Cyber Defence Manager

This role is Office Flexible

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Cyber Defence Manager to join our award-winning IT team and play a key role in protecting one of the UK's leading hospitality businesses.

Reporting to the Head of Information Security, you'll lead the day-to-day cyber defence capability, helping to safeguard critical systems, customer data and business operations across a large and complex technology estate. This is an excellent opportunity for a security leader who enjoys building relationships, influencing security strategy and leading a team, while remaining technically hands-on.

Managing a team of Information Security professionals, you'll balance leadership responsibilities with operational delivery, driving improvements in incident response, cyber resilience, governance, risk management and security awareness.

This is a highly visible role where you'll work closely with senior stakeholders across the business, helping embed security into projects, technology decisions and business change initiatives.

This is a hybrid working role based at our Birmingham City Centre head office.

You’ll be rewarded with:

· 33% discount across all M&B brands.
· 20% Friends & Family discount for up to five people.
· Annual bonus scheme.
· Option to buy up to two additional weeks of holiday.
· Matched pension contributions (up to 1.5x your contribution).
· Private healthcare and dental plan.
· Cycle to Work and wellbeing schemes.
· 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
· Hybrid working and flexible approach.

What You'll Be Doing in this Cyber Defence Manager role

· Lead and develop the organisation's cyber defence and information security capability.
· Manage and coach a team of Information Security professionals.

Manage and drive effective performance of multiple security vendor partners.
· Own and enhance security incident response processes, communications and recovery activities.
· Lead security investigations and oversee remediation activities following incidents or identified risks.
· Drive compliance with security policies, standards and regulatory requirements, including where applicable, ISO 27001, Security essentials and PCI-DSS.
· Manage security audits, risk assessments and improvement plans
· Deliver security reporting, metrics and risk updates to senior stakeholders and governance forums.
· Partner with technology and business teams to embed security into projects, change initiatives and supplier engagements.
· Promote a strong security culture through awareness programmes, education and stakeholder engagement.
· Maintain awareness of emerging threats, vulnerabilities and best practices to continually improve security maturity.

What You'll need to bring to the Cyber Defence Manager

· Proven experience leading a Cyber Security, Cyber Defence or Information Security function within a complex organisation.
· Strong knowledge of security operations, incident response, risk management and security governance.
· Experience developing and implementing security policies, controls and security improvement programmes.
· Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
· Strong understanding of ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials, PCI-DSS and wider security best practices.
· Experience leading teams and driving positive change across technology and business functions.
· A pragmatic and commercial approach, balancing security requirements with business objectives.
· Ability to manage multiple priorities and make informed risk-based decisions.
· A hands-on mindset with a genuine passion for cyber security and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

· Experience in a similar Cyber Security, Cyber Defence or Information Security leadership role.
· Strong understanding of security frameworks, standards and methodologies.
· Professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CEH, CHECK, CESG or equivalent are desirable.

What makes Mitchells & Butlers a great place to work?

Cyber security is a key business priority at M&B, giving you the opportunity to influence strategy, shape capability and make a genuine impact across the organisation. You'll join a collaborative team environment where your expertise is valued and where you'll have the autonomy to drive meaningful security improvements.

At M&B we value the unique perspectives each person brings. We believe that by fostering a culture of inclusion, respect, and allyship, we create a sense of belonging, engagement and teamwork which are essential to delivering great guest experiences.

Join us and be a part of a great team!

Closing Date: Monday 21st September 2026