Salary for Executive-level / Director Head of Information Security in United Kingdom during 2024

Salary details

The average executive-level / director Head of Information Security salary lies between USD 70,026 and USD 112,500 in the United Kingdom. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Nov. 10, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Executive-level / Director Head of Information Security roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with executive-level / director Head of Information Security job listings are Compliance, CISSP and CISM. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Compliance | 36 jobs CISSP | 26 jobs CISM | 26 jobs Strategy | 25 jobs Risk management | 25 jobs ISO 27001 | 24 jobs Computer Science | 20 jobs Incident response | 18 jobs Risk assessment | 18 jobs Security strategy | 18 jobs Privacy | 17 jobs SOC | 15 jobs Audits | 14 jobs NIST | 14 jobs Governance | 14 jobs Vulnerabilities | 12 jobs GDPR | 12 jobs Cloud | 12 jobs CISA | 11 jobs Security assessment | 9 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Executive-level / Director Head of Information Security roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with executive-level / director Head of Information Security job listings are Career development, Health care and Startup environment. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 27 jobs Health care | 15 jobs Startup environment | 12 jobs Equity / stock options | 11 jobs Team events | 10 jobs Salary bonus | 10 jobs Competitive pay | 8 jobs Insurance | 8 jobs Flex hours | 7 jobs Wellness | 5 jobs Parental leave | 4 jobs Fitness / gym | 4 jobs Medical leave | 4 jobs Flex vacation | 2 jobs Home office stipend | 2 jobs 401(k) matching | 1 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 1 jobs Yoga | 1 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United Kingdom, the salary composition for an Executive-level or Director Head of Information Security typically includes a mix of fixed salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration. The fixed salary often constitutes the majority of the total compensation package, ranging from 60% to 80%. Bonuses, which can be performance-based or tied to company profitability, usually account for 10% to 20% of the total package. Additional remuneration may include stock options, profit-sharing, or other incentives, making up the remaining 10% to 20%. The exact composition can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. For instance, larger companies or those in high-demand sectors like finance or technology may offer more substantial bonuses and stock options.

Increasing Salary Potential

To increase your salary further from this position, consider pursuing advanced leadership roles such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or transitioning to a larger organization with a more complex security environment. Networking within industry circles and attending relevant conferences can also open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Additionally, specializing in emerging areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security or AI-driven security solutions, can make you more valuable. Continuous professional development, including obtaining advanced certifications or an MBA, can also enhance your qualifications and salary prospects.

Educational Requirements

Most executive-level positions in information security require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. However, a master's degree in cybersecurity, information systems, or business administration is often preferred, especially for roles with significant strategic responsibilities. An MBA with a focus on information security can also be advantageous, as it combines technical knowledge with business acumen, which is crucial for executive roles.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications play a crucial role in demonstrating expertise and commitment to the field. Common and highly regarded certifications for this role include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

These certifications not only validate your skills but also keep you updated with the latest industry standards and practices.

Required Experience

Typically, a minimum of 10 to 15 years of experience in information security or related fields is required for an executive-level position. This experience should include a proven track record of managing security teams, developing security strategies, and implementing security policies. Experience in risk management, compliance, and incident response is also crucial. Leadership experience, particularly in managing cross-functional teams and projects, is highly valued.

Related salaries

Want to contribute?