Chief Operating Officer (COO) Cybersecurity (Technical Background)

VIRTUAL SECURITY LAB CYBER RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES L.L.C; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cybersecurity firm in Dubai seeks a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead operations and align them with long-term business objectives. The role requires a strong technical background in cybersecurity and operational leadership experience, particularly in startups or consulting environments. Responsibilities include optimizing service delivery, ensuring compliance with UAE regulations, and managing cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in operational leadership within cybersecurity.
• Strong technical background in cyber and IT systems.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and optimize company-wide operations including service delivery and client success.
• Collaborate with CTO and tech teams for service delivery compliance and quality.
• Develop hiring roadmaps and performance management processes.

Skills

Operational leadership in cybersecurity

Technical knowledge in cyber and IT systems

Experience in startups or consulting firms

Compliance with cybersecurity frameworks

Tools

ISO 27001

SOC 2

NIST 800-53

MITRE ATT&CK

Zero Trust Architecture

Job description

Chief Operating Officer (COO) Cybersecurity (Technical Background) - Relocate to Dubai, UAE

We are looking for a results-oriented Chief Operating Officer (COO) with a strong technical background in cybersecurity to lead operations and drive scalable execution across our company’s strategic goals. Based in Dubai, the COO will be responsible for aligning day-to-day operations with long-term business objectives in cybersecurity services, consulting, and managed security offerings.

The ideal candidate combines deep hands-on technical knowledge in cyber and IT systems with a strong track record in operational leadership, preferably in startups, consulting firms, or MSSPs.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Operational Leadership

● Lead and optimize company-wide operations, including service delivery, projects, HR, finance, administration, and client success.

● Translate the strategic vision of the CEO into operational action plans and KPIs.

● Build efficient, scalable systems and workflows across all departments.

2. Technical Oversight (Cybersecurity)

● Collaborate closely with the CTO, CISO, and tech teams to ensure cybersecurity services are delivered with consistency, quality, and compliance.

● Oversee the implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of cybersecurity frameworks such as ISO 27001, SOC 2, NIST 800-53, MITRE ATT&CK, and Zero Trust Architecture to ensure compliance, efficiency, and scalability of the company’s Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) operations.

● Ensure that these frameworks are embedded effectively within the company’s managed security services to drive compliance, operational efficiency, and scalable service delivery.

● Monitor and enhance technical delivery performance across cybersecurity functions including penetration testing, GRC advisory, SOC/MDR operations, cloud security, and incident response.

● Establish internal benchmarking standards to assess and improve the maturity level of cybersecurity offerings.

3. People & Organizational Growth

● Build and scale cross-functional teams, from technical to operational support functions.

● Develop hiring roadmaps, performance management processes, and training programs aligned with business needs.

● Champion a culture of accountability, security-first mindset, and operational excellence.

4. Risk, Compliance & Governance

● Ensure compliance with UAE laws, Free Zone regulations (DMCC, DIFC, etc.), and cybersecurity frameworks.

● Support audit readiness (ISO 27001, GDPR, NCA UAE), internal controls, and policy development.

● Oversee operational risk registers, vendor risk assessments, and internal security SOPs.

5. Finance & Commercial Support

● Work with the finance team to manage budgeting, cost efficiency, vendor contracts, and pricing models.

● Oversee proposals, SLAs, and delivery schedules for client contracts.

● Monitor profitability, utilization, and client satisfaction metrics