Senior Cybersecurity Consultant

Role Overview

DEFEND is committed to supporting organisations in achieving robust cyber resilience amidst an evolving security landscape. The Senior Cybersecurity Consultant role offers an opportunity to engage closely with customers to comprehend their business goals, uncover cybersecurity challenges, and deliver impactful security solutions. Acting as a senior ambassador for DEFEND, you will build trusted relationships, offer expert advice, and assist clients in mitigating current and upcoming security risks. Your involvement will span initiatives such as security assessments, governance frameworks, transformative projects, and strategic improvement plans. Success entails delivering superior results that empower clients to enhance their cyber resilience and meet their strategic aims.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead information security evaluations and formulate viable, risk-focused remediation strategies.
• Engage both technical and business stakeholders to identify cyber risks and propose business-aligned solutions.
• Guide customers on cybersecurity governance, risk management, strategic planning, and transformation projects.
• Create comprehensive security roadmaps and enhancement programs to progressively strengthen organizational resilience.
• Ensure timely and quality execution and reporting of engagements according to agreed Statements of Work.
• Stay abreast of emerging cybersecurity technologies, methodologies, and trends to deliver current and relevant advice.
• Collaborate closely with architects, consulting peers, delivery teams, partners, and client representatives to achieve successful results.
• Mentor colleagues by sharing knowledge, conducting peer reviews, and bolstering team capability.
• Identify opportunities to extend support via DEFEND’s product suite, services, and cybersecurity expertise.
• Work with leadership and sales to pinpoint, monitor, and advance opportunities that enhance client value and cyber resilience.
• Commit to continuous skill development and contribute thought leadership both inside and outside the organization.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• A minimum of eight years' experience in a security consulting or operational security role.
• Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or equivalents.
• Proven ability to work effectively with diverse technical and business stakeholders.
• Strong familiarity with information security principles, risk management, governance, and security architecture.
• Capacity to juggle multiple projects and manage various stakeholders concurrently.
• Excellent communication skills and aptitude for establishing trusted client relationships.
• A collaborative mindset with a commitment to mentoring and supporting colleagues.

Preferred Certifications and Experience

• SABSA Foundation Practitioner
• ISO 27001 Lead Auditor and Lead Implementer
• CRISC certification
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Microsoft security certifications
• Experience and certifications related to PCI compliance

Benefits & Work Culture

Joining DEFEND means becoming part of a team dedicated to excellence, innovation, and meaningful client impact. Employees benefit from working alongside top cybersecurity professionals in New Zealand and contributing to strategic cybersecurity transformations across diverse clients. The company champions continuous learning and professional growth, supporting ongoing certifications and development opportunities.

DEFEND fosters a culture based on understanding, excellence, guardianship, partnership, ownership, and the ability to embrace ambiguity. The workplace is collaborative, inclusive, and encourages innovation. As part of the team, you will contribute to advancing cyber resilience and achieving superior security outcomes for organizations.

Additional Benefits

• Employer contributes 3.5% to Kiwisaver beyond base salary
• Southern Cross Health Insurance coverage
• Discounts on mobile and broadband services for employees and their families
• Flexible hybrid work arrangements
• Allowance for home office setup expenses
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services for wellbeing support

Diversity and Inclusion

DEFEND values diverse perspectives and backgrounds, welcoming applicants even if not all criteria are met. The company strives to foster an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute meaningfully.