Interim Director of Identity & Access Management - #2134364

We are seeking an experienced Interim Director of Identity & Access Management to help evolve and enhance the identity security capability within a cloud-first organisation. Working closely with the CISO, this role will shape strategy, establish governance, and support the successful delivery of a business-critical Privileged Access Management transformation programme.

Client Details

Our client is a large, well established UK organisation headquartered in Birmingham, and a growing national footprint. Operating in a fast moving SaaS environment, the organisation delivers technology enabled solutions to a broad customer base.

Description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Identity & Access Management professional to join a technology-led organisation undergoing significant investment in cyber security and identity governance.

Working closely with the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), you will collaborate with senior technology, security and business stakeholders to shape the future direction of Identity & Access Management (IAM) and Privileged Access Management (PAM) capabilities.

This role will focus on assessing current maturity, defining a target operating model, and supporting the implementation of strategic identity and access management improvements. Working across technology, security, architecture, risk and business teams, you will help establish effective governance, scalable services and sustainable operating practices that reduce risk while supporting future organisational growth.

The successful individual will bring both strategic and practical IAM expertise, helping to guide key decisions relating to identity governance, privileged access, technology selection and operational service design.

Key Responsibilities:

• Developing and embedding enterprise IAM and PAM strategies
• Assessing current capabilities and identifying opportunities for improvement
• Creating practical roadmaps aligned to business priorities and risk considerations
• Supporting the selection of IAM, PAM and related technology solutions
• Partnering with implementation providers and technology vendors
• Establishing governance frameworks, policies, processes and performance measures
• Enhancing privileged access management practices and identity governance controls
• Supporting the design of scalable IAM operating models and services
• Contributing to cyber security maturity and risk reduction initiatives
• Building strong relationships across technical and non-technical stakeholder groups
• Providing guidance and expertise throughout IAM transformation activities
• Supporting approaches for emerging identity challenges, including machine and AI-related identities

Profile

• Proven experience shaping and delivering enterprise IAM and PAM transformation initiatives
• Strong background in IAM strategy, governance, operating models and service design
• Practical experience supporting Privileged Access Management implementations and improvements
• Experience operating within cloud-first technology environments, including AWS and Azure
• Strong understanding of identity security principles, risks and governance practices
• Experience supporting technology selection, vendor evaluations and procurement activities
• Ability to build trusted relationships with executive and senior stakeholders
• Experience establishing sustainable IAM services and operating frameworks
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• A collaborative approach that balances security, user experience and business objectives

Desirable Experience

• Knowledge of machine identities, automation and AI-related identity challenges
• Experience with Identity Governance & Administration (IGA) solutions
• Exposure to organisational transformation, due diligence, ownership change or integration programmes
• Experience within software, SaaS or technology-focused organisations
• Familiarity with recognised cyber security and governance frameworks

Job Offer

• Opportunity to shape a business-critical identity and access management strategy
• High-profile opportunity partnering closely with the CISO and senior technology leaders
• Strategic transformation programme with strong executive sponsorship
• Hybrid working arrangement with periodic travel as required
• Competitive and negotiable day rate
• Opportunity to make a lasting contribution to the organisation's cyber security journey
• Initial role assessment indicates the engagement is expected to operate outside IR35, subject to final review and confirmation of contractual terms and working practices