[Hiring] Chief Information Security Officer @Return

Role Description

Return is hiring a CISO. We build and operate industrial-size Battery Energy Storage Systems. This is critical energy infrastructure, and it needs one owner for security and compliance.

You will make a measurable impact on the energy transition at country level. Return recently raised €300M to support its growth.

You report to the CTO and have direct access to the management board.

What you will own

• Security standards for IT and OT: Propose the risk appetite to the management board, set standards and requirements, and verify implementation.
• Regulatory compliance: Own compliance with NIS2 and its national transpositions, write policies, and file necessary documents.
• ISO 27001: Maintain certification and extend scope to newer platforms and operations centers.
• IEC 62443 certification: Manage the certification process from gap assessment to security level targets.
• Vendor and contract work: Negotiate security requirements in contracts with battery suppliers and partners.

Qualifications

• Hands-on security leadership in a regulated industry or critical infrastructure.
• Willingness to do the paperwork related to documentation and compliance.
• Willingness to read local regulation across multiple countries.
• Ability to influence without formal control.
• Speed in delivering security controls without slowing down delivery.
• Technical credibility with understanding of Terraform, Kubernetes, and industrial protocols.
• Practical skills in threat modeling, segmentation, and secure remote access.
• Fluency with AI tools for security work.
• Comfort with OT and experience with SCADA-adjacent systems.
• English at a professional level; Dutch or German is a plus.

Requirements

• Background check required before a final offer.
• Ability to work remotely if living in the EU with the right to work.
• Willingness to travel to battery sites and operations centers.
• Participation in incident escalation chain as required by NIS2.

Benefits

• Minimal meetings to allow for uninterrupted focus time.
• Thorough hiring process to ensure the right fit.