Senior Cyber Security Specialist
Wellington City Council
Kia mahi ngātahi mō Pōneke mō tōna āpōpō - Working together for Wellington's future!
Wellington City Council is growing its cyber security capability as part of our broader digital and technology transformation. We're looking for a Senior Cyber Security Specialist to play a critical role in protecting council services, community data and essential systems that support one of New Zealand's most vibrant cities.
This is a senior, hands-on role where you'll combine deep technical expertise with strong risk and stakeholder engagement skills - helping shape how cyber security is embedded across the organisation.
Āu ake mahi - What you'll do
As Senior Cyber Security Specialist, you will:
- Lead cyber security incident response, investigation and post-incident reviews
- Identify, assess and manage cyber risks using a risk-based, business-aligned approach
- Design, implement and improve security controls across cloud, infrastructure, applications and end-user environments
- Provide expert advice on security architecture, projects and technology change initiatives
- Monitor threat activity, recommend mitigations and uplift detection and response capabilities
- Contribute to cyber security policies, standards and operational playbooks
- Engage with internal teams, vendors and leadership to improve cyber maturity and awareness
This role works closely with ICT leadership, operational teams and external partners to ensure security is practical, proportionate and effective.
Ngā tohu me ngā wheako - Qualifications and experience
You're an experienced cyber security professional who can operate confidently at both technical and organisational levels.
What you bring
Key experience and skills:
- Significant experience in cyber security, information security or related ICT roles
- Strong understanding of cyber threats, vulnerabilities and modern attack techniques
- Experience with incident response, threat detection and security investigations
- Knowledge of security frameworks and standards (e.g. ISO 27001, NIST, CIS, NZISM)
- Experience securing cloud services (e.g. Microsoft Azure and M365) and hybrid environments
- Ability to translate technical risk into clear, business-focused advice
Personal attributes:
- Calm and decisive under pressure
- Strong communicator who can engage technical and non-technical audiences
- Pragmatic, risk-based mindset suited to a complex public-sector environment
- A collaborative approach with a genuine commitment to continuous improvement
Relevant certifications (e.g. CISSP, CISM, GIAC, Azure Security) are desirable but not essential.
Nōu te rourou - What's in it for you
- Work on meaningful systems that support Wellington's communities and services
- Influence cyber security strategy and uplift across a large, complex organisation
- Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance
- Supportive team culture with a strong focus on wellbeing and development
Working for the Council offers you a range of benefits including five weeks annual leave, flexible working options, health and wellbeing support, Council staff discounts and a range of learning and development programmes and opportunities.
View our Employee Value Proposition Video to see what our employees say about working at WCC.
Diversity
We want your application to enable you to portray the real you. Skills are gained across many areas of our life, not just formal employment. If you can demonstrate the skills listed in the advert through whānau life, community or mahi aroha (volunteering) we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your cover letter.
We welcome applications from all people and like our workforce to reflect the diverse communities we serve.
Accessibility support
We want to make sure any accessibility requirements you may have are well supported so the selection process is equitable for everyone. Please let us know if there are any adjustments or support we can offer to make our process more accessible to you by emailing recruitment@wcc.govt.nz
Applications close Sunday, 24 May 2026.
Please note that we may engage with applicants prior to the vacancy closing and/or close applications ahead of this date, so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
All applications must be submitted online and must have the right to work in New Zealand - we will not accept emailed applications. All employees must undergo a Criminal Conviction Check.
If you have questions, please contact Hein Beukes, ICT Services Manager, hein.beukes@wcc.govt.nz
