Head of Cyber Security - New Entity Setup

Michael Page; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious organisation in Abu Dhabi is seeking a strategic cyber security leader to establish and oversee all cyber affairs. You'll be responsible for defining the cyber security strategy, managing vendor relationships, and driving security for AI initiatives. Ideal candidates possess profound experience in cyber security leadership, specifically in a greenfield environment, and are skilled in governance and stakeholder management.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a strategic cyber security leader.
• Experience gained in the UAE, preferably Abu Dhabi.
• Expertise in managing complex vendor relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead and define the overarching cyber security strategy.
• Design the complete digital cyber security stack.
• Establish and maintain robust cyber controls.

Skills

cybersecurity

AI security

vendor management

governance

strategic leadership

Job description

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.

Client Details

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.

Description

• 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.

Profile

• 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.

Job Offer

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