Senior Security Specialist

The Very Group; Liverpool; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail organization in Liverpool seeks a Senior Security Specialist to enhance its digital security and compliance culture. The role involves implementing security measures across cloud environments, managing access controls, and collaborating with various departments to address security needs. Candidates with CISSP or CISM certification and strong IT security experience are preferred. This role offers competitive benefits including flexible working options and a substantial benefits package.

Benefits

Flexible, hybrid working model

£6500 flexible benefits allowance

30 days holiday + bank holidays

Udemy learning access

Bonus potential

Up to 25% discount on Very.co.uk

Matched pension up to 6%

Qualifications

• Knowledge of UK regulations and compliance standards.
• Hands-on experience improving organisational security posture.
• Proven ability to manage identity and access controls.

Responsibilities

• Protect the organisation’s digital assets and maintain compliance with security standards.
• Partner with departments to deliver tailored security solutions.
• Manage access controls and identity management.

Skills

IT security experience in IAM

Cloud security

Strong analytical skills

Excellent communication skills

Education

CISSP or CISM certification

Tools

Oracle Cloud

Azure

M365

Google Cloud

AWS

Job description

About us.

We are The Very Group and we’re here to help families get more out of life. We know that our customers work hard for their families and have a lot to balance in their busy lives. That’s why we combine amazing brands and products with flexible payment options on Very.co.uk to help them say yes to the things they love. We’re just as passionate about helping our people get more out of life too; building careers with real growth, a sense of purpose, belonging and wellbeing.

About the role

The Senior Security Specialist is a key player in safeguarding our organisation’s digital assets and driving a security‑first culture. Reporting to the Head of Information Security, you’ll deliver hands‑on expertise across business units, strengthen our security posture, and ensure compliance with industry standards.

This role isn’t just about defence—it’s about shaping strategy, influencing decisions, and embedding best practices that keep us ahead of evolving threats. You’ll collaborate widely, champion innovation, and help steer the vision of our security programme.

Scope of Role

Your impact spans the entire Group—regulators, customers, employees, third parties, and contractors. You’ll lead the implementation of new security defences, optimise existing controls, and ensure alignment with company policy and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Protect the organisation’s digital assets and maintain compliance with security standards.

• Partner with departments to understand their unique security needs and deliver tailored solutions.

• Identify and resolve areas of non‑compliance, driving improvements to strengthen our posture.

• Ensure audit readiness with robust IT general controls and automated processes.

• Manage access controls and identity management with precision and security.

• Implement and maintain best‑practice security measures across cloud environments.
• Support leadership in shaping long‑term security strategy and influencing executive decisions.

Essential knowledge and skills

Knowledge:

• UK regulations and compliance standards.

• Identity and Access Management (IDAM), including SSO and MFA.

• Cloud security for Oracle, Azure, M365, Google Cloud, AWS.

• Secure SDLC and agile methodologies.

Skills:

• Proven IT security experience in IAM, cloud, and infrastructure.

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving ability.

• Excellent communication and influencing skills.

Role‑Specific Qualifications:

• CISSP, CISM, or equivalent experience.

• Hands‑on experience improving organisational security posture.

Desired knowledge and skills

• Demonstrable experience in contributing to the Security agenda within a corporate organisation.

• Proven track record of identifying and mitigating security weaknesses through a hands‑on approach to improving security posture.

• Experience in ensuring adherence to security compliance requirements and security audits.

• Ability to develop and implement policies and procedures and manage user access to systems and data.

• Experience in supporting leadership and strategic activities, contributing to the overall direction and vision of the security programme.

Some of our benefits

• Flexible, hybrid working model
• Inclusive culture and environment, check out our Glassdoor reviews
• £6500 flexible benefits allowance to suit your needs
• 30 days holiday + bank holidays
• Udemy learning access
• Bonus potential (performance and business‑related)
• Up to 25% discount on Very.co.uk

• Matched pension up to 6%
• More benefits can be found on our career site

How to apply

Please note that the talent acquisition team are managing this vacancy directly, and if successful in securing this role, you will be required to undertake a credit, CIFAS, Right to Work checks and if a specific requirement of your role a DBS (criminal records) check. Should your application progress we require you to let the team know if there is anything you need to disclose in relation to any of these checks prior to them being undertaken, including any unspent criminal convictions.

What happens next?

Our talent acquisition team will be in touch if you’re successful so keep an eye on your emails! We’ll arrange a short call to learn more about you, as well as answer any questions you have. If it feels like we’re a good match, we’ll share your CV with the hiring manager to review. Our interview process is tailored to each role and can be in‑person or held remotely.

You can expect a two stage interview process after meeting the TA team,

First stage – A one‑hour face‑to‑face or MS Teams interview.

Second stage – A final stage 1 hour session, likely to include a task for you to prepare for.

As an inclusive employer please do let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments.

If you'd like to know more about our interviews, you can find out here.

Equal opportunities

We’re an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.