Shape the future of security operations at Avant!
The Senior Manager Cyber Defence is a critical leadership role reporting to the Chief Information Security Officer. You will oversee Avant's security operations functions including monitoring and response, operational resilience, and service management ensuring our technology environment remains resilient to evolving cyber threats while meeting regulatory obligations.
This is a rare opportunity to step into a highly visible role during a period of significant investment and uplift across our Information Security function. You will lead, mature and shape a growing SecOps capability, influencing how security is delivered across the organisation.
We are looking for an experienced cyber security leader with deep security operations expertise and a track record of leading teams in complex, regulated environments. This role would suit a divisional SecOps leader from a large bank ready for their next challenge, or a proven 2IC from a regulated environment looking to step into a broader, more impactful leadership role.
About the role
As the leader of Cyber Defence, you will own and continuously improve Avant's security operations capability, including SOC performance, incident response, and vulnerability management. Key responsibilities include:
Lead and develop the SecOps team, driving operational excellence across monitoring, triage, escalation and incident response
Own the SOC operating model (in-house + MDR/MSSP), ensuring effective coverage, playbooks and alert quality
Lead major incident response, coordinating internal and external stakeholders and driving post-incident reviews
Oversee threat and vulnerability operations, including prioritisation, remediation and reporting
Ensure the effectiveness and health of core security tooling (SIEM/SOAR, EDR, cloud and SaaS monitoring)
Manage key security vendors and contribute to budget oversight
Strengthen operational resilience through testing, simulations and response planning




Support regulatory compliance (CPS 234, CPS 230) and broader risk, audit and assurance activities
Define and track key security metrics (MTTD, MTTR, KRIs) to drive performance and visibility
Experience and skills needed to succeed:
Extensive cybersecurity experience, including significant SecOps leadership experience
Ideally, you'll have a background in financial services, insurance, healthcare or other regulated sectors
Proven experience leading incident response and managing high-pressure cyber events
Strong expertise across SIEM/SOAR, EDR, threat intelligence and vulnerability management within an APRA regulated environment
Deep knowledge of APRA CPS 234 / CPS 230, NIST, ISO ***** and the Privacy Act
Experience working with senior stakeholders, regulators and external partners
Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM or CISA (highly regarded)
A passion for building high-performing teams and uplifting security capability
About Avant
For over 130 years, Avant has stood by Australian medical professionals. As the nation's leading medical defence organisation, we represent 95,000 health practitioners and medical students, more than 52% of Australia's doctors.
Join an organisation with purpose, one that genuinely exists to support its members and improve healthcare in Australia. You'll work with committed, passionate colleagues in an setting that values both rigour and collaboration.
For further information, please contact Sue Allen, Talent Acquisition Business Partner on ************.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Avant supports doctors so they can serve Australia's diverse communities. Having diversity in our workforce brings valuable perspectives and strengthens our ability to support healthcare professionals.
We therefore welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those with caring responsibilities.
Our inclusive workplace is somewhere everyone can succeed.
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📌 Senior Manager Cyber Defence (New South Wales)
🏢 Avant
📍 New South Wales