Interim Head of ICT Cyber Security & Networks

Interim Head of ICT Cyber Security & Networks

12-Month Day Rate Contract | Hybrid (3 Days Onsite / 2 Remote) | Immediate Start Preferred

A leading Irish government body is seeking an experienced Interim Head of ICT Cyber Security & Networks to take on a key leadership role within its Technology & Operations function.

This is a senior day rate contract position, offering the opportunity to lead and strengthen enterprise cyber security, network infrastructure, and governance across a complex, regulated environment.

The Role

This position will act as the organisation’s principal cyber security authority, providing strategic direction, operational oversight, and assurance to senior stakeholders on cyber risk, resilience, and regulatory compliance.

You will be responsible for leading both cyber security governance and operational network security, ensuring a robust, secure, and resilient technology environment.

Key Responsibilities

Cyber Security Leadership & Governance

- Define and drive cyber security strategy, roadmap, and operating model

- Establish and oversee security governance, policies, and risk frameworks

- Ensure alignment with regulatory requirements (e.g. NIST, NIS2)

- Provide regular risk and threat reporting to senior stakeholders

Risk, Compliance & Assurance

- Own and maintain the enterprise cyber risk register

- Lead audits, assessments, and regulatory engagements

- Oversee third-party and supply chain security risk

- Embed security into change, architecture, and procurement processes

Incident Management & Resilience

- Lead response to major cyber incidents

- Drive cyber crisis management planning and playbooks

- Support business continuity and disaster recovery alignment

- Ensure continuous improvement through lessons learned

Networks & Infrastructure Security

- Oversee enterprise network and perimeter security architecture

- Ensure secure operation across on-prem and cloud environments

- Manage security tooling, monitoring, and vulnerability management

- Balance security, performance, and availability

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

- Lead and mentor cyber and network teams

- Engage with senior stakeholders and external partners

- Promote a strong security-first culture

Experience Required

- Senior cyber security leadership experience

- Strong background in risk management, governance, and compliance

- Experience leading security incidents, audits, and assurance activities

- Deep understanding of network security and infrastructure resilience

- Experience in regulated environments

- Strong stakeholder management

Desirable

- Experience with NIST, NIS2 or similar frameworks

- Third-party risk management experience

- Hybrid and cloud security exposure

- Executive or board-level reporting experience

Skills & Attributes

- Strong leadership and decision-making ability

- Strategic thinker with a risk-based approach

- Excellent communication skills

- High integrity and professionalism

- Ability to operate in high-pressure environments

Qualifications

- Degree in Cyber Security, IT or related discipline

- Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CRISC or CCISO desirable

Key Details

- Contract: 12-Month Day Rate Contract

- Location: Hybrid – 3 days onsite / 2 days remote

- Start Date: Immediate start preferred

Please note all applicants require a valid EU/UK Passport or Stamp 4 Visa to be considered for this role.

For more information, please apply here or contact Michael Mooney / michael(dot)mooney(at)eirbusiness(dot)ie Ref: EBT7948

Candidates must be eligible to work full time and long term in the location specified or currently hold a valid appropriate long term work Visa to apply.

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