Chief Information Security Officer

About Spark

Spark is a leading telecommunications and technology provider in New Zealand, dedicated to building the country’s digital future by connecting millions and supporting businesses in an evolving digital landscape.

Role Overview

The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) will head Spark's enterprise cyber security operations, steering the strategy, governance, risk management, operational security, and resilience of the organization’s cybersecurity efforts. This senior leadership role offers a unique chance to influence security for a national infrastructure-scale company, engaging closely with executive leadership and the board to translate complex cyber risks into actionable business decisions and fostering secure innovation in cloud, AI, networks, and digital products.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and direct the overall cyber security strategy and long-term planning.
• Lead executive efforts in cyber risk management, resilience, and organizational protection.
• Collaborate with senior leaders across technology, product development, operations, risk management, and legal teams.
• Integrate security considerations into strategic business decisions to support growth and innovation.
• Report cyber risk posture and emerging threats to executives and board members, simplifying technical details into clear business implications.
• Influence investment choices and strategic priorities through effective communication.
• Foster trust and confidence with customers, partners, regulators, and stakeholders.
• Lead a team of about 100 cyber security professionals, championing a culture of accountability, growth, wellbeing, and performance.
• Enhance team engagement, capability, and retention while valuing diverse viewpoints.
• Oversee security governance, architecture, operations, incident response, and identity management.
• Maintain and improve organizational resilience against evolving cyber threats.
• Lead crisis management and major incident response efforts.

Candidate Profile

Ideal candidates are experienced leaders from telecommunications, technology, finance, critical infrastructure, energy, government, or other complex sectors with:

• Proven leadership in large-scale cyber security environments.
• Exceptional communication skills with executives, boards, customers, and stakeholders.
• Ability to influence across technical and non-technical audiences.
• A track record of fostering high-performing teams and cultivating leadership talent.
• Experience managing change, complexity, and ambiguity effectively.
• In-depth knowledge of cyber security, risk, and governance practices.
• Commercial awareness including management of substantial budgets and strategic programs.
• Credibility to represent the organization externally with key regulators, partners, and industry groups.

Diversity and Inclusion

Spark is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives enhance decision-making and outcomes. They encourage applications from all backgrounds and experiences, and welcome candidates who may not meet every criterion but are passionate about the role.

Why Join Spark?

This position is more than a cyber security leadership job; it is a platform to influence New Zealand’s critical technology infrastructure, lead an outstanding team, and help build a secure digital future for the nation.