Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Location: Brussels, Belgium

Job Type: 12 month contract

Department: Information Security / IT

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Language Requirement: Fluent French (spoken and written) is mandatory

Position Overview:

We are seeking a seasoned Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to lead our cybersecurity strategy and governance. Based in Brussels, the CISO will be responsible for establishing and maintaining the enterprise vision, strategy, and program to ensure information assets and technologies are adequately protected.

This leadership role requires strong collaboration across departments and with executive stakeholders to effectively manage cybersecurity risks, ensure regulatory compliance (e.g. GDPR, NIS2), and build a security-first culture within the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive enterprise information security strategy aligned with business goals.
• Oversee the creation, implementation, and maintenance of cybersecurity policies, standards, and procedures.
• Identify, evaluate, and report on information security risks, emerging threats, and trends to senior leadership.
• Lead incident response efforts and crisis management related to cybersecurity breaches.
• Ensure compliance with local and European data protection and cybersecurity regulations (e.g. GDPR, NIS2, DORA).
• Conduct regular risk assessments, penetration tests, and audits across systems and third-party vendors.
• Promote security awareness and lead training initiatives across all departments.
• Engage with external regulators, auditors, and stakeholders on all matters related to security compliance.
• Report regularly to executive management and/or the board on the company’s security posture.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or related field.
• Proven experience (8+ years) in information security with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Deep understanding of information security frameworks (e.g. ISO 27001, NIST, COBIT).
• Strong knowledge of European cybersecurity and data protection regulations (GDPR, NIS2, DORA).
• Recognized certifications preferred: CISSP, CISM, CISA, ISO 27001 Lead Implementer/Auditor.
• Experience with risk management, vulnerability assessments, and compliance auditing.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Fluent French (spoken and written) is mandatory. Proficiency in English is an asset; Dutch is a plus.

Darwin Recruitment AG is a Zurich based, SECO licensed, privately owned subsidiary of Darwin Professional Staffing Group Ltd (a Global IT Recruitment Consultancy).

Darwin Recruitment AG manages client relationships whilst also utilising Darwin Professional Staffing Group databases and networks to source Candidates and fulfil client requests.

We do not ask for a placement fee from Candidates/Employees.

If you wish to contact a specialist regarding this role, or your job search in general, please contact +41 (0)43 456 29 09

Anthony Furlonge