Senior Manager of Cybersecurity

About the Opportunity:
We are partnering with a public biotech/pharma company local to San Diego that has grown rapidly and is seeking a key position to proactively take them to the next level. This pivotal role will focus on cybersecurity and is critical for their long term globalization and commercialization.

This is a hands-on leadership position focused on cyber operations and Identity & Access Management (IAM).

Salary: $190k - 210k base + bonus + stock and RSUs.

Location: Ideally 2 days onsite in San Diego, CA.

Responsibilities:

• Develop cybersecurity policies in compliance with FDA, HIPAA, and GxP.
• Mature organizational cybersecurity in support of business and IT objectives.
• Lead initiatives in threat intelligence, risk assessment, and security monitoring to identify and mitigate risks impacting infrastructure, IT systems, and business operations.
• Oversee SOC activities, managed security services providers (MSSPs), and cyber threat intelligence & hunting, and serve as the primary control point during security events.
• Manage IAM strategy, including user identity lifecycle management, privileged access control, and role-based access governance (RBAC) to improve the security posture in alignment with IT infrastructure.
• Ensure vendor risk management meets industry standards.
• Foster a secure cybersecurity culture across the organization, ensuring employees are trained in identifying and mitigating potential threats.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to integrate security controls across infrastructure and commercial operations.
• Address cybersecurity threats affecting infrastructure, IT, and business operations by implementing the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) and CIS controls, improving Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) scores.
• Prepare and manage the cybersecurity budget, ensuring strategic, cost-effective investments.
• Recruit and develop a high-performing cybersecurity team.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor`s degree in a relevant technical field.
• 8+ years of experience in cybersecurity.
• 4+ years of leadership experience.
• Experience in a highly regulated environment (biotech/pharma, healthcare, food and beverage, finance, etc.) is preferred.
• Expertise in security frameworks (e.g., NIST CSF, ISO 27001, CIS) and regulatory compliance (FDA, HIPAA, GxP).
• Proven experience in threat intelligence, security monitoring, and incident response.
• Familiarity with SIEM tools, endpoint detection and response (EDR), and cloud security platforms (AWS, Azure).
• Proven leadership in cyber resiliency efforts, including disaster recovery and business continuity planning.
• Experience in vendor and third-party risk management, including vendor security assessments and contract negotiations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to explain complex security topics to a wide range of audiences.
• At least one of the following certifications:
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• AWS Security Specialty or Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or GIAC certifications

Benefits & Selling Points:

• Comprehensive benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k with match, stock, RSUs, etc.)
• High potential biotech with leading technology, ample cash runway, and a clear roadmap for commercialization
• Excellent opportunity for someone to take ownership over security and proactively level up an organization
• ~400 employees and growing rapidly

About Sayva: Sayva Solutions is an accounting, finance, technology, and human resources professional services firm whose focus is on long term relationships created through teamwork and doing what is in the best interest of others. By working with Sayva to identify your next career move, you will get the benefit of working with an experienced team who not only has a strong network of trusted clients, but expertise in the markets, and functions, we serve. We can provide insight on what your market value is, what companies have to offer, and what opportunities align best with your professional and personal goals. We are your trusted advisor throughout your search process and can help ensure you are prepared for interviews, have the information to make the best decisions, and receive a strong offer to land you that perfect job. Making a career move is not easy and can be stressful; Sayva can be your partner in making the process smooth, transparent, and rewarding.

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