Director/Sr. Director, Identity & Security Engineering

Astellas Pharma • Northbrook, IL

85d

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced leader to serve as the Identity & Security Engineering Lead. This role will be responsible for defining strategy, leading teams, and ensuring operational excellence across our Microsoft identity management platforms while also overseeing broader security engineering domains including cloud security, OT security, application security, and infrastructure security. A critical focus area will be advancing our Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Conditional Access, and Privileged Access Management (PAM) capabilities to enable secure, seamless user experiences. Beyond identity, this leader will drive security engineering excellence across cloud, OT, and enterprise platforms. This role will be accountable for global delivery through a hybrid workforce model, managing both internal engineering teams and external service providers/partners across multiple regions and time zones. Operating within an agile delivery model, the Identity & Security Engineering Lead will ensure identity and security engineering capabilities are delivered with speed, adaptability, and business alignment.

Requirements

• 12+ years of progressive experience in information security and/or infrastructure engineering, with 5+ years in senior leadership.
• Proven experience managing global teams (internal staff and vendor/partner resources).
• Deep expertise in Microsoft identity and authentication platforms, including Active Directory (on-prem & hybrid), Azure AD / Entra ID, Microsoft 365 Identity Services, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) & Conditional Access, Privileged Access Management (PAM).
• Strong background in security engineering domains: Cloud Security (Azure, AWS, GCP), OT Security, Application & Infrastructure Security.
• Demonstrated success delivering in an agile operating model.
• Proven record of driving enterprise-wide MFA adoption and improving identity resilience.
• Experience in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, or other highly regulated industries preferred.
• Strong communication skills and executive presence; able to influence at C-suite and board levels.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in Information Security, Computer Science, or related field.
• Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, Microsoft SC-300 (Identity & Access Administrator), or Azure Solutions Architect are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the enterprise vision for Microsoft Identity platforms (Active Directory, Azure AD / Entra ID, M365 Identity Services, MFA, Conditional Access, PAM).
• Lead strategy and delivery across broader security engineering domains including cloud security, OT security, and infrastructure/application security.
• Drive a global MFA-first strategy, embedding Zero Trust principles across the enterprise.
• Ensure identity and security engineering programs support digital transformation, cloud adoption, and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure global reliability and performance of MFA and Conditional Access policies.
• Automate identity lifecycle management (provisioning, de-provisioning, access reviews, PAM).
• Deliver security engineering solutions for cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP) and OT/critical infrastructure environments.
• Apply agile delivery methodologies to accelerate delivery, manage backlogs, and adapt quickly to evolving requirements.
• Manage service delivery performance across both internal teams and external vendor partners.
• Partner with GRC to ensure identity and security engineering controls meet NIST CSF, ISO 27001, SOX, HIPAA, EU AI Act, and other regulatory frameworks.
• Lead audit and compliance programs across identity, cloud, and OT security domains.
• Anticipate and mitigate emerging risks by adapting MFA and security engineering strategies.
• Serve as a trusted partner across infrastructure, applications, OT, business stakeholders, and senior executives.
• Position MFA, identity, and security engineering as key enablers of business productivity and compliance.
• Represent the function in enterprise-wide programs including global network refresh, cloud adoption, OT modernization, and M&A integrations.
• Lead and mentor a global team of internal and external resources, ensuring alignment and accountability across multiple regions and time zones.
• Foster agile, cross-functional teams that collaborate across infrastructure, applications, and business domains.
• Manage vendor partnerships and enforce accountability for quality, SLAs, and innovation.
• Develop succession plans, training paths, and career opportunities in Microsoft identity, MFA, and advanced security engineering.
• Promote a culture of inclusion, agility, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation and Sick time, plus national holidays including year-end shut down
• 401(k) match and annual company contribution
• Company paid life insurance
• Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positions
• Long Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions
• Referral bonus program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees