Director – Security Operations and Incident Response

 ROLE SUMMARY

Our Global Cyber Defense team is responsible for safeguarding Pfizer’s digital assets and infrastructure through proactive threat detection, response, and risk mitigation across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments.

We are seeking an experienced Director of Security Operations & Incident Response to lead the organization’s efforts in safeguarding its network infrastructure, systems, and data. This role is accountable for developing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive security operations strategy. The Director will oversee 24/7 security operations, drive incident detection and response programs, and ensure compliance with regulatory and industry standards.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide strategic oversight of security operations, including governance of the Security Operations Center (SOC)
• Establish and maintain governance for the incident response lifecycle, including preparation and readiness planning (e.g., tabletop exercises, testing of response procedures, policy and procedure development, etc.)
• Define strategic direction for integrating advanced security technologies and Zero Trust principles into the enterprise architecture
• Collaborate with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure security initiatives support organizational priorities
• Maintain oversight of compliance and audit readiness programs, ensuring adherence to frameworks such as ISO, NIST
• Provide governance for enterprise intrusion detection and threat analysis programs
• Govern digital forensics and insider threat programs through setting policies and frameworks for investigation, prevention, and response
• Oversee email security strategy and governance, ensuring policies and controls effectively mitigate risks
• Provide strategic direction for endpoint security programs to achieve comprehensive protection and compliance across all organizational devices
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in security operations through automation, threat intelligence, and advanced analytics

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field
• Strong experience in information security
• Strong leadership experience managing security teams or programs
• Expertise with enterprise security technologies (firewalls, SIEM, IDS/IPS, NAC, VPN)
• Hands-on experience with EDR platforms
• Experience with forensic analysis tools and methodologies
• Proven experience managing security programs in highly regulated industries (pharmaceutical, healthcare, or life sciences)
• Strong background in governance, risk management, and compliance frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST, FDA regulations, GxP)
• Demonstrated experience in an agile work environment possessing qualities such as a collaborative mindset, adaptability to change, and a proactive problem-solving approach.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Professional certifications: CISSP, CCNP, GIAC, or similar
• Excellent strategic thinking
• Deeply analytical and credible
• Fact-based decision-making
• Ability to challenge, influence, and support senior leadership
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to bring structure to vaguely defined problems and solve them with creative yet pragmatic approaches
• Resourceful, self-motivated, and proactive – strong drive for excellence

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Travel as required by the business (less than 20% domestic and/or international)

 
Work Location Assignment: Hybrid

Purpose 

Breakthroughs that change patients' lives... At Pfizer we are a patient centric company, guided by our four values: courage, joy, equity and excellence. Our breakthrough culture lends itself to our dedication to transforming millions of lives.  

Digital Transformation Strategy

One bold way we are achieving our purpose is through our company wide digital transformation strategy. We are leading the way in adopting new data, modelling and automated solutions to further digitize and accelerate drug discovery and development with the aim of enhancing health outcomes and the patient experience.

Flexibility  

We aim to create a trusting, flexible workplace culture which encourages employees to achieve work life harmony, attracts talent and enables everyone to be their best working self. Let’s start the conversation!  

Equal Employment Opportunity 

We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is crucial to building a successful business. As an employer, Pfizer is committed to celebrating this, in all its forms – allowing for us to be as diverse as the patients and communities we serve. Together, we continue to build a culture that encourages, supports and empowers our employees.

DisAbility Confident

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and we encourage you to put your best self forward with the knowledge and trust that we will make any reasonable adjustments necessary to support your application and future career. Our mission is unleashing the power of our people, especially those with unique superpowers. Your journey with Pfizer starts here!

To learn more about acceptable and prohibited uses of AI during the recruitment process, please review our candidate AI-use guidelines available on Pfizer Careers.

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