Head of Cyber Security Operations

Downer Group

  • Melbourne, VIC
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 7 days ago
Job Category: Information TechnologyJob Description:Downer is seeking a highly experienced Head of Cyber Security Operations to lead and manage our cyber security operations across Australia, New Zealand, and international regions. Reporting to the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), the role ensures the protection, monitoring, and resilience of IT systems while aligning with governance frameworks such as ISO/IEC 27001 and the ASD DSPF. This position manages both internal and vendor-delivered cyber services, drives cyber strategy, oversees incident response, and ensures compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and standards.Key Responsibilities
  • Lead Cyber Security Operations: Oversee SIEM, incident response, vulnerability management, and digital forensics to ensure a resilient security posture.
Outcome: A well-governed, continuously monitored security environment.
Challenge: Balancing operational excellence with strategic oversight across multiple regions and vendors. * Develop and Implement Security Frameworks: Maintain Security Operations Manual, Incident Response Playbooks, and governance frameworks.Outcome: Standardised processes, clear accountability, and regulatory compliance.
Challenge: Ensuring frameworks are adopted across all teams and vendors. * Vendor and Supplier Management: Manage strategic relationships with vendors delivering security services to achieve cost-effective and reliable outcomes.Outcome: Consistent and compliant service delivery across the cyber ecosystem.
Challenge: Coordinating multiple vendors while maintaining alignment with corporate strategy. * Advisory and Strategic Leadership: Provide authoritative advice to senior management on cyber risk, security posture, and investment priorities.Outcome: Informed decisions by leadership on risk, strategy, and resourcing.
Challenge: Translating technical risks into business terms for non-technical stakeholders. * Cyber Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure policies, audits, and assessments meet ISO 27001, ASD DSPF, and other regulatory standards.Outcome: Minimised regulatory risk and effective audit readiness.
Challenge: Keeping up with evolving regulations and internal compliance requirements. * Incident and Crisis Management: Lead incident response, digital forensics, and communication plans for security breaches.Outcome: Swift, coordinated responses that minimize business impact.
Challenge: Maintaining operational continuity during high-pressure incidents. * Leadership and Team Development: Lead, mentor, and develop internal teams, fostering a high-performance cyber security culture.Outcome: Engaged, skilled teams capable of executing strategic initiatives.
Challenge: Managing multi-disciplinary teams and maintaining alignment with corporate goals.What You Will Bring
  • 15+ years of commercial IT experience, including senior leadership in cyber security operations.
  • Proven ability to manage multi-region operations and vendor ecosystems effectively.
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, Engineering, or a related field; CISSP or CISM accreditation preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of ISO 27001, ASD DSPF, and other security standards.
  • Experience translating complex technical risks into actionable business advice.
  • Demonstrated capability to lead teams, manage P&L, and deliver strategic initiatives.
  • Excellent stakeholder management, influencing, and communication skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a high-pressure environment balancing strategic leadership with operational execution.
  • Hands-on experience with incident management, digital forensics, and security program delivery.
Benefits Of Working with Downer
  • Work with an ASX listed company, working with market leaders.
  • Grow your career with us, we are passionate about giving our people opportunities to grow through personal and professional development and continuous learning:
  • Professional development programs
  • Access to professional memberships and industry networks
  • Be part of a team that cares, we foster a work environment built on support that is flexible around our employee's wellbeing needs:
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Parental leave
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Programs promoting diversity and inclusion
  • A range of Corporate Benefits, including:
  • Discounted services (car hires, hotels, insurance, retail stores, gyms)
Why Downer?You want your work to matter and so do we. With over 26,000 people across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, our team is made up of individuals with unique perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas.We know that diversity makes us stronger and we actively celebrate it through our commitment to inclusion and belonging.We're committed to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve and we welcome people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, abilities, and lived experiences. We especially encourage applications from those whose voices have traditionally been underrepresented in our industry, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Māori and Pasifika Peoples, veterans, people with disability, and neurodivergent individuals. Even if your experience doesn't align perfectly with this role, we'd still like to hear from you. If it feels like the right fit, apply - potential counts, and so do you.As a WORK180 Endorsed Employer, we support flexibility that works for your life, inclusive leadership that values your voice, and equitable access to opportunity so you can do your best work and bring your whole self to it.

Downer Group