Lead Cyber Defense Strategy

Optimum; Norwalk (CT); On-site; USD 134,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Optimum is seeking a Lead to drive the strategy and coordination of enterprise cyber defense capabilities across SOC, Incident Response, Threat Intelligence, and Vulnerability Management. The role ensures aligned execution and reduces cyber risk while improving resilience.

You will lead cross-functional programs, define playbooks and response protocols, and report KPIs to executives. A Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years in cyber security are required; CISSP/CISM/GIAC or PMP are preferred.

Qualifications

• 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 (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.

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 to strengthen crisis response.
• Identify process and tooling gaps and coordinate automation and operational improvement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Cyber security

Executive reporting

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field

Tools

SIEM

SOAR

EDR

Case management

Vulnerability risk platforms

Job description

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Location:

Norwalk, CT, US, 06851 Bethpage, NY, US, 11714

Brand: Optimum

Requisition #: 12267

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 Coordinationdrivesthe strategic direction and operational alignment of enterprise cyber defense capabilities. This role ensures coordinated execution acrossSecurityOperations 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, Table tops, 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

At Optimum, every action and interaction we take part in, is driven by our three Guiding Principles: Do What’s Right, Drive One Optimum, and Make It Happen. These aren’t just words, they help us build trust, create real community, and embrace new ways of thinking. Our employees are empowered to do the right thing for our customers and co-workers and to recognize and reward these behaviors when we see them. It’s all part of the bigger picture of “Be The Difference” where each employee knows they have the power to enact real change, share new ideas, and understand that learning never stop.

All job descriptions and required skills, qualifications and responsibilities for a particular position are subject to modification by the Company from time to time, in the Company’s discretion based on business necessity.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting, hiring and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds regardless of gender, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

The Company collects personal information about its applicants for employment that may include personal identifiers, professional or employment related information, photos, education information and/or protected classifications under federal and state law. This information is collected for employment purposes, including identification, work authorization, FCRA-compliant background screening, human resource administration and compliance with federal, state and local law.

Applicants for employment with The Company will never be asked to provide money (even if reimbursable) as part of the job application or hiring process. Please review our Fraud FAQ for further details.

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 appreciate your interest in this opportunity. Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. Please note that at this time, we do not provide visa sponsorship for employment.

Nearest Major Market: Bridgeport
Nearest Secondary Market: Danbury