Cyber Security Principal

Job Type : Permanent | Full Time

Location : Christchurch, New Zealand

Job Category : IT

Shape and drive enterprise-wide cyber resilience

Join a values-driven organisation committed to sustainability

Competitive salary + flexible working options

About Environment Canterbury

Waitaha - our Canterbury region - is like no other and we are proud to call it home.

We have the privilege of working with Papatipu Runanga, stakeholders and our wider community to protect our environment, including water, land and air through regulation and planning.

As a Regional Council we're responsible for flood protection, public transport, civil defence, and more.

Together we're taking action to shape a thriving and resilient Canterbury, now and for future generations.

Toitu te marae o Tane, toitu te marae o Tangaroa, toitu te tangata | if the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive.

About the Role

As Cyber Security Principal, you'll lead the development and implementation of our cyber security strategy, ensuring resilience and practical improvement changes are embedded across all operations.

The role requires a balance of governance and hands-on expertise to ensure cyber resilience is not only planned but actively practiced.

You'll provide authoritative advice on emerging threats, investment priorities, and risk appetite that will be reported to the Executive Leadership Team and Audit & Risk Committee.

Key Responsibilities

Define and drive long-term cyber security strategy aligned with organisational goals

Provide assurance and advice to leadership and governance bodies

Lead enterprise cyber security work programme and major incident response

Shape workforce capability and mentor senior leaders

About You

You're an experienced cyber security leader with a strategic mindset and a proven ability to influence at the highest level.

Experience

Tertiary qualification in Computer Science, IT, or cyber security

Relevant certifications (CISSP, CISM, CEH, CompTIA Security+)

10+ years in IT / cyber security roles, including 5+ years in senior leadership

Expertise in cyber security practices, governance, and cyber security frameworks

Experience with Microsoft's cybersecurity suite (e.g., Defender, Sentinel) and cloud platforms like Azure preferred

Strong knowledge of NZISM, NIST, ISO

• , and sector best practice

Working at Environment Canterbury

We understand and embrace a diverse workforce; this diversity will enable us to better serve our people, our community, and our greatest taonga, the environment.

We value everyone's contribution, diverse thinking, and skills.

We're on a journey to become a treaty partner of excellence, including incorporating te ao Maori into our work.

We offer supportive opportunities to develop capability in this area and encourage our people to use kaupapa Maori, matauranga Maori, and te reo Maori in our daily work.

We welcome you with an open heart & mind, wherever you are on your personal te ao Maori journey.

Values

Kaitiakitanga (stewardship)

Pononga (integrity)

Manaakitanga (people first)

Whanaungatanga (collaboration)

Maiatanga (can do)

Additional Information

Applications close on Wednesday 12 November.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place before the close date.

We reserve the right to close advertising early.

Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks, and a criminal check.

Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role.

We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace.

If you're excited about this role but don't meet every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.

Hours of Work

Permanent full-time position, 40 hours per week.

From time to time, as required, the role may require work outside of normal working hours for emergency and flood response and to represent Environment Canterbury at meetings and events with partners, other agencies, and the community.

Location

This position is predominantly based at 200 Tuam Street, Christchurch.

Salary

Indicative salary range : $118,848 to $146,812 per annum, depending on skills and experience.

The specific salary will be discussed at interview stage.

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