Lead Cyber Defense Strategy

The Security Executive Council; Bethpage, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 134,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Optimum is seeking a Lead, Cyber Defense Operations Strategy and Coordination to drive the strategic direction and operational alignment of enterprise cyber defense capabilities. This role ensures coordinated execution across SOC, Incident Response, Threat Intelligence, and Vulnerability Management to reduce cyber risk and strengthen resilience.

Responsibilities include defining and evolving the defense operations strategy and operating model, coordinating priorities across teams, leading

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related field.
• 8+ years in Cyber Security or related field.
• Leadership in SOC, incident response, threat intel, or vulnerability management.
• Knowledge of NIST CSF, MITRE ATT&CK, ISO 27001.
• Ability to lead cross-functional programs without direct authority.
• Strong executive reporting and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and evolve the cyber defense operations strategy, roadmap, and operating model.
• Coordinate priorities and execution across SOC, IR, Threat Intelligence, Vulnerability Management, and security engineering teams.
• Establish and lead oversight, including operational reviews and post-incident reviews.
• Drive development of playbooks, runbooks, escalation paths, and response coordination protocols.
• Translate emerging threats into operational priorities, detection use cases, and control improvements.
• Develop and report KPIs/KRIs such as MTTR and remediation SLA performance.
• Partner with Infrastructure, IT, Legal, Privacy, and business teams during incident response and readiness.
• Lead improvement exercises and drills to strengthen crisis response.
• Identify gaps and coordinate automation and operational improvements.

Skills

SOC leadership

Incident response

Threat intelligence

Vulnerability mgmt

Cross-functional

Executive reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

SIEM

SOAR

EDR

Case management

Job description

About the job

Are you looking to Optimize your life? Start your exciting path to a rewarding career today!

We are Optimum, a leader in the fast-paced world of connectivity, and we're seeking driven and enthusiastic professionals to join our team, empower lives, fuel businesses, and drive innovation. Connectivity is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. A career at Optimum means you'll be enabling progress and enhancing lives by providing reliable, high-speed connectivity solutions that keep the world connected. Our successes, now and in the future, are powered by our amazing product, a commitment to our people and culture, and the connections we make in our communities.

If you are resourceful, collaborative, and passionate about delivering consistent excellence, Optimum is for you!

Job Summary

The Lead, Cyber Defense Operations Strategy and Coordination drives the strategic direction and operational alignment of enterprise cyber defense capabilities. This role ensures coordinated execution across Security Operations Center (SOC), Incident Response, Threat Intelligence, and Vulnerability Management functions to reduce cyber risk and improve resilience.

Responsibilities

• Define and evolve the cyber defense operations strategy, roadmap, and operating model
• Coordinate priorities and execution across SOC, IR, Threat Intelligence, Vulnerability Management, and security engineering teams
• Establish and lead oversight, including operational reviews, risk reviews, and post-incident reviews
• Drive development and standardization of playbooks, runbooks, escalation paths, and response coordination protocols
• Translate emerging threats into operational priorities, detection use cases, and control improvements
• Develop and report KPIs/KRIs such as MTTT, MTTR, detection coverage, and remediation SLA performance
• Partner with Infrastructure, IT, Legal, Privacy, and business teams during incident response and readiness efforts
• Lead improvement exercises and operational readiness drills (PTEs, Tabletops, etc.) to strengthen crisis response
• Identify process and tooling gaps and coordinate automation and operational improvement initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• 8+ years experience in Cyber Security or related field
• Demonstrated experience in SOC, incident response, threat intelligence, or vulnerability management leadership
• Strong knowledge of cyber defense frameworks and standards (for example, NIST CSF, MITRE ATT&CK, ISO 27001)
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional programs and influence outcomes without direct authority
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level reporting

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in large enterprise or regulated industry environments
• Familiarity with SIEM, SOAR, EDR, case management, and vulnerability risk platforms
• Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM, GIAC (GCIH/GCIA), or PMP

Compensation

Pay is competitive and based on a number of job-related factors, including skills and experience.

The starting pay rate/range at time of hire for this position in New York is $133,661.00 - $219,586.00 / year. For other locations, please inquire with your recruiter.

The rates/ranges provided herein are the anticipated pay at the time of hire, and do not reflect future job opportunity.

We know how to fine-tune corporate security because we've led effective and efficient Fortune 500-level security programs. The SEC helps businesses find the best balance of risk mitigation, cost and innovation.