Cybersecurity Third Party Assessment Operations Director

Description

Spearhead cutting-edge security strategies and resilience initiatives, shaping the future of cybersecurity.

As an Assessments & Exercises Director within the Cybersecurity, Technology, and Controls line of business, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening our firm's cybersecurity and resilience. Your responsibilities will include designing and executing testing engagements to proactively detect risks and vulnerabilities in our personnel, procedures, and technology using sophisticated assessment methodologies and techniques. You will be tasked with addressing the most intricate cyber and resilience risks that our firm encounters, utilizing your extensive experience in conducting assessments across a variety of systems, networks, and architectures. Your capacity to dissect and communicate complex vulnerabilities will be crucial in improving our security strategy and reducing cyber and resilience risks. Additionally, you will supervise and manage our Cybersecurity and Tech Controls (CTC) third-party cyber assessment capabilities, playing a vital role in ensuring that our third-party relationships are secure, compliant, and in line with our organization's risk tolerance.

This role will spearhead the strategic oversight and management of Cybersecurity and Tech Controls (CTC) third-party cyber assessment capabilities. This role is pivotal in ensuring that third-party relationships are secure, compliant, and aligned with the organization's risk appetite. The Executive Director will manage executive expectations, develop insightful reporting and metrics, and enhance risk management practices. Additionally, this role will focus on strengthening contractual agreements, act as the audit/second line interface for the function, and own the cyber, tech, and data requirements for third parties. The Executive Director will collaborate closely with Tech Risk and Controls, Product Security, Business Control Managers, and GRC leads to ensure a unified approach to Third-Party risk management.

Job responsibilities

Lead efforts to enhance the firm’s third party risk assessment and control environment, identifying areas of improvement and advising on control implementation to mitigate thematic risks

Influence and drive the efficient and effective execution of assessment programs, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives, risk appetite, and regulatory compliance

Drive and oversee Third Party Assurance priorities and associated book of work, continuously assessing and updating requirements to address evolving threats and regulatory changes

Prepare and deliver reports and metrics to provide insights into risk trends and program effectiveness, engaging with stakeholder to communicate the status of third party cyber and technology risks

Partner with Risk Pillars and Control Owners to define and maintain the cyber, tech, and data requirements for third-party vendors, ensuring they reflect current best practices and organizational standards

Act as a liaison to Tech Risk and Controls, Product Security, Business Control Managers, and GRC leads to foster a collaborative approach to third-party risk management and partner with legal and procurement teams to ensure contracts with third-party vendors include robust cybersecurity and data protection provisions

Stay abreast of industry developments, emerging threats, and best practices to ensure the program remains cutting-edge

Develop and implement operational plans and strategies that align with broader functional and organizational objectives (such as the needs of the business and regulatory expectations)

Lead the successful execution of risk-driven testing and simulations – such as penetration tests, technical controls assessments, cyber exercises, or resiliency simulations – and the development of comprehensive assessments reports including actionable recommendations, report to leadership assessment outcomes (including controls effectiveness and operational risk) and escalate thematic trends in observations

Influence and partner with cross-functional teams to make data-driven decisions that lead to continuous improvement

Utilize threat intelligence and security research to stay informed about emerging threats, vulnerabilities, industry best practices, and regulations and lead engagement with internal and external stakeholders – including industry peers and government agencies – to share insights and contribute to the development of cybersecurity and resiliency policies

Required qualifications, capabilities, and skills

7+ years of experience in cybersecurity or resiliency, with demonstrated ability to implement complex assessments or exercises collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, subject matter experts, and senior leaders

Demonstrated experience building, operating and enhancing third-party risk management oversight programs

Demonstrated leadership experience in managing complex programs and cross-functional teams

In-depth knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, standards, and regulations (e.g., NIST, ISO, GDPR)

Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage and influence executive audiences.

Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with a focus on proactive risk management

Ability to prioritize and work under stringent timelines and lead within a matrix line of business technology organization

Strong understanding of the current threat landscape and resiliency concerns, national and international laws, regulations, policies, and ethics related to cybersecurity or resiliency

Demonstrated expertise in security assessment methodologies, threat intelligence utilization, control evaluation techniques, or resiliency testing

Experience developing and presenting briefings to senior leaders and large audiences, in addition to meeting facilitation, conflict resolution, and providing program updates to senior leaders, regulators, and industry groups

Preferred qualifications, capabilities, and skills

Relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, CRISC) are advantageous

Bachelor’s degree in Information Security, Cybersecurity, Risk Management, or a related field; advanced degree preferred