Senior Manager/Assistant Vice President - Chief Information Security Officer - Private Equity Firm

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) - Senior Manager/AVP - Private Equity Firm

Designation : Senior Manager/AVP

Location : Worli, Mumbai

Role Overview :

We are seeking a strategic and hands-on individual for the role of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to lead our IT and cybersecurity initiatives in a dynamic private equity environment. The ideal candidate will oversee the firms technology infrastructure, ensure robust cybersecurity practices, manage vendor relationships, and drive innovation through AI and digital transformation. This role is critical in supporting business operations, enhancing efficiency, and safeguarding sensitive financial data.

Key Responsibilities :

IT Infrastructure & Operations :

- Oversee and maintain the firms IT infrastructure across on-premises, cloud-based, and third-party platforms.

- Ensure high availability, scalability, and security of all systems and applications.

- Implement and manage disaster recovery and business continuity plans.

Team Leadership & Support :

- Lead and mentor a small IT team (currently 2 members), fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

- Provide strategic direction and hands-on support to ensure optimal IT service delivery across the organization.

Application & System Development :

- Collaborate with business units to identify technology needs and implement new applications or systems.

- Manage relationships with third-party vendors and developers to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of solutions.

- Evaluate and integrate AI-driven tools to enhance operational efficiency, data analysis, and decision-making.

Budgeting & Procurement :

- Develop and manage the annual IT budget, aligning with organizational goals and financial constraints.

- Plan and execute procurement strategies for hardware, software, and services.

- Negotiate contracts and manage vendor performance to ensure value and compliance.

Cybersecurity & Risk Management :

- Define and enforce cybersecurity policies and procedures to protect sensitive data and systems.

- Conduct regular risk assessments, penetration testing, and security audits.

- Stay abreast of emerging threats and regulatory requirements, ensuring proactive mitigation strategies.

AI & Innovation :

- Identify opportunities to leverage AI and machine learning in investment analysis, operational automation, and client services.

- Lead pilot projects and proof-of-concepts for AI tools, ensuring alignment with business objectives.

- Promote a culture of innovation and digital transformation across the firm.

Qualifications :

- Bachelors or Masters degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or related field.

- 8+ years of experience in IT leadership, preferably in financial services or private equity.

- Proven experience in managing cloud infrastructure (e.g., AWS, Azure), cybersecurity frameworks, and enterprise applications.

- Strong understanding of AI technologies and their application in business environments.

- Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills.

Preferred Certifications :

- CISSP, CISM, or equivalent cybersecurity certifications.

- PMP or ITIL certification.

- AI/ML-related certifications (e.g., Google AI, Microsoft AI Fundamentals) are a plus.