Job Description

Head of IT & Security (Interim)

Reports to: Director of Operations


Contract type: Fixed-term (9 months)


Location: Hybrid / Finova Offices (London or Cheltenham)

About Finova

Finova is the UK's largest cloud-based mortgage and savings software providers, supporting more than 60 leading lenders and 3,000 mortgage brokers. Our award-winning software suite includes origination solutions for mortgages and savings, servicing solutions for mortgages and savings, broker CRM solutions, and a range of solutions that connect lenders, intermediaries and consumers. Fast implementation and open architecture are at the centre of our technology, giving our customers the flexibility to integrate into their existing system or configure solutions to meet the needs of their business.

About the Role

Finova is seeking an experienced and hands-on Interim Head of IT & Security to provide leadership and continuity during a period of absence. This fixed-term role will be responsible for stabilising and enhancing the IT and Security functions, overseeing a small internal team and managing key strategic vendors. The successful candidate will bring a strong operational mindset, deep technical expertise, and the credibility to engage with client CISOs and internal stakeholders at all levels.This is a hybrid role based in finova's London or Cheltenham office at least 3 days per week with some travel to other offices, when required.

What will you be doing?

Leadership & Oversight

Lead and manage the internal IT BAU and Security teams (approx. 6 people), ensuring continuity, performance, and morale. Provide day-to-day oversight of IT operations, including service desk, infrastructure, and access management. Oversee the security function, including SOC/SIEM operations, vulnerability management, and incident response.

Process, Governance and Risk

Stabilise and enhance IT and Security processes, with a focus on governance, reporting, and operational maturity. Strengthen compliance and risk management practices across IT and Security, ensuring alignment with regulatory and internal standards. Improve joiners, movers, leavers (JML) and access management processes to ensure compliance and efficiency. Drive improvements in incident response playbooks and ensure robust visibility across the IT estate.

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

Manage relationships with key IT and security vendors, ensuring service levels and strategic alignment. Oversee external vendors (SLA's, risks and processes etc.) Experience required with 3rd party management, including contract oversight and contract renewals. Act as a credible counterpart to client CISOs and security teams, representing Finova's security posture and roadmap.

Strategic Delivery

Lead the transition from Cyber Essentials to Cyber Essentials Plus certification. Collaborate with the leadership team to shape and deliver a cohesive IT and Cyber Security strategy. Address the backlog of vulnerabilities and ensure a sustainable remediation plan is in place. Support the organisation with the implementation of new tooling and the rollout of AI in a safe, secure, and controlled manner.

About You

Proven leadership experience in IT and Cyber Security, ideally in a regulated or enterprise environment. Strong technical knowledge of Microsoft Azure, including Defender and Sentinel. Demonstrated success in managing strategic vendors and outsourced security operations. Experience in designing and implementing IT and Cyber strategies, governance frameworks, and reporting structures. Experience in overseeing ISO27001 standards and NIST, SOC2 preferred Strong background in compliance and risk management, with the ability to embed these disciplines

What We Offer

Hybrid Working: 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, bank holiday trading and holiday purchase options, the opportunity to work from anywhere in the world for up to 4 weeks per year (depending on your role). Looking After You: Life Assurance, Group Income Protection, Private Medical Insurance, a pension scheme via Salary Exchange, an Employee Assistance Programme, and access to a Virtual GP. Family-Friendly Policies: Enhanced maternity and paternity pay, as well as paid time off for fertility treatments and pregnancy loss Extra Perks: Cycle to Work Scheme, discounts on shops, restaurants, and gym memberships, free fresh fruit daily, and opportunities to join colleague networks and social groups. Giving Back: One paid volunteering day annually and the Give-As-You-Earn scheme to support your favourite charities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you're


passionate about this role but don't meet all the criteria, please reach out - we'd love to discuss how your


skills and experiences align with our needs