Director, Digital Defense Center

Southern Company•Atlanta, GA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a visionary and operationally grounded Cyber Defense Operations Leader to architect and lead the transformation of our Security Operations Center (SOC)—evolving it from current state into a unified, forward-looking, real-time cyber defense capability that spans both IT and OT environments across our business with a focus on our electric and gas utility operations. In this pivotal leadership role, you will own the strategy and execution of a multi-year roadmap to enhance cyber resilience across generation, transmission, distribution, gas pipeline, and corporate environments. You will serve not only as a technologist and strategist, but as a culture builder and inspirational leader who brings people along on the journey toward a more secure, adaptive, and empowered organization.

Requirements

10+ years in cybersecurity, with at least 5 years leading security operations in a critical infrastructure, energy, utility, or other highly regulated industry context.
Proven experience transforming SOCs or standing up new cyber defense capabilities at scale.
Deep familiarity with OT protocols (e.g., DNP3, Modbus, OPC, IEC 61850), ICS/SCADA environments, and control network segmentation practices.
Experience with SIEM, SOAR, EDR/XDR, UEBA, and security data lake technologies.
5+ years in senior leadership roles, with a record of managing cross-functional teams and influencing C-level stakeholders.
Understanding of utility-specific threat landscape, operational constraints, and the convergence challenges between IT and OT security.
Bachelor’s or Master’s in Cybersecurity, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

Experience engaging with regulatory bodies and adhering to NERC CIP, TSA, FERC, DOE, or PHMSA standards is highly preferred.
Relevant certifications highly desirable: CISSP, CISM, GICSP, GIAC GRID, GCFA, GSOM, or equivalent.