Executive Manager - Squad Cyber Technical Lead

Executive Manager - Squad Cyber Technical Lead

Location: Abu Dhabi - OnsiteContract: initial 6 months extendable contractAvailability: Immediate Start PreferredInternational candidates are welcome to apply, with preference given to candidates who are currently based in the UAE.

Visa sponsorship will be provided for successful candidates; however, relocation expenses, including flights and accommodation, will not be covered.Job SummaryWe are seeking an experienced Executive Manager - Squad Cyber Technical Lead to lead a cybersecurity engineering squad responsible for delivering critical security capabilities across Application Security, AI Governance, Continuous Security Validation, and Compliance Assurance within a highly regulated banking environment.This role will serve as the primary First Line of Defense (1LoD) cybersecurity leader, partnering closely with Second Line of Defense (2LoD) stakeholders and the AI Centre of Excellence to ensure security controls are effectively implemented, monitored, and evidenced. The successful candidate will combine strong technical leadership with expertise in DevSecOps, cloud security, AI/LLM security, governance, and regulatory compliance.The role requires ownership of the cybersecurity tooling ecosystem, delivery governance, security metrics, and regulatory readiness, ensuring adherence to approved policies, service levels, and audit requirements.Key ResponsibilitiesCybersecurity Delivery LeadershipLead and oversee delivery of four key security workstreams:Application Security (AppSec)AI GovernanceContinuous Security ValidationCompliance TrailEnsure all activities align with approved cybersecurity policies, controls, and service-level commitments.Drive inspection and audit readiness across cybersecurity programs.DevSecOps & Security EngineeringLead the implementation and continuous improvement of DevSecOps practices across software delivery pipelines.Ensure security controls are embedded throughout the software development lifecycle.Establish security governance and engineering standards across development teams.Security Tooling OwnershipOwn the end-to-end cybersecurity tooling strategy and integration architecture.Manage and optimize enterprise security platforms including:SonarQubeSnykServiceNow IRMMicrosoft Defender for CloudAWS Security HubOPA (Open Policy Agent)DefectDojoClaudeCodexSecurity Agent solutionsDrive vendor consolidation and tooling rationalization initiatives.Oversee the security evidence chain and reporting framework from findings management through executive reporting.Governance & Stakeholder ManagementAct as the primary 1LoD counterpart for Risk, Compliance, and Security Governance stakeholders.Partner with 2LoD teams on policy implementation, assurance activities, and control effectiveness reviews.Chair Security Champions Guild meetings and facilitate security awareness across engineering functions.Resolve and prioritize cross-workstream security initiatives and dependencies.Present monthly DevSecOps Governance and Security Performance dashboards to senior leadership and governance committees.Cloud Security & AI SecurityProvide technical leadership across Azure and AWS security programs.Drive implementation of cloud security controls, governance frameworks, and risk management practices.Lead AI and LLM security initiatives, including governance, risk assessment, control implementation, and monitoring.Support secure adoption of emerging AI technologies in line with enterprise and regulatory requirements.Required QualificationsMinimum 12 years of cybersecurity engineering experience.Proven leadership experience managing security engineering, DevSecOps, or enterprise cybersecurity teams.Strong hands-on knowledge of:DevSecOpsApplication SecurityCloud Security (Azure and AWS)AI/LLM SecuritySecurity Governance and ComplianceCybersecurity EngineeringExperience operating within a Three Lines of Defense (3LoD) framework.Demonstrated experience implementing security controls within 1LoD while partnering effectively with 2LoD stakeholders.Strong stakeholder management and executive communication skills.Experience leading enterprise-scale security transformation or engineering initiatives.Regulatory & Industry ExperienceMandatory experience within:BankingFinancial ServicesHighly Regulated IndustriesDemonstrated experience delivering cybersecurity programs aligned to:CBUAE Cybersecurity RequirementsCBUAE Enabling Technologies GuidelinesCBUAE AI/ML GuidanceNIST AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF)ISO/IEC 42001Experience supporting regulatory audits, inspections, assurance reviews, and compliance initiatives.CertificationsCISSP (mandatory) · CCSP or AWS Certified Security – Specialty or Azure Security Engineer Associate · CISM or ISO/IEC 42001 Lead Implementer · Certified DevSecOps Professional (CDP) or equivalent. Desirable: SABSA, GIAC GCSA.Ideal Candidate ProfileStrategic cybersecurity leader with deep technical credibility.Strong background in DevSecOps, cloud security, and AI security.Experienced managing multiple cybersecurity workstreams and large stakeholder groups.Comfortable operating within highly regulated banking environments.Able to bridge security engineering, governance, compliance, and business priorities.Proven ability to engage with senior executives, risk functions, audit teams, and regulatory stakeholders while driving measurable security outcomes.