Head of Cyber Security Operations

Head of Security Operations

Overview

A leading retail group in the Middle East is seeking a dynamic Head of Security Operations to drive the evolution of its security function during a pivotal three-year investment program. This is a rare opportunity to build and mature a modern Security Operations Centre (SOC) from the ground up, shaping security strategy and operations in a greenfield environment. The role is foundational to the group’s digital transformation and will be closely watched by executive leadership and the board.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a multi-year roadmap to enhance security maturity, with a focus on year-on-year improvements and measurable outcomes.
• SOC Development: Oversee the internal SOC and manage relationships with external SOC partners, ensuring robust monitoring, detection, and response capabilities.
• Team Management: Lead and mentor a team of three analysts, providing guidance, support, and professional development with the potential to become Director in 2026.
• Technology Enablement: Evaluate, implement, and optimize new security technologies, including the integration of AI across customer-facing platforms and the adoption of next-generation security stacks.
• Operational Excellence: Build security operations processes from scratch, ensuring compliance with PCI/DSS and other relevant standards.
• Vendor and Stakeholder Engagement: Manage relationships with technology vendors and collaborate across business units, supporting a wider ERP transformation and other high-visibility projects.
• Reporting: Report directly to the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), providing regular updates on progress, risks, and incident response.
• Culture and Soft Skills: Foster a collaborative, level-headed team environment, with a preference for candidates who bring strong interpersonal skills.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Proven experience leading large, diverse security teams in complex, fast-paced environments.
• Demonstrated success in building or transforming SOCs, ideally in a greenfield or rapidly changing setting.
• Strong background in operational security, incident response, and security technology implementation.
• Experience working with both in-house and external partners (consultancy backgrounds are considered, but not pure consultancy roles).
• Familiarity with PCI/DSS, ERP transformations, and the challenges of large-scale retail operations.
• Excellent mentoring and people management skills; able to support and develop team members at all levels.

Working Arrangements & Compensation

• Hybrid model: 3 days in the head office, 2 days remote.
• Competitive salary of 45,000–50,000 AED per month, with an annual bonus of up to 30% of base salary.
• Comprehensive benefits, including family medical and life insurance, educational support for children, and airfare.