Head of Cyber Security & Assurance
Are you a strategic cyber security leader who can balance risk management with business enablement? Do you thrive in complex environments where you can influence executive decision-making, drive security maturity, and help an organisation operate confidently in an increasingly digital world?
We are seeking an exceptional Head of Cyber Security & Assurance to lead our cyber security, information assurance, governance, risk and compliance functions.
About the Role
Reporting to the Chief Information Officer, the Head of Cyber Security & Assurance will establish and lead the organisation’s Cyber Security and Information Assurance function.
You will embed a holistic approach to security across people, processes, technology, vendors and information assets, ensuring cyber risks are effectively identified, understood and managed.
As a trusted advisor to executives and senior leaders, you will provide strategic direction on cyber risk, governance, compliance and organisational resilience, while enabling transformation, innovation and the achievement of broader organisational objectives.
This is a full-time permanent role based at the Knox Civic Centre. We support flexible working arrangements while ensuring operational needs of the role are met.
This is a Band 8 classified role. Remuneration will be $134,338 to $150,831 (depending on experience) plus superannuation in accordance with the Superannuation Guarantee.
Key Responsibilities
You will:
- Lead the Cyber Security and Information Assurance function, building a high-performing and collaborative team.
- Develop and deliver Council’s cyber security and information assurance strategy aligned with organisational objectives and risk appetite.
- Provide strategic advice to executives and governance bodies on cyber risk, emerging threats and security priorities.
- Lead cyber governance, risk, assurance and compliance frameworks across the organisation.
- Oversee security architecture, secure-by-design practices and cyber risk across projects, technology and information assets.
- Lead threat, vulnerability and incident management, strengthening organisational resilience and recovery capability.
- Uplift cyber security awareness and capability across the organisation, supporting risk-informed decision-making and shared accountability.
- Manage third-party and supply chain cyber risks, including security requirements across procurement and vendors.
- Monitor and report on security posture, risk exposure, compliance and performance.
What you will bring to this role
You are a strategic and influential leader with a deep understanding of cyber security, risk management and assurance practices.
You have the ability to translate complex technical risks into clear business outcomes and can build trusted relationships across all levels of an organisation.
The key selection criteria for this role are:
- Significant experience leading cyber security, information assurance, risk or related functions in a complex organisation.
- Strong people leadership capability, with experience leading, coaching and developing high-performing teams.
- Demonstrated experience developing and delivering cyber security strategy, governance, risk, assurance and compliance frameworks.
- Strong knowledge of cyber security architecture, threat and vulnerability management, incident response and organisational resilience.
- Proven ability to provide trusted strategic advice and influence executives, senior leaders and governance bodies.
- Strong understanding of relevant legislation, regulatory obligations and recognised cyber security frameworks.
- Demonstrated ability to build cyber security awareness and capability across an organisation and embed a strong security culture.
- Experience managing third-party, supplier and technology-related cyber security risks.
- Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or recognised cyber security certifications (e.g. CISSP, CISM, CCSP) (Desirable)
- Experience working within local government, the public sector or a similarly regulated environment. (Desirable)
How to apply
Please submit your application, including your resume and cover letter online via the ‘Apply’ button by 6.00PM Sunday, 20 September 2026.
All applications must be made via the online portal. No applications direct to the hiring manager will be considered.
For further information on this role please contact Dan Ten, Chief Information Officer at Dan.Ten@knox.vic.gov.au
A link to the position description can be found in the job listing on our Knox City Council Jobs and Careers page.
Please note: Candidates will be shortlisted as applications are received and this role may close earlier than the anticipated closing date.
Why work at Knox
Discover your future at Knox City Council, where you will deliver meaningful impact, find great opportunities and work with committed people to shape our community. As an employee of Knox, you can enjoy:
- Accrued or rostered days off available for full-time roles, depending on operational requirements
- Broad range of leave options including 18 weeks' primary and 5 weeks' secondary parental leave, and 3 days summer holiday leave
- Salary sacrifice option for Council-owned childcare fees
- Opportunities to take on temporary roles or work in different teams to build skills and support career growth
- Support towards further study
- 50% off Knox Leisureworks memberships
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for support in managing personal and work-related challenges.
- Free onsite parking at the Civic Centre
To find out more about the benefits of working at Knox City Council, visit knox.vic.gov.au/why-work-knox
Inherent requirements
To view the inherent requirements for this position please see attachment below.
Our commitments
Knox City Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to providing a workplace that embraces diversity and inclusion. We are committed to a positive, barrier-free recruitment process. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application.
Knox City Council has zero tolerance for child abuse and all forms of harm to children. All children and young people who access our services, programs, events and facilities have the right to feel safe and be safe. This includes spaces owned or managed by Council. We take the wellbeing and safety of children and young people in our care seriously. We maintain a child safe organisation by embedding the protection of children into everyday thinking and practice. All Knox City Council employees, contractors and volunteers are responsible for ensuring children and young people are valued, heard and protected from abuse.
Knox City Council acknowledges our offices are located on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation.
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