Find the perfect Head of Cyber Security in Germany in minutes with the power of AI from over 15,000 CVs of vetted experts.
Secure your digital assets with experienced leaders specializing in ISO 27001 compliance, NIS-2 readiness, and incident response, matched fast with available freelance experts.
About the role
Strategic Information Security Leadership
Protecting digital assets requires strategic vision and execution. A security leader designs robust defense strategies that align with business goals while mitigating risk across cloud and on-premise environments. Especially for German companies navigating complex digital transformations, safeguarding proprietary intellectual property and stabilizing supply chain security are critical priorities.
Key Technical Deliverables
- Implementing robust information security management systems based on ISO 27001 and BSI IT-Grundschutz
- Overseeing comprehensive vulnerability management and penetration testing programs
- Establishing continuous security monitoring and reliable Incident Response Plans
- Ensuring strict regulatory compliance with GDPR and emerging NIS-2 directives
- Conducting technical risk assessments of third-party vendors and IT infrastructure
Essential Expert Competencies
Strong technical leaders possess deep knowledge of zero-trust architecture, cloud security engineering, and secure software development practices. Beyond technical expertise, they excel in stakeholder communication, translating complex risk matrices into actionable business decisions for C-level executives and board members. This balance ensures security initiatives support rather than hinder corporate operations.
When to Hire an Interim Security Director
Organizations bring in external leadership during critical transitions, such as sudden executive departures, post-incident remediation, or major infrastructure overhauls. A freelance expert integrates immediately, auditing existing systems and establishing strong governance frameworks without the long hiring cycles associated with permanent executive recruitment.
Meet FRATCH Heads of Cyber Security
Karl-Heinz Schulte
Interim Executive | Board Member for IT, Digital, AI, and Transformation
Last position:
CIO
- CIO at nutrition R&D and producer (family owned)
Strengthened IT Team, recovered IT service, reviewed and streamlined complex SAP landscape, reviewed IT security set-up, reviewed laboratory IT
Flamur Abdyli
Fractional Chief Information Security Officer
Last position:
Fractional Chief Information Security Officer at VR Smart Guide GmbH
- Enhance and develop the Information Security Management System (ISMS) in compliance with ISO 27001 and TISAX standards by continuously updating and refining the ISMS to align with evolving global standards.
- Ensure that security practices and policies are integrated into all business processes to achieve and maintain certifications.
- Lead the effort to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks across the organization, setting benchmarks for security measures.
- Oversee and refine security processes, with an emphasis on incident management and rapid response by developing and enforcing policies for rapid detection, investigation and remediation of security incidents.
- Train and lead the incident response team to handle breaches effectively, minimizing impact and ensuring swift recovery.
- Implement continuous monitoring solutions to detect and respond to threats in real time.
- Conduct comprehensive security assessments for internal and external IT projects, ensuring adherence to GDPR, DORA and other relevant standards.
- Oversee security evaluations for all IT projects to ensure they comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Integrate security measures from the planning phase through deployment to ensure all projects uphold the organization’s security standards.
- Collaborate with project teams to address findings and ensure that security risks are managed effectively.
- Serve as the principal security advisor to the IT department and senior management, offering insights on potential security challenges.
- Facilitate a culture of security awareness throughout the organization through training and regular communication.
- Lead security initiatives that align with the organization’s long-term strategic goals.
- Establish and oversee a robust third-party risk management framework to mitigate external security threats by regularly assessing third-party security practices and compliance and developing contingency plans and mitigation strategies.
- Provide regular updates and security briefings to the executive leadership and relevant committees, highlighting recent security incidents, responses, lessons learned and recommending strategic improvements.
Sergey Komarov
Managing Director Cybersecurity
Last position:
Managing Director Cybersecurity at CBA-Cybersecurity and Business Advisory GmbH
- Development of comprehensive services in cybersecurity, IT governance, and AI
- Building and delivering strategic security solutions such as vCISO service, ISMS, SOC-as-a-Service (SIEM, SOAR, use cases, playbooks, threat hunting, incident response), AI-driven risk and compliance tools, and frameworks for outsourcing and third-party risks
- Supporting companies in meeting regulatory requirements and certifications (ISMS, NIS-2, DORA, CRA, KRITIS, ISO 27001, TISAX, BSI IT Baseline Protection, EU AI Act)
- Promoting innovations in cybersecurity automation, AI governance, and secure digital transformation
- Responsible for company growth, client relations, and strategic partnerships
Peter Weileder
Program and Project Manager / Internal Auditor / CISO
Last position:
ISO 27001 Auditor for health insurance archive system at Health insurance company
The replacement of the existing archive system (document management system – DMS) on a host-based platform is well advanced.
The internal audit is meant to ensure the company's quality standards.
GDPR
ISO 27001 ff.
BSI
DORA
Patient data regulations
Host / Cloud / S3 / Container / highly scalable / Nuxeo
Budget: 50,000
Team: 1
Ekrem Tunclar
Trainee Auditor ISO27001
Last position:
Trainee Auditor ISO27001 at GUT Certifizierungsgesellschaft für Managementsysteme mbH
- Clients: SMEs and public organizations
Gilbert Lintner
Cyber Security Expert
Last position:
Cyber Security Expert at TüV Süd AG (via Sthree GmbH)
- Security analysis of alerts
- Further development of the security operations center
- Development of processes and workflows in the security environment
- Implementation of SOC solutions
- Forensic expertise
- Conducting hunts
- Vulnerability scans and proof of concepts
- Risk assessments and risk analyses
- Maintenance and further development of the Tenable.sc ScanCenter environment
Simone Amoroso
Head of Technology & CISO
Last position:
Head of Technology & CISO at AI Quality and Testing Hub
- Lead developer of Prof. Valmed, the first LLM-powered medical device (utilising RAG on a medical corpus of 2.5M+ documents) to receive a CE certification.
- Designed and implemented cloud-native MLOps infrastructure for ENBW’s energy trading analytics division, enabling scalable deployment and monitoring of predictive models.
- Architected end-to-end testing and validation frameworks for AI/ML systems, ensuring quality, compliance, and robustness in critical and regulated applications.
- Conducted professional training on AI testing, EU regulatory frameworks, and quality assurance for production AI systems.
Ransford Annan
IT System & Security Engineer
Last position:
Volunteer IT & Cybersecurity Team Lead at Farm House Organic
- Led remote IT and cybersecurity operations, including secure device provisioning, app deployment, compliance monitoring, and endpoint security with Microsoft Intune and Defender for Endpoint.
- Managed Identity and Access Management (IAM) with Microsoft Entra ID, including implementing role-based access control, conditional access, VPN configuration, and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Maintained and secured Cloud PCs, provided technical remote support, and optimized performance within the Microsoft 365 Business environment.
Kevin Engelhardt
CISO as a Service
Last position:
CISO as a Service at Joint Venture International Insurance
- Leading security operations and governance, ensuring continuous ISO 27001 conformity
- Enabling the secure integration of SaaS and AI tools across the organisation
- Driving AI strategy and governance to ensure responsible and compliant adoption
Robert Fox
Senior / Executive Interim CIO / CTO & CISO
Last position:
Technology & Security Executive
Transformational leadership at the intersection of business strategy and technology innovation
Managed technology transformations with budgets up to €150M (OPEX & CAPEX)
Led multinational teams of 50-150 professionals across various industries
Directed enterprise-wide security programs and digital transformation initiatives
Orchestrated successful M&A integrations, carve-outs and crisis management
Executed large-scale transition programs for global organizations
Security excellence: advanced implementation of ISO27001, NIS2, TISAX, DORA, ISMS frameworks, among others
Digital innovation: cloud transformation, AI security integration, IoT/Industry 4.0
Infrastructure expertise: enterprise architecture, network security, data center optimization
Program management: PMI, PRINCE2, ITIL, ITSM methodologies
Risk management: cyber resilience, compliance, business continuity
Strategic vision: translating complex technical challenges into business opportunities
Change leadership: guiding organizations through digital evolution and security transformation
Crisis management: rapid response and recovery in high-pressure situations
Stakeholder engagement: building consensus across the C-suite, boards and global teams
Innovative mindset: quick adaptation to emerging technologies and market demands
Global perspective: extensive international experience and multicultural sensitivity
Talent development: mentoring and building high-performance technical teams
Knowledge transfer: effective communication of complex concepts at all levels
Solution focus: pragmatic problem solving with strategic long-term vision
Relationship building: strong stakeholder management and executive presence
Bilingual: English (native), German (business level)
Strategic thinking combined with meticulous attention to detail
Results-driven with a service-oriented approach
Analytical mindset with creative problem-solving skills
Diplomatic leadership style enriched by strategic humor
Industry experience: financial services, banking & insurance, energy & utilities, automotive & engineering, healthcare & life sciences, technology & telecommunications
Ralf Lembke
Chief Information Security Officer
Last position:
Chief Information Security Officer at Stadtwerke Krefeld Holding AG
- Building an information security management system for the entire group
- Supporting 2 KRITIS subsidiaries
Volker Jung
Interim CISO (Germany, Austria, US, APAC), Auditor
Last position:
Interim CISO (Germany, Austria, US, APAC), Auditor at Vetter Pharma-Fertigung GmbH & Co. KG
- Planned and initiated BIA/BCM assessment to identify risk mitigation measures and process optimization, and provide risk transparency to the general management
- Evaluated KRITIS/NIS-2 status and implemented requirements
- Created comprehensive digital roadmap and ISO 27001/NIS-2/Data Privacy KRITIS roadmap
- Enhanced crisis management process and documentation
- Integrated information security clauses into customer and supplier contracts to ensure compliance with internal and regulatory requirements
- Ensured organizational readiness for audits by the Landesbehörde für Aufsicht (LBA) and supported audit processes
- Improved asset management processes and classification of sensitive data to strengthen overall security
- Planned and ordered regular penetration tests (internal, external) to identify vulnerabilities and improve security measures
- Performed compliance checks against EU CER requirements and reporting
- Created management status and risk reports to ensure transparent communication of risks and security posture
- Managed registration with the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) and provided ongoing status updates
- Conducted risk assessment of supply chain, enhanced evaluation and reporting processes
- Improved IT/OT network segmentation to enhance security and reduce potential audit risks
- Strengthened cyber resilience by proactive measures and enhanced security frameworks and KPI reporting
- Onboarded SIEM/SOC/EDR to improve cybersecurity monitoring and response
- Planned and conducted awareness trainings for employees, administrators, and management
- Enhanced incident reporting processes to ensure timely and accurate reporting of cybersecurity events
- Created AI policy in cooperation with the Legal department to secure use and governance of Artificial Intelligence within the organization
- Scoped and implemented ISO 27001:2022 requirements as part of the Information Security Management System
- Served as interim InfoSec team lead
- Introduced information security to global KAM and Sales organization
- Improved admission and access management including privileged access
- Conducted internal audits in collaboration with internal audit department
Christian Gebhardt
Deputy Chief Information Security Officer
Last position:
Deputy Chief Information Security Officer at Gothaer Solutions GmbH
- Deputy lead of the 10-member information security management team in a highly regulated environment (DORA, VAIT, BAIT)
- Direct reporting lines to the CIO of the Gothaer Group and the management board of Gothaer Solutions
- Regular member of the Group Risk Committee and the Compliance Committee
- Managing and coordinating information security processes within the company and with IT service providers
- Leading task forces for handling information security incidents
- Contributing to IT emergency and business continuity management
Patrick Günther
Information Security Manager
Last position:
Information Security Manager at IT-Freelancer
- Responsible for computer software validation (CSV) of the IT infrastructure
- Supported the operation and maintenance of the Integrated Management System (IMS)
- Served as interim information security officer (ISMR) for two companies in the medtech industry
- Ensured ISO 27001 compliance within the organization
- Contributed to implementing cybersecurity requirements for health software and networked medical devices according to ISO 81001-1
Discover over 15,000 top freelancers
Heads of Cyber Security statistics
Aggregated from the professional profiles of matched freelancers.
Experience
15 years
Position duration
2.7 years
Positions per freelancer
10
Top business areas
Information Technology, Project Management, Operations
Top industries
Information Technology, Energy, Banking and Finance
Certification focus areas
Information Technology, Audit, Quality Assurance
Bachelor's degree or higher
90%
Master's degree or higher
40%
Doctorate
10%
Certifications per freelancer
7
Most common languages
English, German, Russian
Speak two or more languages
100%
Daily Rate Distribution
The chart shows how the daily rates of freelancers in this role are distributed, based on recent contracts on our platform. Each bar covers a rate range — its height shows how many freelancers charge within that range. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
Average rates for Heads of Cyber Security & Seniority distribution
Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.
The average daily rate is the mean of all daily rates from recent contracts of comparable freelancers on our platform.
The median daily rate is the middle value of all daily rates — half of comparable freelancers charge less, half charge more. Unlike the average, it is barely affected by outliers.
Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions in mind? Get key insights about FRATCH
A freelance Head of Cyber Security defines, implements, and monitors an organization's overall information security strategy. They manage security teams, coordinate incident response plans, and ensure that corporate IT infrastructure complies with modern standards like ISO 27001.
While an IT Security Lead focuses primarily on the technical implementation of security controls, a Chief Information Security Officer operates at a strategic level. They align security initiatives with business objectives, manage security budgets, and report directly to executive boards on corporate risk.
Hiring a freelance cybersecurity director is highly effective during transitional phases, merger integration, or when preparing for urgent compliance audits. They provide immediate, highly specialized leadership without the long onboarding times and overhead costs of a permanent hire.
In Germany, a Head of Cyber Security must navigate strict national and European regulations. This includes implementing frameworks like BSI IT-Grundschutz, ensuring GDPR compliance, and preparing corporate infrastructure for the upcoming NIS-2 Directive.
An interim CISO can perform a large portion of their strategic and governance work remotely. However, for initial risk assessments, stakeholder alignment workshops, and emergency incident responses, hybrid models with occasional on-site presence in Germany are highly recommended.
Look for an interim security leader with proven crisis-management experience and recognized industry certifications such as CISM or CISSP. A strong candidate should demonstrate a track record of successfully guiding organizations through complex audits or post-breach recovery phases.
The Head of Cyber Security acts as an objective advisor, collaborating closely with internal IT managers and software architects to embed security into the development lifecycle. They bridge the gap between technical operations and executive-level risk management.
Manufacturing companies, automotive suppliers, and financial institutions in Germany benefit significantly from hiring an experienced cybersecurity lead. These highly targeted sectors require rapid deployment of defensive measures to protect intellectual property and ensure supply chain continuity.
The average hourly rate for Heads of Cyber Security in Germany is 145 €, which corresponds to a daily rate of about 1,156 € based on an 8-hour working day.
Of the freelancers working as Heads of Cyber Security in Germany, 90% hold at least a Bachelor's degree, 40% hold at least a Master's degree, and 10% hold a doctorate.
On average, freelancers working as Heads of Cyber Security in Germany have 15 years of professional experience, with a single engagement typically lasting around 2.7 years.
The most common languages among freelancers working as Heads of Cyber Security in Germany are English (100%), German (93%), and Russian (21%).
The most common industries among freelancers working as Heads of Cyber Security in Germany are Information Technology (93%), Energy (57%), and Banking and Finance (57%).
The most common business areas among freelancers working as Heads of Cyber Security in Germany are Information Technology (100%), Project Management (79%), and Operations (50%).
FRATCH Heads of Cyber Security main locations
Our freelancers and interim experts are at home across the DACH region — available on-site in the major business hubs or fully remote. Choose a location to discover matched specialists, local market insights and up-to-date availability.
Berlin Hamburg Munich Cologne Frankfurt Stuttgart Dusseldorf Leipzig Dortmund Essen Bremen Dresden Hanover Nuremberg Request a Free Demo
Get in touch with the FRATCH team and we will get back to you within 4 hours.
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We always have the time for a call or email!
Philipp Thomaschewski
FRATCH CEO
