Job Description
- Award-winning Cybersecurity company
- Work with leading technologies and innovative peers
- Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
Ready to power the growth of one of New Zealand’s leading cybersecurity companies? At DEFEND, our mission is to create a cyber resilient world—and we’re looking for a General Manager, Professional Services, to lead and scale our consulting and advisory practice.
The opportunity
This is a pivotal executive leadership role where you play a central role in DEFEND’s growth journey. You’ll take ownership of our Professional Services business—setting direction, driving commercial performance, and ensuring we deliver consistent outcomes for our customers.
Operating at the intersection of strategy, commercial leadership, and delivery excellence, you’ll work closely with the Executive Leadership Team and Board to shape DEFEND’s future. You’ll also be a visible leader in the market, building strong executive‑level customer relationships and reinforcing DEFEND’s reputation as a trusted cybersecurity partner.
What you’ll lead
- Strategy & growth – Define and execute the strategy for our Professional Services and Consulting function, aligned to DEFEND’s overall business objectives and long‑term growth ambitions.
- Commercial performance – Own the P&L for the practice, driving sustainable revenue growth, utilisation, margin optimisation, and disciplined delivery.
- Customer impact – Act as a trusted advisor to senior customer stakeholders, supporting complex and high‑value engagements and ensuring consistently high‑quality outcomes.
- Market presence – Represent DEFEND externally through thought leadership, industry engagement, and strategic partnerships.
- Delivery excellence – Oversee complex consulting engagements, embedding strong delivery frameworks, governance, and scalable operating models.
- People leadership – Build, lead, and develop a high‑performing, engaged team of cybersecurity consultants, architects, and engineers—investing in capability, succession, and culture.
You’re an experienced executive leader with a strong track record in cybersecurity consulting or professional services, and you thrive in high‑growth environments.
The skills and experience you’ll bring to DEFEND are:
- Proven ownership and growth of a services P&L
- Deep understanding of cybersecurity domains (risk, architecture, cloud, incident response, etc.)
- Experience leading large, multi‑disciplinary consulting teams
- Strong executive presence and stakeholder engagement skills
- A growth mindset, resilience, and a passion for building cyber resilience at scale
Why DEFEND?
We believe in investing in our employees’ growth and providing them with opportunities to advance their skills and careers. We offer a collaborative workplace culture, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where innovative thinking is encouraged.
By joining our innovative and creative team you will have the opportunity to contribute a variety of cybersecurity outcomes, from culture & awareness of cyber resilience, through to offensive & defensive security. No matter what your role, everyone at DEFEND contributes towards our dream of creating a cyber resilient world.
The benefits of working at DEFEND
In addition to working for a growing, dynamic NZ company, DEFEND offers the following benefits to all our DEFENDers
· 3% Kiwisaver on top of your base salary
· Southern Cross Health Insurance coverage
· Mobile and Broadband discounts for yourself and family
· Flexible, hybrid work environment
· An allowance to contribute to your home office setup
· Access to EAP services to support you across a range of wellbeing needs
Diversity & Inclusion:
At DEFEND, we celebrate a variety of perspectives and experiences. We know from experience that people from underrepresented groups often don’t apply for roles they don’t feel they meet all the criteria for. We’re committed to creating an environment that enables all our team to thrive. If you think you have what it takes, but don’t check every single box, please consider applying. We’d love to hear how you might contribute to the team and being our next DEFENDer.
Apply below to join the team
