Director Cybersecurity - Architecture/Engineering

Kforce has a client that is seeking a Director, Cybersecurity (Architecture & Engineering) for a Hybrid/Phoenix, AZ role. Summary: The Director, Cybersecurity (Architecture & Engineering) leads the strategy, design, and delivery of the organization's cybersecurity architecture and engineering program. This role drives the development of scalable security systems, advanced defenses, and AI-enabled capabilities that protect critical assets while enabling innovation and operational resilience. Partnering closely with IT Operations, Product, and business leadership, the Director ensures cybersecurity is embedded into technology decisions, enterprise architecture, and day-to-day operations. Core responsibilities include providing strategic leadership, building high-performing teams, and promoting engineering excellence, automation, and continuous improvement. The Director defines enterprise security architecture standards, technical roadmaps, and reference designs; evaluates emerging technologies; and guides the adoption of AI-driven security capabilities. This role oversees the design and implementation of core security platforms including WAF, Firewall, IAM/MFA, EPP, SOAR, SIEM, Vulnerability Management, DLP, CASB, Secure Web & Email Gateways, Threat Intelligence, and Zero-Trust solutions. The Director ensures reliable delivery of cybersecurity engineering services, including incident response engineering support, tooling optimization, and automation of security controls. Additional responsibilities include budget and vendor oversight, documentation, audit and compliance support, M&A due diligence, and serving as a senior advisor to business leaders on risk, architecture, and secure design. Technologies of emphasis include CrowdStrike, Zscaler, and Cloudflare.

• Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree or 8+ years of cybersecurity leadership experience focused on architecture and engineering
• Required experience includes implementing cybersecurity and AI-driven solutions, developing standards and operating procedures, and delivering secure, scalable technical outcomes
• Required capabilities include expertise in cybersecurity architecture, engineering, and defense-in-depth design; Strong business acumen; And demonstrated experience leading teams, managing budgets, and driving enterprise-scale security initiatives
• The ideal candidate brings exceptional leadership, communication, and executive-level presence, with the ability to motivate teams, influence senior stakeholders, and translate complex security concepts into business-aligned strategies
• A proactive, coachable, self-starter mindset with strong initiative is essential
• Preferred qualifications include a Master's degree, CISSP or Security+ (DoD 8140), scripting proficiency (Python, PowerShell, Bash), and formal project management experience
• Desired attributes include additional security certifications (GSEC, OSCP, CISM), experience in regulated environments (SOX, PCI, NIST, ISO, SOC 2), strong organizational skills, and the ability to operate autonomously under pressure
• A blend of technical depth, AI fluency, operational excellence, and fun-loving executive presence rounds out the profile

This is a full time role with Kforce's client. The position allows some hybrid working but candidates must be able to go on site in Phoenix 3/4 days a week.