Head of Cyber Defence

Head of Cyber Defence – Interim Contract (3 Months)
Location: London (occasional travel to Belfast – 2 days per month)
Rate: Up to £1,360 per day (Inside IR35)
Working Pattern: Approx. 3 days per week (flexible structure)
Start: ASAP
The Opportunity
An urgent requirement has arisen for an experienced Head of Cyber Defence to join a leading global law firm on an interim basis. Reporting directly to the CISO, you will provide senior-level strategic and operational leadership to the Cyber Defence function during a period of absence within the team.
This role is focused on maintaining momentum across the cyber programme, strengthening operational delivery, and ensuring performance remains aligned to CISO objectives.
Key Responsibilities
• Provide strategic direction and operational oversight to the Cyber Defence team.
• Mentor senior leaders within the function, enhancing efficiency, leadership capability, and stakeholder engagement.
• Review, refine, and where necessary implement improvements to Incident Response plans and operational processes.
• Support delivery of the broader CISO cyber programme.
• Develop and enhance operational and performance reporting, including KPIs, metrics tracking, and trend analysis.
• Ensure cyber defence objectives continue to progress at pace and to a high standard.

About You
• Extensive experience leading a Cyber Defence / Security Operations function within a large, complex global organisation.
• Strong operational background with proven ability to stabilise, mentor, and uplift teams.
• Deep understanding of incident response, cyber operations, and performance management.
• Confident operating at senior stakeholder level, including CISO and executive audiences.
This is a high-impact interim assignment within a prestigious global law firm environment, ideal for a seasoned cyber leader who can quickly embed, provide clarity, and deliver measurable improvements.