Sr. Director, Cyber Defense
About the role
The Cyber Defense team is the frontline of Pfizer’s cybersecurity operations, responsible for detecting, investigating, and responding to threats that could impact the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our systems and data. This team leads critical functions including Security Operations Center (SOC) monitoring, incident response, digital forensics, penetration testing, threat intelligence, host security, platform support, and security automation.
Responsibilities
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.
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
Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field with 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).
Qualifications
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.
Skills
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.
Professional certifications such as CISSP, GIAC (e.g., GCIA, GCIH), CISM, or equivalent.
Deep familiarity with threat modeling frameworks and adversary simulation methodologies (e.g., MITRE ATT&CK, red/purple teaming).
Benefits
Comprehensive and generous benefits and programs to help our colleagues lead healthy lives and to support each of life’s moments. Benefits offered include a 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage.
Pay
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $254,100.00 to $423,500.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 25.0% of the base salary and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program.
Schedule
This role is NOT remote. Last Date to Apply for Job: 7/27/2026
Additional Posting Location
Collegeville, PA