing a wide range of free classes
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Bike loan scheme
• Sick pay+ pledge
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave
• Discounted nursery fees at Kids Planet on Exchange Quay
• Loans for travel season tickets
• Death in service scheme
• Paid time off for volunteer work
• Charitable giving opportunities through salary sacrifice
• Calendar of social events, including monthly payday drinks, annual Christmas party, summer party and much more
• Parking at Exchange Quay (subject to availability)
• Ongoing technical training
• Professional qualification support
• Talent development programmes
• Peer recognition scheme, with rewards including restaurant and shopping vouchers or time off
• Monthly leadership breakfasts and lunches

AJ Bell