Chief Information Security Officer

About MAG and the Role

Manchester Airports Group (MAG) is the UK's largest airport operator, overseeing complex technology-driven environments that serve millions of passengers and numerous business stakeholders annually. We seek an outstanding Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to lead our cybersecurity vision, strengthen resilience, and help define secure digital aviation's future.

This senior leadership position offers a rare chance to influence board-level decisions while safeguarding vital infrastructure across a growing and diverse technological landscape. Reporting to the Chief Information Officer, the CISO is MAG's top cybersecurity authority, steering enterprise-wide information security strategy, ensuring the protection of assets, systems, employees, customers, and partners against evolving cyber threats.

Key Responsibilities

• Define, develop, and implement MAG’s comprehensive cybersecurity strategy and vision.
• Head the Cyber Security department to secure information assets, IT systems, and services.
• Provide regular cyber risk updates and strategic counsel to executive management and the Board.
• Serve as the Cyber Responsible Manager for regulatory compliance and maintain senior contacts with regulators and government bodies.
• Create and uphold an effective governance framework for information security, including policies and standards.
• Lead efforts in cyber incident preparedness, response, and recovery.
• Promote security awareness and cultivate a robust security culture throughout the organization.
• Oversee cybersecurity investments, manage budgets and allocate resources efficiently to maximize risk mitigation.
• Develop and nurture relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers, industry organizations, and government agencies to enhance overall resilience and share best practices.

Candidate Profile and Qualifications

We are looking for a strategic, influential leader with the capability to engage confidently at the executive and board levels while possessing hands-on experience in cybersecurity execution.

• Extensive senior leadership background in cybersecurity, information security, risk management, and technology fields.
• Track record in crafting and executing enterprise security strategies.
• Deep knowledge of cybersecurity governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance frameworks.
• Experience communicating complex security concerns to board members and senior executives effectively.
• Possession of recognized professional cybersecurity certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or CISA.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement, and relationship-building capabilities.
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and inspire high-performing teams.
• Strong commercial insight, including responsibility for cybersecurity budgets and vendor oversight.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience within highly regulated sectors or critical national infrastructure.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks like NIST, ISO 27001, COBIT, CIS Controls, and the NCSC Cyber Assessment Framework.
• Exposure to aviation, transportation, infrastructure, or similarly complex operational environments.

Company Values

• People at our Core
• Continuous Growth
• Ensuring Safety
• Collaborative Teamwork
• Commitment to a Sustainable Future

We seek a leader who exemplifies these principles, fosters trust, and motivates innovative thinking around cybersecurity and organizational resilience.

What MAG Offers

Joining MAG means contributing to a future-minded business that invests in technology, innovation, and people. This role offers a competitive executive remuneration package and a collaborative work environment where your expertise will significantly influence our organization's future.

Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

MAG is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects our values and drives our mission for industry leadership. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure all candidates can perform at their best.

Our Colleague Communities include Women’s Network, Embrace (Race & Ethnicity), Fly with Pride (LGBTQIA+), Mind Matters (Mental Health), PACT (Parents & Carers), RespectABILITY (Disability & Neurodiversity), and the CAVU Global ID&E Affinity Group.