Cloud and Application Security Lead

PJT Partners is a global advisory-focused investment bank. Our team of senior professionals delivers a wide array of strategic advisory, shareholder advisory, restructuring and special situations and private fund advisory and placement services to corporations, financial sponsors, institutional investors and governments around the world. We offer a unique portfolio of advisory services designed to help our clients achieve their strategic objectives. We also provide, through PJT Park Hill, private fund advisory and fundraising services for alternative investment managers, including private equity funds, real estate funds and hedge funds.

From the beginning, PJT Partners has firmly believed that having the best people is key to building an enduring franchise. Our perspective was, and remains, that a great team brings in both top tier clients and appeals to a wide-range of diverse, talented colleagues. Fostering an inclusive culture, which welcomes differing perspectives and beliefs, enables us to provide the best advice and insights to our clients.

To learn more about PJT Partners, please visit our website at www.pjtpartners.com. 

Overview:

The Technology department at PJT is responsible for creating and continuously improving a robust and secure technology foundation that supports the firm’s business activities. Underpinning that, the Cybersecurity function ensures that the firm accurately identifies, investigates, and remediates incidents and evaluates applicable controls related to the firm’s technology. As the technology landscape at PJT is undergoing significant change, the Cybersecurity function is also evolving to help enable that change.

Role Description:

The Cloud and Application Security Lead is a critical role in our security organization, responsible for ensuring the security and integrity of our cloud-based services and applications. This position involves leading the design, implementation, and management of security strategies that protect the company’s data and infrastructure from external and internal threats. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in cybersecurity, with specialized expertise in cloud computing software as a service (SaaS) and application security.

Responsibilities:

• Key Areas of Focus
• Assist the Head of Information Security and Technology Risk with ensuring cloud and application security.
• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive cloud security architectures, policies, and procedures to protect sensitive data and systems in cloud environments.
• Lead the application and SaaS security initiatives, including but not limited to threat modeling, vulnerability assessments, code reviews, and security testing.
• Collaborate with IT, engineering, data and applications teams to integrate security practices into the DevOps pipeline and software development lifecycle.
• Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify vulnerabilities, evaluate risk, and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Respond to and manage security incidents, including providing post-mortem analysis and implementing preventative measures to avoid future incidents.
• Stay abreast of emerging security threats, vulnerabilities, and controls, and recommend enhancements to the existing security posture.
• Facilitate security awareness training and promote a culture of security consciousness within the organization.
• Manage relationships with external security vendors and consultants, including overseeing penetration tests and other security services.
• Provide expert guidance and leadership to junior security team members, fostering a collaborative and proactive approach to security.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field.
• Equivalent experience is acceptable
• 7-10 years in cloud security architecture, and/or cloud application security.
• Strong knowledge of cloud service providers (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and their native security tools.
• Extensive experience in SaaS security
• Knowledge and experience in CSPM and SSPM platforms
• Expertise in secure coding practices, ethical hacking, and security in a CI/CD environment.
• Knowledge of security frameworks such as NIST, CIS, and ISO.
• Familiarity with security incident and event management (SIEM) tools.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate complex security issues to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong leadership and mentorship skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and prioritize workload.