Head of Security Architecture — AI, Zero Trust & Cloud

Al-Futtaim; Dubai; On-site; AED 550,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Al-Futtaim is seeking a Head of Security Architecture to lead global security architecture and engineering, reporting to the CISO and guiding security by design across the enterprise.

You will define the strategy, build a Security Service Catalogue, and collaborate with GRC teams to ensure compliance while embedding security into digital transformation and cloud initiatives. Strong leadership and 18+ years in information security are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Information Security, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• Professional certifications such as CISSP, ISSAP, GIAC GDSA, CASP+/SecurityX, CISM, CCSP, SABSA, TOGAF or equivalent.
• 18+ years of progressive experience in information security, including 8+ years in enterprise security architecture or engineering leadership roles.
• Strong knowledge of modern security frameworks including Zero Trust, cloud-native security, secure DevSecOps, and IAM.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the enterprise security architecture vision, strategy, and roadmap, aligned to business and technology strategy.
• Lead cross-functional efforts to embed security into business operations, digital transformation initiatives, and emerging technology adoption.
• Provide thought leadership on evolving threat landscape including AI security, Zero Trust, quantum readiness, and cloud-native security.
• Refresh and institutionalise the Group Security Strategy, establishing a Security Service Catalogue, ways of working, and a Target Operating Model.
• Establish and maintain enterprise-wide architecture and security standards, frameworks, and patterns.
• Oversee security design reviews, risk assessments, and architecture assurance across projects, platforms, and third-party ecosystems.
• Partner with GRC teams to ensure compliance with global security, regulatory, and industry standards.
• Integrate security architecture with enterprise risk management, including vendor and third-party risk.
• Mature the Security Architecture operating model to improve consistency, scalability, and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Define and maintain reference architectures, security controls, and technical standards across applications, infrastructure, cloud, and data environments.
• Drive secure adoption of emerging technologies including AI/ML, cloud-native services, Zero Trust, DevSecOps, and next-generation identity platforms.
• Provide architectural oversight for cloud transformation, data protection, identity management, and secure SDLC practices.
• Evaluate and integrate advanced cybersecurity tools to strengthen resilience and defense capability.
• Partner with engineering and SOC teams to embed architectural principles into operations, threat detection, and incident response playbooks.
• Support incident investigations and provide root cause analysis from an architectural perspective.
• Continuously improve defense-in-depth architecture and automate security controls at scale.
• Build, mentor, and lead high-performing architecture and engineering teams, fostering a culture of accountability and innovation.
• Define team structure, responsibilities, and career development pathways.
• Promote a collaborative and risk-aware culture across the organization.
• Act as a leader and coach, bridging technical depth with business acumen.

Skills

Strategic leadership

AI security

Zero Trust

Cloud-native security

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Information Security/related

Job description

Al-Futtaim is seeking a Head of Security Architecture to lead global security architecture and engineering, reporting to the CISO and guiding security by design across the enterprise.

You will define the strategy, build a Security Service Catalogue, and collaborate with GRC teams to ensure compliance while embedding security into digital transformation and cloud initiatives. Strong leadership and 18+ years in information security are required.