Assistant Director (Security Operations)

MINDEF; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

MINDEF Singapore seeks an experienced SOC leader to guide the Security Operations Centre in monitoring, investigation, and response activities. You will shape the SOC operating model, mentor a high-calibre team, and drive detection engineering with stakeholders across the organisation.

The role requires at least 6 years in cybersecurity, familiarity with SIEM, IDS/IPS, and EDR, and relevant GSOC/GCIH/CISSP/CISM certifications.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Cybersecurity/related field.
• Minimum 6 years experience in cybersecurity roles.
• Certifications such as GSOC, GCIH, CISSP and/or CISM are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and guide the SOC in monitoring, investigation and response activities.
• Oversee 24/7 monitoring and high-velocity incident response.
• Develop and mentor a high-calibre SOC team through performance management.

Skills

Security leadership

Incident response

Team management

Cybersecurity

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Cybersecurity degree

GSOC/GCIH/CISSP/CISM

Tools

SIEM

IDS/IPS

EDR

Job description

What the role is:

You lead and guide the Security Operations Centre (SOC) in monitoring, investigation, and response activities while driving operational discipline. You also review and advise on the design and optimisation of SOC infrastructure, working with various stakeholders to ensure alignment with organisational security and governance requirements. You will build a high-performing SOC team equipped to operate effectively in a dynamic threat environment.

What you will be working on:

• Partner the Section Head in guiding the development and expansion of the SOC's capabilities and operating model
• Build, mentor, and develop a high-calibre SOC team through performance management and leadership development
• Lead SOC-related capability development projects and detection engineering efforts
• Provide oversight and direction during cyber incidents and escalations, ensuring timely, coordinated and effective response actions
• Support the Section Head in overseeing 24/7 monitoring duties, maintaining operational vigilance and command presence
• Review and advise on the design, placement, and coverage of intrusion detection capabilities and endpoint hardening agents across host and network environments
• Engage internal and external stakeholders to align SOC requirements with enterprise priorities

Challenge(s)

• Balancing leadership responsibilities with sufficient technical depth to effectively guide SOC operations and maintain credibility with the team
• Managing manpower, resource allocation, and the integration of complex security tools within a rapidly evolving threat landscape
• Leading decisively and maintaining composure during high-pressure cyber incidents
• Sustaining continuous operational readiness within a 24/7 monitoring environment while driving ongoing capability development

What we are looking for:

• Education in Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field
• At least 6 years of working experience in cybersecurity roles
• Relevant technical certifications such as GIAC Security Operations Certified (GSOC), GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and/or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) are advantageous
• Proficiency in security tools including Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
• Familiarity with evaluating and selecting cybersecurity tools
• Good team management skills
• Strong problem-solving, conceptual and analytical abilities
• Strong writing, interpersonal and communication skills, with a meticulous approach to work

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

About MINDEF

The mission of MINDEF and the Singapore Armed Forces is to enhance Singapore's peace and security through deterrence and diplomacy, and should these fail, to secure a swift and decisive victory over the aggressor. The Defence Executive Officer (DXO) scheme is the non-uniformed career scheme of MINDEF that offers myriad opportunities in various job functions, such as corporate communications, cyber security, data analytics and visualisation, defence policy, finance, HR, psychology, and more. Embodying the same level of commitment towards defence, DXOs work together with their military counterparts to contribute to MINDEF/SAF’s mission and ensure Singapore's security and stability. United by this common cause, our lines of defence complement each other to secure the prosperity and progress of our nation.