Role: Cyber Security Manager

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Salary: 60,000 AED per month

Sector: Financial Services

Reports to: CTO

Model: Hybrid – initially 4 days per week in office, with flexibility over time

About the Role

You will join a rapidly growing organisation within the financial services sector, who are seeking an experienced and technically strong Cyber Security Manager to lead their security function during a pivotal period of expansion. This is a hands-on leadership role, combining day-to-day technical responsibilities with strategic oversight, governance, and the development of a growing security team.

You will play a key role in defining, enhancing, and executing the company’s cyber security strategy, ensuring alignment with best practices, internal frameworks, and regulatory requirements. This position suits someone who is both technically credible and capable of guiding, mentoring, and scaling a security team.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Develop, implement, and maintain the organisation’s cyber security roadmap and long-term strategy.
• Drive the organisation’s compliance with ISO27001, including leading certification and audit activities.
• Ensure adherence to relevant UAE regulatory requirements, including the Cyber Security Council standards and financial services–specific security obligations.
• Establish and maintain robust security governance frameworks, policies, and procedures.
• Partner closely with the CTO and senior stakeholders to influence security investment and decision-making.

Technical Responsibilities (Hands-On)

• Oversee and enhance the company’s cloud security posture, primarily within the Azure environment.
• Lead incident response, threat detection, vulnerability management, and risk assessment activities.
• Evaluate, recommend, and potentially implement new security tooling, including platforms such as Palo Alto, Microsoft Defender, and other SIEM/EDR technologies.
• Conduct technical deep dives and provide expert guidance across network security, application security, identity management, and endpoint protection.
• Ensure secure architecture and configurations across all IT and cloud systems.

Team Leadership

• Manage and mentor a growing internal team, initially consisting of a manager-level direct report and an analyst.
• Build, scale, and mature the cyber security function as the organisation expands.
• Foster a high-performance culture, ensuring the professional growth and development of team members.

Required Experience & Skills

• 8+ years of experience in cyber security, with strong hands-on technical capabilities.
• Significant experience within financial services or similarly regulated sectors.
• Proven background leading or contributing to ISO27001 implementation and certification.
• Strong understanding of UAE cyber security regulations, particularly those governed by the Cyber Security Council.
• Expertise in Azure cloud security and modern security tools and frameworks.
• Experience developing and maturing security teams.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to influence at senior levels.

Desirable Certifications

(Not required but advantageous)

• CISSP
• CISM
• CCSP
• ISO27001 Lead Implementer / Lead Auditor
• Microsoft Azure Security certifications (AZ-500, SC-series)
• Palo Alto Network certifications

Why Join?

• High-growth financial services organisation at a formative stage.
• Take ownership of building and shaping the cyber security function.
• Work closely with executive leadership and influence technology strategy.
• Competitive compensation and long-term growth opportunities.