Senior Director, Cyber Defense

Pfizer

Cyber Defense Director leading enterprise-wide cybersecurity initiatives for Pfizer. Managing strategic security strategies and driving effective threat management practices in a complex environment.

Posted 7/14/2026full-timeNew York City • New York, Pennsylvania • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $254,100 - $423,500 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Cybersecurity Strategy, Cloud Security, and Network Security, with a strong focus on vulnerability management and incident response. Proven ability to lead high-performing teams and communicate technical risks to executive stakeholders effectively.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Cybersecurity LeadershipVulnerability ManagementCloud Security Program ManagementIncident Response StrategyThreat Intelligence Expertise

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

CybersecurityVulnerability ManagementIncident ResponseThreat IntelligenceNetwork SecurityCloud SecuritySecurity ArchitectureOperational ReadinessCost OptimizationProactive Threat Detection

Soft Skills

CommunicationLeadershipMentoringStrategic ThinkingCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

Crowdstrike SuiteSIEMSOARIDS/IPSFirewallsWAFDDoS MitigationCloud-Native Security ToolsExecutive ReportingThreat Modeling Frameworks

Certifications & Qualifications

CISSPGIACCISM

Industry Keywords

Cyber Security Posture ManagementCyber Defense Programs24x7 SOCAdversary Simulation MethodologiesMITRE ATT&CK

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudCyber SecurityFirewalls

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define and execute a comprehensive strategy for the Cyber Security Posture Management, Network Security, Cloud Security, and Cyber Defense programs aligned with Pfizer’s cybersecurity vision and business priorities
Develop and manage budgets, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and effective allocation of resources
Monitor expenditures, forecast future budget needs and identify opportunities for cost optimization
Serve as a key advisor to the CISO and senior leadership on threat trends, operational readiness, and incident response posture
Lead the transformation of legacy cybersecurity systems and drive the implementation of modern security practices across the organization
Oversee the global cyber defense program, inclusive of the 24x7 SOC, ensuring proactive threat detection, effective monitoring, alert triage, and coordinated incident response
Direct the strategy and execution of Pfizer’s cloud security program, ensuring robust controls across identity and access management, encryption, monitoring, and compliance
Lead a proactive vulnerability management program, including scanning, prioritization, remediation, and executive reporting
Partner with IT and business units to ensure timely resolution of critical vulnerabilities and alignment with enterprise risk tolerance
Drive the strategy and implementation of network security controls, including segmentation, firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention, and secure remote access
Ensure continuous monitoring and protection of Pfizer’s global network infrastructure against emerging threats
Lead and mentor high-performing teams across Cyber Posture Management, Network Security, Cloud Security, and Cyber Defense.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field
12 -15+ years of experience in cybersecurity, with at least 8 years in leadership roles overseeing enterprise-wide cyber operations
Proven expertise in multiple cybersecurity domains, including vulnerability management, threat intelligence, SOC operations, incident response, insider risk network security, and cloud security
Strong understanding of security architecture and technologies such as firewalls, IDS/IPS, WAF, DDoS mitigation, SIEM, SOAR, and cloud-native security tools
Extensive understanding of the Crowdstrike suite, including its capabilities for SIEM, EDR and threat intelligence
Professional certifications such as CISSP, GIAC (e.g., GCIA, GCIH), CISM, or equivalent
Demonstrated ability to translate technical risk into business-aligned strategies and communicate effectively with executive stakeholders
Deep familiarity with threat modeling frameworks and adversary simulation methodologies (e.g., MITRE ATT&CK, red/purple teaming).

Benefits

Comp & perks

401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions
Additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution
Paid vacation
Paid holiday and personal days
Paid caregiver/parental and medical leave
Health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage