OT Director (Security)

Hays are recruiting for an OT director on behalf of our client in Saudi Arabia, a company offering a broad spectrum of Cyber Security services.

About the Role:

Our client is seeking highly experienced and strategic leader to fill a critical Operational Technology (OT) Director position. This role will be pivotal in ensuring the security, reliability, and efficiency of the client&aposs complex industrial control systems. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of ICS, SCADA, and cybersecurity, and will be responsible for driving the OT strategy in alignment with business and security objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Governance:

• Develop and execute the OT strategy, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
• Establish robust governance frameworks and policies for OT systems.
• Ensure strict compliance with industry regulations and cybersecurity standards.
• Lead digital transformation initiatives while maintaining OT security.

OT Systems Management & Security:

• Oversee the design, deployment, and maintenance of critical OT infrastructure.
• Implement and monitor comprehensive cybersecurity measures to protect OT environments.
• Develop and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
• Facilitate seamless integration between OT and IT networks.

Operational Excellence & Risk Management:

• Identify and mitigate operational risks to ensure system availability and resilience.
• Implement predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring solutions.
• Optimize OT processes to improve efficiency and reduce downtime.
• Conduct thorough risk assessments and incident response exercises.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead and mentor a team of OT professionals.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.
• Develop training programs to enhance OT security awareness.

Stakeholder & Vendor Management:

• Act as a key liaison between OT, IT, security, and business units.
• Manage relationships with OT vendors and regulatory bodies.
• Oversee contract negotiations and procurement.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Engineering, Industrial Automation, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 12+ years of experience in OT, ICS, SCADA, or industrial cybersecurity, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of industrial automation, network protocols, and control system architectures.
• Extensive experience with OT security frameworks, incident response, and risk management.
• Familiarity with cloud-based OT solutions, IIoT, and emerging technologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Relevant certifications (CISSP, GICSP, CISM, ISA/IEC 62443).
• Experience in critical infrastructure sectors.
• Proven track record of leading OT security projects.

To Apply:

If you are a highly motivated and experienced OT leader seeking a challenging and rewarding opportunity, please apply and if suitable, we will reach out for a confidential discussion.