Enterprise Security Architect Lead

About Chalhoub Group

Chalhoub Group has been a leader in creating luxury experiences in the Middle East for more than 70 years. It operates as a hybrid luxury retailer with a portfolio spanning over 10 owned brands and the distribution of 400+ international luxury fashion, beauty, jewellery, watches, eyewear, and art de vivre brands. The Group delivers omnichannel experiences via 950+ stores, online platforms, and mobile apps, driven by The Greenhouse innovation hub that fosters startups and emerging businesses globally.

Role Overview

The Lead Enterprise Security Architect is tasked with defining and steering the Group's enterprise security architecture capabilities. This role ensures security principles are integrated by design into business transformation, technology delivery, digital innovation, and operational changes. As the senior security architecture authority, this position owns strategy, standards, governance, and the roadmap for enterprise security architecture, collaborating with multiple leadership teams to ensure that technology investments are secure, scalable, and aligned with the Group's information security strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and advance the enterprise security architecture strategy, standards, principles, and future target-state.
• Create and implement security architecture patterns and reference models that facilitate business transformation and modernization.
• Enhance the Group’s security architecture maturity and capability continuously.
• Lead the Security Design Authority, enforcing security design standards and governing exceptions and technology risks.
• Embed security considerations throughout the technology lifecycle, from ideation to operational handover.
• Provide architectural leadership across strategic programs, digital initiatives, and enterprise technologies.
• Collaborate with Enterprise Architecture to incorporate security into technology roadmaps and future architectures.
• Assess new technologies and investments to comply with security, resilience, and architectural standards.
• Develop enterprise security standards aligned with industry frameworks and regulatory requirements.
• Offer independent security architecture assurance and conduct technical due diligence on platforms, cloud services, third-party solutions, and investments.
• Participate in architecture and governance forums representing Information Security.
• Monitor emerging technologies and cyber threats to refine security strategies.
• Champion Security by Design principles and promote modern security engineering, automation, and best practices.
• Drive standardization, simplification, and ongoing improvement throughout the IT landscape.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, balancing business growth and cyber risk management.
• Develop strong collaborative partnerships across Technology, Digital, Product, Engineering, and business functions.
• Lead and nurture the Enterprise Security Architecture team, encouraging technical excellence and innovation.

Candidate Profile

• At least 10 to 12 years of experience in enterprise security architecture within complex, global environments.
• Proven track record governing enterprise security architecture and aligning it with large-scale business transformations and cloud adoption programs.
• Experience managing security design governance for enterprise platforms, digital products, and third-party technologies.
• Desirable experience with major ERP or enterprise platform transformations such as SAP.
• Strong influencing skills with senior technology and business stakeholders.
• Expertise in developing enterprise architecture standards, reference architectures, and security governance.
• Extensive knowledge in areas including Enterprise Security Architecture, Security by Design, Enterprise Architecture Governance, Cloud & Hybrid Security, Identity & Access Management, Infrastructure Security, Application & Data Security, DevSecOps, Secure SDLC, Zero Trust Architecture, Cyber Risk Management, and emerging technologies like AI and Automation.
• Strategic thinker with strong business insight and commercial awareness.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and executive presence.
• Ability to balance technology enablement with cyber risk mitigation.
• Strong decision-making capabilities within complex enterprise contexts.
• Collaborative leadership style focused on building trusted partnerships.
• Passion for developing talent, fostering innovation, and driving continuous process improvements.

Employee Benefits and Culture

Chalhoub Group offers a supportive environment to grow professionally alongside opportunities for continuous learning and internal mobility. Employees enjoy a competitive benefits package that includes healthcare, child education contributions, remote and flexible work policies, and exclusive employee discounts. The Group values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal opportunities regardless of gender, age, race, religion, national origin, or disability.

Additional Information

Applicants are asked to complete assessments and interviews independently without generative AI assistance to ensure fair evaluation of skills and problem-solving capabilities.