Head of Cyber Security - PayLink

Salla; Al Khobar; On-site; SAR 350,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

PayLink is seeking an experienced Cyber Security Manager to lead governance, risk management, and incident response across our payment platforms and technology infrastructure.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in SAMA-licensed financial institutions or FinTech in Saudi Arabia, with hands-on CSF implementation, security operations leadership, and regulatory compliance experience.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of cybersecurity or information security experience within SAMA-licensed financial institutions, banks, payment service providers, or FinTech in Saudi Arabia.
• CISSP, CISM, CRISC, CEH or equivalent certifications preferred.
• Hands-on experience implementing and maintaining SAMA CSF controls.
• Strong governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) expertise.
• Experience with security operations, monitoring, and incident response.
• Proven ability to lead security projects and coordinate cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain cybersecurity policies, standards, and controls aligned with SAMA CSF and regulatory requirements.
• Lead risk assessments, compliance reviews, audits, and remediation activities.
• Maintain governance documentation, risk registers, and compliance reporting.
• Oversee daily security operations, threat monitoring, and incident response.
• Manage security monitoring tools (SIEM, EDR/XDR, firewalls, IDS/IPS).
• Collaborate with development teams to integrate security into the SDLC and secure SDLC processes.
• Oversee vulnerability assessments, testing, and remediation tracking.
• Lead security awareness programs and report KPIs to senior management.

Skills

Cybersecurity leadership

GRC

Incident response

SOC management

Network security

Application security

Vulnerability management

Security architecture

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity/related field

Tools

SIEM

EDR/XDR

Firewalls

IDS/IPS

Vulnerability scanners

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Cyber Security Manager to lead cybersecurity operations, governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance across PayLink's payment platforms and technology infrastructure.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of cybersecurity experience within SAMA-licensed financial institutions or FinTech companies, with demonstrated hands-on experience implementing SAMA cybersecurity requirements, managing security operations, responding to security incidents, and leading cybersecurity initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Cybersecurity Governance & SAMA Compliance

• Develop, implement, and maintain cybersecurity policies, procedures, standards, and controls aligned with the SAMA Cyber Security Framework (CSF) and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Lead cybersecurity risk assessments, compliance reviews, internal audits, and remediation activities.
• Maintain cybersecurity governance documentation, risk registers, and compliance reporting.
• Identify regulatory compliance gaps and develop corrective action plans.

Security Operations & Incident Response

• Oversee daily security operations, threat monitoring, detection, and incident response activities.
• Manage security monitoring solutions, including SIEM, EDR/XDR, firewalls, and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS).
• Lead cybersecurity incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.
• Develop, maintain, and test incident response procedures and escalation processes.

Network, Application & Infrastructure Security

• Oversee network security controls, firewall configurations, access management, and infrastructure protection.
• Collaborate with development teams to integrate security into the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
• Ensure appropriate security controls are implemented across web applications, APIs, mobile applications, and payment platforms.
• Support secure architecture reviews, application security assessments, and penetration testing activities.

Vulnerability & Risk Management

• Lead vulnerability assessments, security testing, and remediation tracking.
• Evaluate cybersecurity risks across applications, networks, cloud environments, and third-party integrations.
• Coordinate with IT and engineering teams to remediate critical vulnerabilities within defined timelines.
• Monitor emerging cyber threats and recommend preventive security measures.

Leadership & Security Awareness

• Lead cybersecurity initiatives, manage security projects, and mentor cybersecurity team members.
• Coordinate with IT, Engineering, Risk, Compliance, and business stakeholders.
• Develop and deliver cybersecurity awareness and training programs.
• Prepare cybersecurity KPIs, risk reports, and security posture updates for senior management.

• Saudi nationality is mandatory.
• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Security, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Professional cybersecurity certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CRISC, CEH, or equivalent are preferred. .
• Minimum 5 years of relevant cybersecurity or information security experience within SAMA-licensed financial institutions, banks, payment service providers, or FinTech companies in Saudi Arabia.
• Proven hands-on experience implementing and maintaining controls aligned with the SAMA Cyber Security Framework (SAMA CSF).
• Demonstrated experience in Cybersecurity Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance (GRC), including risk assessments, regulatory audits, and remediation plans.
• Proven experience managing Security Operations (SOC), security monitoring, and cybersecurity incident response.
• Strong technical knowledge of Network Security, Application Security, Vulnerability Management, and Security Architecture.
• Hands-on experience with cybersecurity technologies such as SIEM, EDR/XDR, firewalls, IDS/IPS, and vulnerability scanning tools.
• Experience conducting or overseeing vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and security remediation activities.
• Demonstrated experience leading cybersecurity projects, coordinating technical teams, or managing cybersecurity professionals.
• Strong communication, analytical, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.