The main objective of the VP - IT Cyber Security role is to lead the organization’s enterprise-wide strategic and operational cyber defense, security engineering, and operational resilience capabilities. The focus is on ensuring robust protection of digital assets, infrastructure, and business operations through advanced detection, response, architecture, and engineering controls. This includes partnering with the Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) function to implement and remediate technical control requirements.
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Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Work Conditions: On-site, Full-time
Key Responsibilities:
- Define and execute the Cyber Defense Strategy, developing a multi-year plan covering defensive security, offensive security (red teaming, adversary simulation), and incident response aligned with business priorities.
- Lead Security Operations (SOC), ensuring 24/7 monitoring, detection, threat hunting, digital forensics, and incident response for rapid threat identification and containment.
- Drive continuous enhancement of detection and response capabilities utilizing automation, orchestration, and AI-driven analytics to reduce Mean Time to Detect (MTTD) and Mean Time to Respond (MTTR).
- Govern secure Enterprise Security Architecture across cloud, on-premises, hybrid environments, endpoints, networks, and identity platforms, embedding security-by-design principles.
- Manage enterprise vulnerability, penetration testing remediation, configuration hardening, and attack surface reduction initiatives.
- Lead major cyber incident and crisis management as the executive technical lead during significant cyber incidents, ensuring coordinated response, containment, and recovery.
- Partner with GRC for control implementation, ensuring technical controls effectively address identified risks and audit findings.
- Drive cyber resilience and recovery capabilities that support business continuity and critical system availability objectives.
- Manage the cyber security operations budget, optimize vendor performance, and make strategic ROI-driven investment decisions.
- Build and lead a high-performing Strategic and Operational security organization, establishing succession planning and fostering a culture of accountability and operational excellence.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in IT with a specialization in Cyber Security.
- Fluent in English.
- 15+ years of experience in IT, including at least 10 years focused on Cyber Security with senior leadership experience.
- Knowledge of basic Data Science concepts and processes.
- Relevant certifications such as GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA), Certified Cyber Threat Hunting Professional (CCTHP), Master Threat Hunter (MTH), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
Competencies:
- Customer Focus
- Teamwork
- Effective Communication
- Personal Accountability & Commitment to Achieve
- Resilience & Flexibility
- Decision Making
- Inspiring & Developing Others
- Strategic Thinking
- Business Acumen
ISR Requirements:
- Comply with the ISR policies of the company and report any weaknesses or incidents to the respective Line Manager or the Information Security team.
- Complete all required ISR awareness sessions and follow associated guidelines in daily business operations.
