Sr. Director, Cyber Defense

ROLE SUMMARY
Our 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.
This leader will oversee enterprise-wide efforts in vulnerability management, threat intelligence, red teaming, SOC operations, incident response, insider risk, and secure network and cloud architecture. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in cyber operations, threat management, and security architecture, with a proven track record of driving large-scale, cross-functional cybersecurity programs. This role requires strong leadership, operational rigor, and the ability to translate technical risk into business-aligned strategies.
ROLE 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,
• Lead a proactive vulnerability management program, including scanning, prioritization, remediation, and executive reporting.
• Partner with IT and business units to ensure timely resolution of critical vulnerabilities and alignment with enterprise risk tolerance.
• 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.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• 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.
• 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).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Extensive understanding of the Crowdstrike suite, including its capabilities for SIEM, EDR and threat intelligence
• Experience with Wiz for cloud security management, including configuration, monitoring, and reporting.
• Experience with Zscaler for secure network access, including implementation, configuration, and performance optimization.
• Experience leading modernization initiatives and transforming legacy cybersecurity systems.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating multi-million dollar contracts with vendors and strategic partners.
• Experience working abroad and leading global cybersecurity initiatives across multiple regions.

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Periodic international and domestic travel may be required (less than 5%).
• Work Location Assignment: Must be able to work in the assigned office 2-3 days per week, or as needed by the business.
• This role is NOT remote.

Last Date to Apply for Job: 1/30/2026
Additional Posting Location: New York, NY
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $254,100.00 to $403,400.00. 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. We offer 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. Learn more at Pfizer Candidate Site - U.S. Benefits | (uscandidates.mypfizerbenefits.com). Pfizer compensation structures and benefit packages are aligned based on the location of hire. The United States salary range provided does not apply to Tampa, FL or any location outside of the United States.
Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.
Sunshine Act
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EEO & Employment Eligibility
Pfizer is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status. Pfizer also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA. Pfizer is an E-Verify employer. This position requires permanent work authorization in the United States.
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