Identity and Access Management Program Lead

Description:

 

This is a critical and high-impact role within our Information Security organization.  It is ideal for an identity security professional ready to shape the future of enterprise-wide access at a leading financial services firm. As the IAM Program Lead, you will play a transformational role in building an enterprise-wide IAM program that directly influences cyber risk reduction, technology modernization, and Zero Trust adoption. This is a unique opportunity to: 

• Own and build a next-generation IAM program with strong leadership backing and multi-year investment.
• Lead a strategic transformation including IGA modernization, PAM evolution, advanced authentication, and identity governance maturity.
• Drive an AI-assisted identity lifecycle, enabling frictionless access with strong security controls.
• Work cross-functionally with cybersecurity leadership, technology teams, HR, Audit, and business partners.
• Grow and lead a team as the identity program expands into a Center of Excellence.

 If you thrive in environments where you can design, influence, lead, and innovate—while making measurable impact—this role offers a meaningful and career-defining opportunity.

 

Position Summary:

 

The IAM Program Lead is responsible for developing, implementing, and maturing the firm’s enterprise-wide Identity and Access Management program. This leader will define the future-state identity vision, oversee daily operations, modernize identity technologies, and ensure that IAM capabilities align with regulatory expectations and business needs.

 

Reporting to the Co-Chief Information Security Officer, the IAM Program Lead will shape strategy, own IAM platforms, and play a visible role advising technology and business leaders on identity security best practices.

 

If you are passionate about identity security and want to make a lasting impact in a highly regulated security-first environment, this role gives you the opportunity to do so. 

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

Strategic Leadership 

• Define and drive the multi-year IAM strategy, roadmap, and maturity model.
• Lead modernization initiatives, including passwordless authentication, role-based/attribute-based access controls, entitlements governance.
• Serve as the primary advisor to leadership on identity security trends, risks, and future-state direction. 

Program & People Leadership 

• Oversee the development of an IAM Center of Excellence as the program scales.
• Lead and mentor IAM analysts and practitioners, fostering team growth and professional development.
• Communicate program performance, risks, and achievements to executive leadership and governance committees. 

Operational Oversight 

• Oversee end-to-end identity lifecycle processes: provisioning, deprovisioning, access requests, reviews, and exceptions.
• Ensure consistent, secure application of identity standards across the enterprise.
• Partner with Cybersecurity Operations on identity-related incidents, access anomalies, and behavior analytics investigations.

 Stakeholder Engagement & Education  

• Partner with HR, Technology, Cybersecurity, and Business Units to align identity services with enterprise priorities.
• Lead awareness initiatives that improve identity hygiene and secure access practices across the firm.
• Act as a key influencer driving adoption of IAM best practices, policies, and controls. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelors’ degree and 6–8 years of experience in IAM, cybersecurity, or IT security disciplines.
• Experience in financial services, insurance, pharmaceutical or other highly regulated environments.
• 3–5+ years of leadership or program management experience within identity security.
• Expertise in identity lifecycle management, identity governance, authentication, directory services, and Zero Trust principles.
• Experience with major IGA and PAM platforms (e.g., S