Cyber Security Lead

Job Title: Cyber Security Lead

Location: Dallas, TX

Work Arrangement:

 This position requires 100% onsite presence in Dallas, TX.

 Remote or hybrid work is not available for this role.

 Initial contract duration is 6+ months with potential extensions based on project requirements and performance.

 Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and be open to working onsite.

Position Overview:

The client is seeking an experienced Cyber Security Lead to serve as a strategic security advisor and extension of the IT Security organization, reporting directly to the IT Security Director/CISO. The ideal candidate will provide security leadership, risk management expertise, and technical guidance to strengthen the organization''s security posture, develop security roadmaps, and implement enterprise-wide security solutions.

This role requires a seasoned cybersecurity professional with extensive experience in information security, governance, risk management, compliance, infrastructure security, and identity management. The candidate will collaborate with business leaders, IT operations, engineering teams, legal, audit, and compliance stakeholders to ensure security best practices are effectively integrated across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

 Security Leadership & Strategy

·         Act as an extension of the Client IT Security team under the direction of the Security Director/CISO.

·         Provide security thought leadership and strategic consulting to business and IT stakeholders.

·         Assist in creating, reviewing, and maintaining the enterprise security roadmap.

·         Develop and implement security strategies aligned with business objectives.

·         Track emerging cybersecurity threats and industry trends to enhance security planning.

 Risk Management & Governance

·         Conduct security risk assessments and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies.

·         Develop, review, and implement security policies, standards, procedures, and controls.

·         Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, legal, and industry requirements.

·         Support governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) initiatives.

·         Collaborate with legal, audit, and compliance teams to address security-related concerns.

 Security Architecture & Operations

·         Design and implement enterprise security solutions and controls.

·         Review business requirements and develop secure architecture recommendations.

·         Manage and oversee security technologies including Firewalls, IPS, WAF, Endpoint Protection, SIEM, IAM, PAM, and Log Management solutions.

·         Evaluate third-party service providers and review Statements of Work (SOWs) to ensure adequate security protections.

·         Assess vendor security audit reports and identify security-related deficiencies and remediation requirements.

 Identity & Access Management

·         Support Identity and Access Management (IAM) initiatives.

·         Manage and oversee PAM (Privileged Access Management), IGA (Identity Governance & Administration), UAM (User Access Management), and UAR (User Access Reviews).

·         Implement and support SSO and MFA solutions utilizing Microsoft Entra ID and 1Password.

 IT Service Management & Security Operations

·         Support Change Management, Configuration Management, Asset Management, Incident Management, and Problem Management processes.

·         Collaborate with IT Operations and Engineering teams to strengthen operational security controls.

·         Provide guidance on security incident response and remediation efforts.

Required Qualifications:

·         15–20 years of overall Information Technology experience.

·         10–12 years of hands-on Information Security experience.

·         CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) certification is required.

·         Bachelor''s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, or a related field.

·         Proven experience designing, implementing, and managing enterprise security programs and controls.

·         Strong understanding of cybersecurity frameworks, security governance, and risk management principles.

Experience managing enterprise security infrastructure and technologies including:

·         Firewalls

·         IPS (Intrusion Prevention Systems)

·         WAF (Web Application Firewalls)

·         Endpoint Protection

·         SIEM

·         IAM

·         PAM

·         GRC Platforms

Strong knowledge of:

·         Windows, Linux, and Unix Operating Systems

·         Enterprise Applications

·         Database Security

·         Hypervisors

·         WAN/LAN Networks

·         Storage and Backup Infrastructure

Preferred Qualifications:

·         Master''s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, or MBA.

·         Experience working closely with CISO-level leadership.

·         Experience with vendor risk assessments and third-party security reviews.

·         Strong background in security compliance, audit support, and regulatory requirements.

·         Experience developing enterprise security architecture and security roadmaps.

·         Knowledge of modern cybersecurity threats, attack vectors, and defense strategies.

Preferred Skills & Competencies:

·         Strong leadership and team collaboration skills.

·         Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building abilities.

·         Strong project management experience with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.

·         Exceptional analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

·         Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

·         Ability to communicate effectively with executives, business leaders, and technical teams.

·         Demonstrated ability to align security objectives with business goals.

·         Deep understanding of information risk concepts and security best practices.

·         Results-driven mindset with the ability to adapt to changing business requirements.

·         Strong organizational and decision-making skills.