Head of Cyber Security - PayLink

Role Overview

Head of Cyber Security at PayLink, a division of Salla. This role leads cybersecurity operations, governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance across PayLink's payment platforms and technology infrastructure.

Role Purpose

Lead comprehensive cybersecurity operations and governance to protect PayLink's payment platforms and technology infrastructure while ensuring full alignment with SAMA regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

Key Responsibilities

Cybersecurity Governance & SAMA Compliance

• Develop, implement, and maintain cybersecurity policies, procedures, standards, and controls aligned with the SAMA Cyber Security Framework (CSF) and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Lead cybersecurity risk assessments, compliance reviews, internal audits, and remediation activities.
• Maintain cybersecurity governance documentation, risk registers, and compliance reporting.
• Identify regulatory compliance gaps and develop corrective action plans.

Security Operations & Incident Response

• Oversee daily security operations, threat monitoring, detection, and incident response activities.
• Manage security monitoring solutions, including SIEM, EDR/XDR, firewalls, and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS).
• Lead cybersecurity incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.
• Develop, maintain, and test incident response procedures and escalation processes.

Network, Application & Infrastructure Security

• Oversee network security controls, firewall configurations, access management, and infrastructure protection.
• Collaborate with development teams to integrate security into the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
• Ensure appropriate security controls are implemented across web applications, APIs, mobile applications, and payment platforms.
• Support secure architecture reviews, application security assessments, and penetration testing activities.

Vulnerability & Risk Management

• Lead vulnerability assessments, security testing, and remediation tracking.
• Evaluate cybersecurity risks across applications, networks, cloud environments, and third-party integrations.
• Coordinate with IT and engineering teams to remediate critical vulnerabilities within defined timelines.
• Monitor emerging cyber threats and recommend preventive security measures.

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead cybersecurity initiatives, manage security projects, and mentor cybersecurity team members.
• Coordinate with IT, Engineering, Risk, Compliance, and business stakeholders.
• Develop and deliver cybersecurity awareness and training programs.
• Prepare cybersecurity KPIs, risk reports, and security posture updates for senior management.

Qualifications & Experience

• Saudi nationality is mandatory.
• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Security, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant cybersecurity or information security experience within SAMA-licensed financial institutions, banks, payment service providers, or FinTech companies in Saudi Arabia.
• Proven hands-on experience implementing and maintaining controls aligned with the SAMA Cyber Security Framework (SAMA CSF).
• Demonstrated experience in Cybersecurity Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance (GRC), including risk assessments, regulatory audits, and remediation plans.
• Proven experience managing Security Operations (SOC), security monitoring, and cybersecurity incident response.
• Experience conducting or overseeing vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and security remediation activities.
• Demonstrated experience leading cybersecurity projects, coordinating technical teams, or managing cybersecurity professionals.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong technical knowledge of Network Security, Application Security, Vulnerability Management, and Security Architecture.
• Hands-on experience with cybersecurity technologies such as SIEM, EDR/XDR, firewalls, IDS/IPS, and vulnerability scanning tools.
• Strong communication, analytical, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.

Additional Information

• Professional cybersecurity certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CRISC, or CEH are preferred.