Head Of Cyber Security - New Entity Setup

This is an unparalleled opportunity to join a new, highly ambitious, and well-funded organisation currently being established in Abu Dhabi. With a clear mandate for significant growth and impact, they are setting out to build a prestigious entity that will play a pivotal role in the region's future, underpinned by cutting-edge technology and a commitment to excellence.

We are seeking a super-advanced cyber security leader to establish and oversee all cyber affairs for a new entity from the ground up. This strategic role is critical in designing the entire cyber security posture and managing all vendor relationships.

• Strategic Cyber Leadership: Lead and define the overarching cyber security strategy and framework for the entire entity from its inception.
• Digital Stack & Vendor Management: Design the complete digital cyber security stack and be solely responsible for the selection, onboarding, and ongoing management of all third-party security vendors and managed security service providers (MSSPs). We will not be building an in-house operational team for execution.
• Cyber Controls Ownership: Establish, implement, and maintain robust cyber controls and governance mechanisms to ensure the highest levels of security resilience.
• AI Security Specialisation: Drive the security strategy specifically for Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiatives, ensuring secure development, deployment, and operation of all AI-driven systems.

• Proven experience as a strategic cyber security leader (e.g., Head of Cyber, CISO, Cyber Security Director), ideally with a track record of setting up "greenfield" cyber functions or for new entities.
• Professional experience gained in the UAE (preferably Abu Dhabi)
• Demonstrable expertise in managing complex vendor relationships and outsourced security services.
• Deep knowledge of cyber security frameworks, controls, and governance, with the ability to implement them effectively.
• Significant and hands-on experience in AI security, including understanding of AI/ML model vulnerabilities, data security in AI pipelines, and secure AI system design.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, capable of influencing at executive levels.
• A forward-thinking, proactive, and problem-solving mindset, comfortable with significant autonomy and responsibility.

You'll join a prestigious organisation in Abu Dhabi with significant funding and a clear mandate for ambitious growth. You'll have the autonomy to shape the entire cyber landscape, working with world-class vendors and influencing the security of groundbreaking initiatives from day one.

Skills

cybersecurity, AI security, vendor management, governance, strategic leadership