Head of Protect

Vacancies

Head of Protect

Job Introduction

Why Dechra?

Thank you for checking out our vacancy, we're delighted you want to learn more about joining Dechra.

A career at Dechra is different. Sure, we're a growing global company with a presence in 27 countries but our purpose is simple - to achieve the sustainable improvement of animal health and welfare globally .

If you want to be part of a team that invests in your future and ensures you have the support to reach your full potential and thrive, please read on .

The Opportunity

The Head of Protect is a senior cybersecurity leader responsible for defining and delivering the protection domain of the cybersecurity function, as aligned to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF). This role will lead all capabilities within the "Protect" pillar, including identity and access management, endpoint security, data security, insider risk, and security awareness & training. The postholder will also align role responsibilities to relevant NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework (NCWF) categories, ensuring capability uplift across the domain.

Role Responsibility

So, what will you be doing? This role has a broad and varied remit and the successful candidate will have responsibility for duties including:

• Define and own the strategic roadmap for all Protect functions under NIST CSF
• Lead and develop teams across:
• • Identity and Access Management (IAM)
  • Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Insider Risk
  • Endpoint Protection and Hardening
  • Security Awareness and Training
  • Information Protection & Rights Management
• Establish technical and policy controls to enforce least privilege and Zero Trust principles
• Ensure proactive identification and mitigation of insider threats
• Work closely with the Heads of Identify, Detect, and GRC to ensure consistent and scalable controls
• Maintain awareness of legal, regulatory, and compliance requirements, particularly NIS2 and data protection laws
• Select and manage relevant technologies in the protection domain
• Align team roles to NICE framework categories such as PR-AC (Access Control), PR-DS (Data Security), and PR-AT (Awareness and Training)
• Contribute to incident response planning and provide leadership in containment when Protect-layer controls are triggered

The Candidate

Here at Dechra we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer . We know that individuals' unique background and experience can bring a wealth of variety and expertise to our global workforce . For this role, we're particularly keen to hear from those who have/are:

Essential

• Extensive experience in cybersecurity in a leadership role
• Demonstrated experience managing IAM, endpoint, or data protection functions
• Knowledge of NIST CSF and implementation in enterprise environments
• Experience running insider risk programmes or DLP initiatives
• Strong communication and influencing skills, including with senior stakeholders
• Bachelor's degree in Information Security, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Familiarity with NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework roles is advantageous

Desirable

• Hands-on familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Purview, Defender for Endpoint, CrowdStrike, Okta, or similar
• Industry certifications desirable, such as CISSP, CISM, GIAC, or Microsoft SC-100/SC-400

Additional Information:

• This role forms part of the senior leadership team within Cybersecurity and plays a key role in ensuring Dechra's cyber maturity and regulatory alignment, including preparation for NIS2.
• Global travel as required

What we can offer you:

• 33 days annual (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Holiday purchase scheme
• Healthcare
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Assurance
• 8% Employer Pension Contribution
• Enhanced Family Leave
• Car / Car Allowance (discretionary)
• Bonus (discretionary)
• Discounted Pet Food

About the Company

If a career at Dechra has piqued your interest, find out more at Dechra Careers .

Dechra is a growing, global specialist in veterinary pharmaceuticals. Our expertise is in the development, manufacture, marketing and sales of high quality products exclusively for veterinarians worldwide .

All applications received are reviewed by our internal talent acquisition team and we will get in touch if your skills and experience match what we're looking for. Should you not hear back from us within 28 days please don't be too disappointed - we may keep your CV on our database for any future vacancies which could be suitable, and we encourage you to keep an eye on our careers site . We value diversity within our global workforce and encourage an inclusive culture. Any questions or queries, please contact us at recruituk@dechra.com