Director of Cybersecurity, An Garda Síochána

Cyberireland; Dublin; On-site; EUR 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

An Garda Síochána is seeking an experienced Director of Cybersecurity to lead the organisation’s cybersecurity strategy, resilience, and protection of information assets. You will partner with senior executives to set a proactive, risk-based posture across the force and its technology estates.

You will drive 24/7 operations, threat management, incident response, and regulatory compliance, building high-performing teams and embedding security into digital delivery while balancing budget and

Qualifications

• NFQ Level 8 honours degree or higher in a relevant discipline.
• At least 5 years senior-level cyber security or enterprise resilience experience.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.
• Expertise in cyber operations, threat management and 24/7 incident response.
• Knowledge of NIST and ISO 27001 with hands-on control implementation.
• Experience advising senior executives on cybersecurity strategy.
• Experience building and scaling cyber security teams.
• Experience embedding security into technology and digital delivery.
• Proven in risk governance and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Define and deliver the cybersecurity strategy and governance framework.
• Lead cyber operations, incident response and threat management.
• Strengthen organisational resilience and foster a security-aware culture.
• Oversee third-party risk and external engagement.
• Provide leadership and people management for security teams.
• Manage budget and commercial aspects of cybersecurity initiatives.

Skills

Cybersecurity operations

Threat management

Incident response

NIST framework

ISO 27001

Executive liaison

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Risk governance

Team building

Education

NFQ Level 8 degree

Job description

Job summary

Role:Director of Cybersecurity,
Client:An Garda Síochána
Location:Garda Headquarters, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8.
Application Method:GetGot Application form only – https://staffline.getgotjobs.ie/Purpose of the Role

Purpose of the Role

An Garda Siochána is seeking an experienced Director of Cybersecurity to serve as the organisation’s accountable lead for cybersecurity, resilience, and protection of information assets. This role will define and deliver the cybersecurity strategy, defend the organisation against current and emerging threats, and foster a culture in which every employee understands their role in safeguarding information.

The Director will bring deep expertise in cybersecurity, enterprise resilience, and technology leadership within large, complex organisations. They will anticipate evolving threats, design robust controls, and lead multi‑layered programmes to strengthen organisational resilience.

As a member of the Data and Technology Leadership Team the appointee will partner with business leaders to implement a proactive, risk‑based cybersecurity posture and cultivate a culture of shared accountability across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy, Governance & Risk
• Cyber Operations & Incident Response
• Organisational Resilience & Culture
• Third‑Party & External Engagement
• Leadership & People
• Budget & Commercial Responsibility

See Candidate Information Booklet for full details

Essential: Professional Qualifications, Experience, Requirements, Skills

Candidates, by the closing date, must have:

• A qualification at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), major award (i.e. honours degree), or higher, in a relevant discipline.
• At least 5 years of directly relevant, senior-level experience in cybersecurity, or enterprise resilience in large, complex organisations.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.
• Expertise in cybersecurity operations, threat management, and incident response in 24/7 environments.
• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., NIST and ISO 27001) with hands‑on experience implementing controls, policies, and technical configurations.
• Track record of advising and influencing senior executives and C‑level leaders on cybersecurity strategy.
• Experienced in building, developing, and scaling high-performing cybersecurity and technology teams across large, complex organisations.
• Spearheaded embedding security into technology and digital delivery.
• Proven expertise in risk, governance and regulatory compliance, translated into enterprise controls and frameworks.

Desirable: Requirements, Skills

It would be an advantage for candidates to possess the following:

• Professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CRISC (at least two; equivalencies considered).
• Background in public‑sector or regulated environments.
• Demonstrated leadership of a major incident or crisis response.
• Proven track record working with national or international cybersecurity bodies.
• A strong understanding of NIS 2 Directive.
• A strong understanding of EU AI Act.

The Director of Cybersecurity role requires a commercially astute leader capable of balancing financial stewardship with the need to invest decisively in protecting critical national capabilities.