Director of Security Engineering

ABOUT THE TEAM

We are a technology-forward group, constantly pushing boundaries and pioneering innovative solutions that are only now beginning to be adopted across the industry. Operating with a deep engineering mindset, we are committed to building robust, bespoke security measures from the ground up, rather than relying solely on off-the-shelf solutions. This is an environment where a true zero-trust network is rigorously implemented, and our SaaS-native architecture offers both exciting opportunities and a stimulating learning curve for those eager to engage with cutting-edge practices.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As the Director of Security Engineering, you will be a pivotal and hands-on leader, operating as a key part of our "first line" of defense. You will be instrumental in defining and shaping Tide's overall security posture and technical strategy, driving excellence and fostering continuous improvement across a broad and critical set of domains. Your leadership will extend across multiple security-related and IT engineering teams, including:

• Information Security: Product Security, Threat Detection & Response, & Identity
• IT Engineering: IT Engineering, IT Enablement & IT Operations
• Tech Ops: FinOps, Programme Management & Audit Support

As Director of Security Engineering you will:

• Provide visionary technical leadership and strategic direction for all security engineering and IT operations, ensuring alignment with Tide's ambitious growth and security objectives.
• Lead, empower, and grow a diverse, high-performing team of security and IT engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and proactive problem-solving.
• Drive the design, development, and implementation of advanced, bespoke security solutions and policies, prioritising engineering-led approaches over vendor-dependent solutions.
• Champion a profound engineering mindset across all security and IT challenges, with deep practical experience in identity, detection and response, configuration as code, and infrastructure as code.
• Oversee the robust design, development, and operation of scalable, resilient, and secure systems within our SaaS native, zero-trust network architecture.
• Collaborate seamlessly with cross-functional teams and articulate complex technical security concepts with clarity and conviction to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including executive leadership.
• Lead the ongoing organisational restructuring and integration of security, IT, and Tech Ops teams, ensuring a cohesive, efficient, and highly effective operational model.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking an exceptionally technical and strategic security leader with a proven track record of hands-on experience in security engineering within highly dynamic, tech-first organizations. 

• Extensive Hands-on Security Engineering Leadership: Substantial experience leading and managing multiple distinct security and IT engineering teams (Product Security, Threat Detection, Identity & IT Engineering). 
• Builder Mentality & Solution Implementation: Demonstrated ability to engineer, implement, and build robust security policies and solutions, with a strong preference for candidates who have actively constructed security measures rather than solely suggested them or relied on purchased solutions.
• Profound Engineering Mindset: A deep, practical engineering approach to solving complex security problems and IT challenges, including extensive hands-on experience with identity, detection and response, configuration as code, and infrastructure as code.
• Strategic & Cross-Functional Leadership: Proven experience in managing and leading technical teams, navigating complex security landscapes, and communicating effectively across different organizational levels, including non-technical executives.
• Adaptability to Modern Security Paradigms: Ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced, modern security environment that embraces cutting-edge approaches.
• Hands-on Technical Focus: This role is for a hands-on technical leader with a strong bias for action and building.

WHAT YOU’LL GET IN RETURN

Our location-specific employee benefits are designed to cater to the unique needs of Tideans: 

• Flexible working options
• Share options 
• Group Life Insurance 
• Vitality Health Insurance, with a proactive focus on mental and physical wellbeing
• 25 days holiday with the ability to buy extra days
• 3 days for L&D or volunteering time off per year
• We invest in your development with a £1,000 professional L&D budget per year
• Access to ‘salary sacrifice’ benefits such as Cycle to Work scheme and pension contribution
• Spacious brand-new office near Old Street with an all-day snacks bar
• Enhanced family-friendly leave
• Sabbatical leave

TIDEAN WAYS OF WORKING

At Tide, we champion a flexible workplace model that supports both in-person and remote work to cater to the specific needs of our different teams. 

While remote work is supported, we believe in the power of face-to-face interactions to foster team spirit and collaboration. Our offices are designed as hubs for innovation and team-building, where we encourage regular in-person gatherings to foster a strong sense of community.