Senior Information Security Advisor

The perfect Security Advisor role for you that splits your time 60-40 between the MS security tech and governance/assurance.

A premier public sector entity tasked with safeguarding New Zealand's integrity is seeking a Senior Information Security Advisor to strengthen its digital posture across cloud, identity, endpoint, and application security.
This hands-on senior position balances deep technical implementation with strategic governance, featuring a 60/40 workload split weighted toward technical delivery, platform configuration, and hands-on tooling. Working alongside an established digital team and the CISO, you will drive operational security, lead security risk assessments (ATO/C&A), and support critical upcoming initiatives such as securing RFMS integrations.

Key Technical Requirements

• Microsoft Security Suite: Direct, hands-on operational and configuration experience with Microsoft Defender, Microsoft Purview, and Microsoft Sentinel.
• Cloud & Platform Security: Proven expertise across Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Entra ID, Intune, M365 (Exchange, SharePoint, Teams), IaC, and emerging tools such as Microsoft Copilot.
• Governance & Assurance: Strong command of security frameworks (NZISM, PSR, ISO 27001/31000, NIST CSF, or CIS) with experience conducting risk assessments, C&A, and Authority to Operate (ATO) processes.
• Operations & Incident Response: Demonstrated capability utilizing technical evidence (logs, dashboards, alerts, threat intelligence) for vulnerability management, triage, root-cause analysis, and threat monitoring.
• Stakeholder & Mentor Capabilities: Proven ability to translate complex technical risks to non-technical business partners, manage key vendor relationships, and mentor junior advisors.

Eligibility & Background

• Security Clearance: Must be eligible to gain and maintain a Confidential national security clearance (requires a 5-year checkable background across NZ, UK, USA, Canada, or Australia).
• Education & Certifications: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Information Management (or equivalent experience). Relevant certifications such as SC-200, SC-300, SC-400, AZ-500, Security+, CySA+, CISSP, or CISM are highly desirable.

Benefits

• Professional Growth: Generous support and dedicated budget for training, certifications, and career development.
• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid working arrangements (2 days remote per week) and a flexible working policy that accommodates overseas travel for family visits.
• Supportive Culture: Join a friendly, tight-knit internal team with strong camaraderie and approachable leadership.

Note: To apply for this position, you must currently hold a valid New Zealand work visa, or be a NZ Resident or Citizen. We are unable to consider applicants who do not meet these criteria.
  
About placeMe IT
placeMe IT is all about connecting the right candidate with the right job in IT. We promote diversity in the workplace and have a human-first approach, striving for meaningful connections. If you feel like you don't cover every base for this role, that's fine and natural; we encourage you to apply anyway. It's rare that somebody ticks every box!