Head of IT Security Operations
About GKN Automotive
GKN Automotive is a world-leading global automotive technology company at the forefront of innovation. Its origins date back to 1759 and for the last 70 years it has been putting key technologies into series production.
We are the trusted partner for most of the world’s automotive companies, specialising in developing, building, and supplying market-leading drive systems and advanced ePowertrain technologies.
GKN Automotive is part of Dowlais Group plc, a specialist engineering group focused on the automotive sector.
What you’ll do:
The Head of IT Security Operations is responsible for managing the day-to-day security of GKN Automotive’s technology stacks across multiple international locations.
You will lead the security operations team in a technical management role and work closely with other functions within GKN Automotive to ensure security operations are at the forefront of innovation and standard methodology.
You will play a critical part in identifying and safeguarding GKN Automotive from intrusion, security threats, security weaknesses, software vulnerabilities, and reporting incidents.
Collaborating with the Director of IT Security, you will provide regular critical metric reporting, including updates on the threat landscape and intelligence.
This is an outstanding opportunity to stamp your mark on the role. Alongside the Director, you will build on the existing team and truly impact global security for GKN. This role would be ideal for a technical, hands-on individual looking for ideas to be heard and motivated by growth and change.
Key Responsibilities Include:
1. Lead the Security Operations team to deliver best practice security capabilities globally.
2. Ensure a consistent and repeatable approach to security across all regions and sites.
3. Support and assist in running audits where necessary, particularly concerning ISO27001, NIS2, TISAX and other compliance standards.
4. Serve as the SME for all Security Operations functions,. SIEM, Anti-Virus, Vulnerability and Patch Management, Threat Intelligence, Incident Management, etc.
5. Define programme goals and roadmaps based on GKN Automotive’s needs and strategic direction and ensure that committed projects are delivered on schedule by the relevant team members.
6. Act as the escalation point for the Security Operations team.
7. Facilitate strong alignment between IT Security and other IT and Business functions with GKN Automotive.
8. Provide information security consultancy and advice to other GKN Automotive teams.
9. Lead all aspects of security risk registers, ensuring regular assessments and timely risk treatment activities.
10. Assist in implementing remediation actions to mitigate risks and meet best practice expectations.
11. Report to senior business collaborators, including IT Directors, VPs, and CIO.
What you’ll need:
12. Demonstrable experience in information security, with a focus on leading security functions.
13. Experience with recognised security frameworks and standards, such as TISAX, ISO 27001, NIST and CIS.
14. Consistent track record in team leadership in global security operations, influencing, implementing, and delivering strategic and cultural change.
15. Solid background in collaborator and partner/vendor management and teamwork across various groups.
16. Must have practical experience with technical tools utilised in security operations, including but not limited to SIEM systems, Threat Intelligence platforms, Vulnerability and Patch Management solutions, the Microsoft Defender suite, web proxies, firewalls, Email gateway technologies, and endpoint protection tools.
17. Must have experience in improving Security Operations capabilities to align with the business's strategic objectives and address the risks posed by an evolving threat landscape.
18. Bachelor's or master's degree in Computer Science, IT Security, Information Systems, or any related field. Equivalent experience will also be considered.
19. Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM and cybersecurity and data privacy (., ISO 27001 Lead Implementer, TISAX Assessor) are
Why you’ll love working here:
20. Market-leading company with lots of potential
21. Opportunity to take part in brand-new company projects
22. Attractive salary and benefits at a stable and financially healthy company
23. An organisation where you can commit to the long-term
24. Working in the OneIT team with colleagues around the globe
How to apply:
Please follow the link on our careers page and submit your resume in English because we are an international environment, and English is our business language.
If you need any adjustments made to support your application, for example, if you require information in different formats, or if you have any accessibility issues, then we have a process in place to support you – please feel free to get in touch with us at