RSPB seeks to recruit cyber security supremo to protect it from malicious hackers

                                           

The RSPB's HQ - The Lodge at Sandy in Bedfordshire 

WELL-publicised hacking of certain British companies' security systems has spooked the RSPB into action.

The bird charity is determined to safeguard itself from the sort of criminal activity that, earlier in the year, hobbled such household-name businesses as Marks and Spencer and Jaguar  Land Rover.

It also recognises its responsibility to ensure personal data about its million-plus members is not stolen or compromised. 

The Bedfordshire-base organisation is therefore seeking to appoint a Head of Cyber Security.

Says the job description for the post, which carries an annual salary of between £70,490 and £84,794:

"We are seeking a proven cyber security leader to take full ownership of the RSPB’s cyber security strategy and operations. 

"This is a critical, strategic role for someone who can make immediate impact, bringing deep technical and practical expertise, to confidently lead the organisation’s cyber security agenda.

"The appointee  will be the go-to authority on cyber security, responsible for safeguarding our digital infrastructure, data, and services. 

^Reporting directly to the Chief Digital Technology Officer, he or she  will shape and deliver a forward-thinking cyber strategy that ensures resilience, compliance, and a strong security culture across the RSPB."

It continues: "This is not a developmental role. 

"We are looking for someone who has already led cyber security at scale, ideally in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment, and who can confidently operate at a senior level from day one."

Essential skills are described  as follows:

* Strategic leadership and influence at executive and board level.

* Ability to operate independently and take full ownership of the cyber function.

* Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical risk into business impact.

* Decisive and calm under pressure, particularly in high-risk or incident scenarios.

* Skilled in building high-trust relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

The closing date for applications is 11.59pm on Sunday November 2.