Director - Tech Consulting - Cybersecurity Ernst & Young AE

Role Overview

As the Cyber Trust Sub-Competency Lead, you will shape and lead the vision, strategy, and execution of advanced Digital Identity, Access Management, and Data Security programs across the region. You will oversee large-scale trust transformation initiatives, driving innovation across IAM, PAM, PKI, Data Security, Cyber AI, and the Cybersecurity of Emerging Technologies, while advising C-suite leaders and regulators on building confidence in digital ecosystems.

This role requires strategic leadership, deep identity and security architecture expertise, commercial acumen, and people leadership to position the firm as the trusted market leader in Cyber Trust and Identity Security services.

The opportunity

We are seeking a visionary cybersecurity leader to build and lead the Cyber Trust practice across MENA.

You will define and execute strategies that enable trusted digital transformation through secure identity, privileged access, and data security architectures while helping governments, national entities, and enterprises establish resilient digital foundations.

This is a unique opportunity to shape national identity frameworks, lead large-scale IAM/PAM modernization programs, and deliver regulatory-aligned cryptography and data security solutions across the region.

Your key responsibilities

• Define and lead the regional Cyber Trust and Identity Security strategy across MENA, spanning IAM, PAM, Data Security, Cloud Security, and Cyber AI.
• Own the Cyber Trust sub-competency P&L, driving growth, innovation, and delivery excellence.
• Oversee large-scale IAM/PAM program implementations, from strategy and architecture to execution across SailPoint, Microsoft Entra, Okta, ForgeRock, CyberArk, and related platforms.
• Lead development and execution of service offerings across:

• Identity & Access Management: IGA, CIAM, PAM, MFA, Lifecycle & Role Management, Zero Trust Identity.
• Data Security & Cryptography: PKI, key management, DLP, data classification, encryption, cryptographic governance.
• Cloud Security & Compliance: Zero Trust Cloud, CSPM, workload identity protection, and data residency assurance.
• Cyber AI & AI Security: AI-driven identity analytics, adaptive authentication, risk-based access, and model assurance.
• Cybersecurity of Emerging Technologies: IoT, 5G, Quantum, Autonomous Systems, and Decentralized Identity.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to CISOs, CIOs, and regulators, providing executive guidance on identity, privilege, and data security transformation.
• Drive enterprise-scale IAM/PAM deployments, integrations, and migrations across hybrid and cloud environments.
• Ensure compliance with regional and international standards (NCA, ISO 27001, NIST, GDPR, DORA) and align solutions with firm global frameworks.
• Lead proposal development, go-to-market initiatives, and pursuits focused on IAM/PAM and Data Security transformation.
• Build and mentor a high-performing team of IAM architects, PAM engineers, and data security specialists across KSA, UAE, Qatar, and the wider MENA region.
• Collaborate with other cybersecurity sub-competencies (Cloud, SOC, Risk, and GRC) to deliver integrated trust and identity programs.

Skills and attributes for success

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to engage C-suite stakeholders and regulators.
• Proven success in large-scale IAM/PAM implementations and Identity Modernization Programs across multiple technologies (SailPoint, Entra, Okta, CyberArk, ForgeRock).
• Expertise in Identity Governance & Administration (IGA), Privileged Access Management (PAM), Customer Identity (CIAM), and Zero Trust Identity Architecture.
• Strong understanding of Data Security domains, including PKI, cryptography, key management, DLP, data classification, and secure information lifecycle management.
• Experience integrating identity and data protection controls across cloud and hybrid environments (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Strong business acumen, including P&L management, market expansion, and solution commercialization.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and executive storytelling skills able to translate technical complexity into business impact.
• Proven track record of building client trust, influencing executive decisions, and delivering measurable outcomes.
• Visionary leader capable of driving Cyber Trust innovation and policy alignment at national or sectoral levels.

To qualify for the role, you must have

• 12 15+ years of progressive cybersecurity experience, with a focus on Identity and Access Management, Privileged Access, or Data Security.
• Demonstrated leadership in national or enterprise-scale IAM/PAM programs or Identity Governance initiatives.
• Proven hands-on or leadership experience implementing IAM/PAM technologies such as SailPoint, CyberArk, Microsoft Entra, Okta, ForgeRock, or similar.
• Experience in Data Security, including PKI, DLP, cryptography, and data classification/encryption frameworks.
• Strong understanding of Zero Trust, identity federation, and modern authentication protocols (SAML, OAuth, OpenID Connect).
• Bachelor s or Master s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Systems, or Engineering.
• Professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CISA, CCSP, CDPSE, or SABSA.
• Proven ability to build practices, manage P&L, and deliver strategic growth.