Head of Security (CISO)

Location: Hybrid | Permanent

ClearCourse is seeking an experienced Head of Security (CISO) to lead and evolve our group-wide security strategy across a diverse portfolio of 40+ software and payments businesses.

Reporting to the Chief Technology & Transformation Officer, with a dotted line to the Board and Audit Committee, this is a pivotal executive leadership role responsible for security governance, operations, compliance, and risk management across a complex technology estate spanning payments, healthcare, and B2B SaaS.

With ongoing M&A activity, active PCI-DSS obligations, and a rapidly evolving platform landscape, you'll play a critical role in protecting our customers, supporting business growth, and embedding security across the organisation.

What you'll do

• Define and lead the Group's security strategy, policies, and governance framework
• Provide Board-level reporting on security posture, risks, and compliance activities
• Oversee security operations, including threat detection, incident response, and remediation
• Act as the executive lead during security incidents and manage external stakeholder communications
• Own PCI-DSS compliance across ClearAccept and ClearDebit payment platforms
• Lead the Group's Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) function, including ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials, PCI-DSS, and data protection obligations
• Manage relationships with auditors, regulators, cyber insurers, and certification bodies
• Lead security assessments and integration activities for acquisitions, driving alignment to Group standards
• Partner with Platform Engineering teams to embed security practices into development lifecycles without impacting delivery velocity
• Lead and develop the GRC function to support a proactive and risk-aware security culture

• Previous experience operating at CISO level within a multi-product or multi-entity organisation
• Hands-on experience leading PCI-DSS compliance programmes and QSA assessments
• Proven expertise building and managing enterprise-wide GRC frameworks and risk registers
• Experience assessing and integrating security functions following M&A activity
• Strong understanding of DevSecOps principles and embedding security into engineering practices
• Experience leading major security incidents, including external communications and stakeholder management
• Ability to influence at Board and executive leadership level
• Strong leadership skills with experience building and developing high-performing security teams