Head of Cyber Security - New Entity Setup

Job description / Role

This is an unparalleled opportunity to join a new, highly ambitious, and well-funded organisation currently being established in Abu Dhabi. With a clear mandate for significant growth and impact, they are setting out to build a prestigious entity that will play a pivotal role in the region's future, underpinned by cutting-edge technology and a commitment to excellence.

Client Details

We are seeking a super-advanced cyber security leader to establish and oversee all cyber affairs for a new entity from the ground up. This strategic role is critical in designing the entire cyber security posture and managing all vendor relationships.

Description

* Strategic Cyber Leadership: Lead and define the overarching cyber security strategy and framework for the entire entity from its inception.
* Digital Stack & Vendor Management: Design the complete digital cyber security stack and be solely responsible for the selection, onboarding, and ongoing management of all third-party security vendors and managed security service providers (MSSPs). We will not be building an in-house operational team for execution.
* Cyber Controls Ownership: Establish, implement, and maintain robust cyber controls and governance mechanisms to ensure the highest levels of security resilience.
* AI Security Specialisation: Drive the security strategy specifically for Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiatives, ensuring secure development, deployment, and operation of all AI-driven systems.

Job Offer

You'll join a prestigious organisation in Abu Dhabi with significant funding and a clear mandate for ambitious growth. You'll have the autonomy to shape the entire cyber landscape, working with world-class vendors and influencing the security of groundbreaking initiatives from day one.

* Proven experience as a strategic cyber security leader (e.g., Head of Cyber, CISO, Cyber Security Director), ideally with a track record of setting up "greenfield" cyber functions or for new entities.
* Professional experience gained in the UAE (preferably Abu Dhabi)
* Demonstrable expertise in managing complex vendor relationships and outsourced security services.
* Deep knowledge of cyber security frameworks, controls, and governance, with the ability to implement them effectively.
* Significant and hands-on experience in AI security, including understanding of AI/ML model vulnerabilities, data security in AI pipelines, and secure AI system design.
* Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, capable of influencing at executive levels.
* A forward-thinking, proactive, and problem-solving mindset, comfortable with significant autonomy and responsibility.

About the Company

Michael Page is one of the world's leading professional recruitment consultancies, specializing in the placement of candidates in permanent, contract, temporary and interim positions with clients around the world.

The Group has operations in the UK, Continental Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas. In the Middle East we focus on the areas of:

Finance & Accounting Banking & Financial Services Procurement Property & Construction Engineering & Supply Chain Oil & Gas Technical and Engineering Human Resources Sales Marketing Technology Secretarial Executive Search Legal

The Group operates through 161 offices in 33 countries and employs over 5,000 employees worldwide.