Director, Cybersecurity Risk Management

Scotiabank • Dallas, TX

2d

About The Position

The Director, Cybersecurity Risk Management will lead the charge in strengthening Scotiabank’s second line of defense (2LoD) Cybersecurity risk oversight of the first line implementation of cybersecurity programs, initiatives and delivery. This role requires a visionary leader with a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles, risk management, and compliance frameworks. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication and leadership skills, the ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, and a commitment to continuous improvement in the face of a rapidly evolving cybersecurity environment.

Requirements

• University degree, preferably in Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related field, and a minimum of 10 years’ experience in increasingly senior Information Security roles in a complex, global organization.
• Cybersecurity, technology, or risk management certifications such as CISSP, CCSP, CEH, CISM, etc.
• Strong understanding and experience with regulatory and industry cybersecurity frameworks and guidance, including CRI Sector Profile, NIST, FFIEC, OSFI, and MITRE ATT&CK.
• 10+ years of related IT process experience, including internal audit, external audit, or risk assessment.
• Experience with financial sector regulatory practices and second line of defense effective challenge.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate security objectives and concepts to technology and business teams to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills. Excellent oral and written communication, ability to present confidently to senior executives, attention to detail and strong planning and management ability.
• Solid understanding and operation of cybersecurity disciplines, including Cloud Security, AI/ML, Network Security, Threat Modeling, Vulnerability Management, and Technology Resiliency.
• Advanced analytical reasoning skills, applying critical thinking and problem-solving techniques to break down business, technical, and operational objectives.
• Proven ability to lead through change, manage dependencies, and control change in high-pressure, shifting environments.
• Understanding of cybersecurity diligence methods, including vulnerability assessments and penetration testing.
• Ability to interact and influence at all levels of management across functions.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred certifications include CISA or equivalent, and familiarity with compliance frameworks (e.g., ISO or NIST).

Responsibilities

• Partner with global Risk team to develop and maintain a comprehensive Cybersecurity and Technology Risk Management Framework.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and trusted risk oversight partner on cyber risks, regulatory reporting, and audit requirements, supporting requests and providing guidance across key cybersecurity domains, including Security Event Detection, Red Team, Cyber Incident Response, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Cyber Assurance, Exercise & Simulations, Technology Resilience, Scenario Analysis, Third Party Cyber and Application Security.
• Conduct effective challenge of high-risk items (e.g., new software, risk acceptances), ensuring actionable risk-based insights and solutions.
• Partner with stakeholders in CISO, business, technology, and all three lines of defense to drive security compliance and awareness.
• Lead risk oversight and challenge of first line risk management strategies and compliance activities, ensuring that the organization's cybersecurity posture is robust and resilient against top and emerging threats.
• Provide insights and recommendations on cybersecurity trends, best practices, internal and external audit reports, and regulatory changes that may impact the organization.
• Identify risk scenarios using the MITRE ATT&CK Framework, calculate scoring, and present to executive leadership to drive risk-based action.
• Collaborate with the Cyber Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) to ensure timely monitoring, detection, and response to threats.
• Ensure adherence to cyber risk management regulations, including FFIEC, OSFI, and other applicable laws.
• Build and mentor a high-performing team, providing training and development opportunities to ensure team members stay current in the field.
• Ensure alignment with the Bank’s risk appetite and culture in all activities and decisions.
• Create an environment in which the team pursues effective and efficient operations of their respective areas in accordance with Scotiabank’s Values, its Code of Conduct, and the Global Sales Principles, while ensuring the adequacy, adherence to, and effectiveness of day-to-day business controls to meet obligations with respect to operational, compliance, AML/ATF/sanctions, and conduct risk.

Benefits

• Scotiabank wants you to be able to bring your best self to work – and life, every day. With a focus on holistic well-being, our many flexible benefit programs are designed to help support your unique family, financial, physical, mental, and social health needs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees