Security Operations Centre Lead

The Security Operations Centre Lead will drive detection, response, and cyber resilience at scale for the NZ Transport Agency. They will be responsible for the technical excellence, performance, and continuous improvement of the 24x7 hybrid Security Operations Centre. The role requires a deep operational cyber security leadership experience and the confidence to make critical decisions in high-impact situations.

Requirements

• Proven experience leading a SOC or equivalent hybrid security operations function with 24x7 accountability.
• Strong technical expertise in detection engineering, threat hunting, and security monitoring platforms (SIEM, XDR, EDR, SOAR).
• Demonstrated experience governing automation and AI-enabled security tooling in a regulated environment.
• Experience acting as incident commander for high-severity cyber incidents in complex or politically sensitive contexts.
• The ability to translate complex cyber risk into clear, executive-level reporting and governance advice.
• Experience leading specialist cyber teams and building sustainable operational capability.
• Strong vendor and commercial management capability across managed security service providers.
• Knowledge of New Zealand government security frameworks (NZISM, PSR) and privacy obligations, or equivalent regulated environments.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a New Zealand National Security Clearance up to and including SECRET.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Flexible working arrangements
• 5 weeks annual leave
• Income protection
• Critical illness insurance
• Values-led, inclusive workplace