Head of Security Architecture, Engineering & Operations

Guardian Life Insurance • New York, NY

1d

About The Position

The Head of Security Architecture, Engineering & Operations is responsible for leading the design, implementation, and operation of the organization’s security architecture, engineering, and operational capabilities. This role ensures the protection of digital assets, technology infrastructure, and identity systems while enabling secure business innovation in a regulated financial services environment. The position reports to the Group Digital & Technology Officer and manages a team of approximately 30 security professionals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in security leadership roles, with strong expertise in security architecture, engineering, and operations.
• Experience in regulated financial services environments.
• Strong knowledge of cloud security, IAM, and SOC operations.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, CCSP) preferred.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Nice To Haves

• Proven ability to lead security transformation programs.
• Familiarity with DevSecOps and modern infrastructure practices.
• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the security architecture and engineering strategy aligned with business and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with senior technology and business leaders to embed security into infrastructure and application design.
• Drive security program delivery across the enterprise.
• Oversee enterprise security architecture, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with technology teams to design secure cloud, on-premise, and hybrid solutions.
• Advocate for embedding security engineering within infrastructure teams.
• Lead security engineering initiatives, including vulnerability management, secure configuration, and automation.
• Manage the Security Operations Center (SOC), including monitoring, detection, and incident response in partnership with second-line teams.
• Oversee Identity and Access Management (IAM) operations and engineering, including provisioning and deprovisioning across all platforms.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory and industry standards for cybersecurity.
• Maintain security policies, standards, and operational procedures.
• Provide regular reporting on security posture, incidents, and improvements.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team across architecture, engineering, SOC, and IAM operations.
• Foster a culture of security awareness and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• At Guardian, you’ll have the support and flexibility to achieve your professional and personal goals.
• Through skill-building, leadership development and philanthropic opportunities, we provide opportunities to build communities and grow your career, surrounded by diverse colleagues with high ethical standards.
• As part of Guardian’s Purpose – to inspire well-being – we are committed to offering contemporary, supportive, flexible, and inclusive benefits and resources to our colleagues.
• Explore our company benefits at www.guardianlife.com/careers/corporate/benefits.
• Benefits apply to full-time eligible employees.
• Interns are not eligible for most Company benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive