Senior Cybersecurity Consultant

About DEFEND and the Role

DEFEND is dedicated to helping organizations enhance their cyber resilience and successfully navigate the growing complexity of the cybersecurity landscape. As a Senior Cybersecurity Consultant based in Wellington, New Zealand, you will play an essential role in partnering with clients to comprehend their business goals, identify cybersecurity challenges, and deliver impactful security solutions. In this leadership position, you will establish trusted relationships with clients, provide expert advice, and assist them in addressing both present and emerging cybersecurity threats.

Your responsibilities will span various initiatives, including security assessments, governance, transformation programs, and creating improvement roadmaps. Success in this role is measured by delivering high-quality results that strengthen clients' cyber resilience while helping them achieve strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform information security evaluations and create actionable, risk-based mitigation plans.
• Collaborate with both technical and business stakeholders to identify cyber risks and suggest effective, business-aligned solutions.
• Provide guidance on cybersecurity governance, risk management, strategic planning, and assist with security transformation efforts.
• Develop security roadmaps and continuous improvement programs to enhance organizational resilience over time.
• Ensure successful execution and reporting of client engagements following agreed Statements of Work.
• Stay informed on emerging cybersecurity technologies, methodologies, and trends to provide clients with relevant, up-to-date recommendations.
• Work closely with architects, consultants, delivery teams, partners, and client representatives to achieve targeted outcomes.
• Mentor colleagues by sharing knowledge, offering peer reviews, and helping build the consulting team's capabilities.
• Identify opportunities to extend client support through DEFEND's products, services, and cybersecurity expertise.
• Collaborate with leadership and sales to spot, track, and develop opportunities that add value and enhance client cyber resilience.
• Commit to continuous professional growth and contribute thought leadership internally and in the cybersecurity community.

Candidate Profile and Qualifications

• A minimum of 8 years' experience in security consulting and/or operational security roles.
• Possession of CISSP, CISM, or equivalent cybersecurity certification.
• Experience engaging with diverse technical and business stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of information security fundamentals including risk management, governance, and security architecture principles.
• Capability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders concurrently.
• Excellent communication skills with a talent for building and maintaining trusted client relationships.
• A collaborative mindset along with a willingness to mentor and support teammates.
• Desirable additional certifications include SABSA Foundation Practitioner, ISO 27001 Lead Auditor, ISO 27001 Lead Implementer, CRISC, CEH, Microsoft security certifications, and PCI-related qualifications.

Benefits and Workplace Culture

• Collaborate with top cybersecurity professionals in New Zealand.
• Influence strategic cybersecurity initiatives for a range of clients.
• Lead complex and impactful cybersecurity transformation projects.
• Access ongoing learning, professional development, and certification opportunities.
• Join a culture emphasizing Understanding, Excellence, Guardianship, Partnership, Ownership, and adaptability.
• Be part of a supportive, innovative team focused on continuous improvement and collective success.
• Make a tangible impact by aiding organizations in strengthening resilience and achieving superior security results.

Additional Employee Benefits

• 3.5% additional Kiwisaver contribution atop base salary.
• Southern Cross Health Insurance coverage.
• Discounts on mobile and broadband services for employees and their families.
• Flexible hybrid work environment.
• Home office setup allowance.
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services for comprehensive wellbeing support.

Diversity and Inclusion

DEFEND values a broad spectrum of perspectives and experiences. Recognizing that applicants from underrepresented groups may hesitate if they don't meet all criteria, DEFEND encourages all interested candidates to apply and share how they could contribute to the team and the company’s mission.

Location and Work Arrangement

This full-time position requires onsite presence in Wellington, New Zealand.