Lead, Data Security - Cyber Defense & Response

Prudential Financial • Newark, NJ

4d • $123,700 - $204,100

About The Position

Are you passionate about protecting sensitive data through innovative security capabilities and operational excellence? Our Cyber Defense and Response team is committed to building a culture where proactive data protection is embedded in everything we do. As a Lead of Data Security, you will play a critical role in executing Prudential's enterprise Data Security Program while leading a team of specialists responsible for protecting sensitive information across cloud, on-premises, SaaS, and endpoint environments. Your Team & Role As a Lead of Data Security, you will report to the Director of Data Security and provide day-to-day leadership for a team of Data Security Specialists. You will oversee operational execution of the Data Security Program, ensuring monitoring, investigations, security controls, and governance activities are performed consistently and effectively. Working closely with technology teams, product owners, Privacy, Compliance, Enterprise Risk, and business stakeholders, you will help strengthen Prudential's data security posture while driving continuous process improvements and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Information Security, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in cybersecurity with experience in data security, data protection, or related disciplines.
• Experience leading projects or technical teams within a cybersecurity or data security function.
• Strong understanding of enterprise data protection principles and security controls.
• Experience with data security technologies such as Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Data Security Posture Management (DSPM), and cloud security platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of Data Security Specialists responsible for monitoring, investigations, and operational data security activities.
• Oversee the daily execution of enterprise data security operations across cloud, on-premises, SaaS, and endpoint environments.
• Ensure data security controls are operating effectively through ongoing monitoring, quality reviews, and control validation.
• Coordinate investigation and response activities for potential data security events, ensuring timely resolution and appropriate escalation.
• Develop and maintain operational procedures, playbooks, and documentation supporting the Data Security Program.
• Track operational metrics, remediation efforts, and program performance while providing regular reporting to leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives through automation, process optimization, and adoption of security best practices.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning across the team.

Benefits

• Market competitive base salaries, with a yearly bonus potential at every level.
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, Paid Time Off (PTO), and leave of absences, such as parental and military leave.
• 401(k) plan with company match (up to 4%).
• Company-funded pension plan.
• Wellness Programs including up to $1,600 a year for reimbursement of items purchased to support personal wellbeing needs.
• Work/Life Resources to help support topics such as parenting, housing, senior care, finances, pets, legal matters, education, emotional and mental health, and career development.
• Education Benefit to help finance traditional college enrollment toward obtaining an approved degree and many accredited certificate programs.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan: Shares can be purchased at 85% of the lower of two prices (Beginning or End of the purchase period).
• Eligibility to participate in a discretionary annual incentive program is subject to the rules governing the program, whereby an award, if any, depends on various factors including, without limitation, individual and organizational performance.

What This Job Offers

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