Interim Chief Information Officer

Interim Chief Information Officer – Classified Network Security Programme

• Job Title: Interim Chief Information Officer (CIO) – Classified Network Security Programme
• Location: UK Hybrid
• Clearance Required: Active Enhanced Developed Vetting (eDV) preferred. Minimum active Developed Vetting (DV)
• Contract Type: Interim/Contract (12-18 months initial, high likelihood of extension) – Outside IR35
• Day Rate: DOE

Role Overview: Strategic interim leadership of all IT and digital systems for a critical classified Network Security transformation programme within UK Defence. Reporting to the Programme SRO/Director General-level, own the full IT vision, secure architecture, delivery execution, and operational resilience across compartmented high-side networks handling STRAP/TOP SECRET+ material. Drive rapid, secure-by-design outcomes in a zero-trust environment while navigating Defence procurement, accreditation, and supplier ecosystems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Rapidly establish and execute programme-wide IT strategy, architecture, and governance aligned to NCSC IA standards, and digital operating model.
• Lead secure design and deployment of classified network infrastructure: high-assurance encryption, PKI/HSM, SASE/Zero Trust, secure cloud (AWS/Azure at SECRET/TOP SECRET), cross-domain solutions, and resilient VDI.
• Own RMADS production, accreditation, ITHC, and risk processes; primary IT interface with NCSC, DIO, and Defence stakeholders.
• Accelerate secure digital transformation: DevSecOps pipelines, automation, cleared AI/ML where permissible, and integrated SOC/SIEM operations.
• Control multi-£250m budgets, prime/SME supplier performance, and cleared delivery teams in a fast-paced Defence environment.
• Provide decisive board/SRO advice on IT risk, capability acceleration, and emerging tech within classified constraints.
• Ensure vetting pipeline sustainability and full compliance for programme personnel/systems.

Essential Experience & Skills:

• Proven interim CIO/CTO track record delivering classified IT programmes in MoD, Defence Primes (BAE, QinetiQ, Leidos, etc.), or UKIC at DV/eDV level.
• Hands-on expertise in classified network architecture, cryptography, cross-domain guards, and high-side systems deployment.
• Strong Defence-sector commercial delivery: budget control, framework management, outcome-focused acceleration under tight timelines.
• Established MoD/NCSC/DIO relationships and credibility at DG/2*+ level.
• Certifications desirable: CISSP-ISSMP, CISM, TOGAF.

Clearance & Eligibility:

• Active eDV or active DV

Next Steps:

If interested, please send your most recent CV to me so that we can speak in more detail.