Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the leading cloud service provider, providing virtualised infrastructure, storage, networking, messaging, and many other services to customers all over the world. AWS runs a globally distributed environment, operating at massive levels of scale. Businesses, from start-ups to enterprises to large government customers, run their operations and applications on AWS’ highly secure infrastructure.
The AWS Personnel Security team is responsible managing security clearance and vetting activities for AWS employees supporting programs, including continual assessments on suitability. As a Personnel Security Manager, you will join and lead a team of security experts working with customer representatives to operate and continuously improve industry-leading personnel security programs and processes.
The AWS Security team requires innovative thinking that is balanced with a strong customer focus on quality and execution. You will have a strong track record of leading and supporting security programs, demonstrable program/project management experience, comprehensive knowledge of government clearance (e.g. AGSVA) process and reporting requirements, and a deep understanding of government security programs and processes (including securely on-boarding program staff). You will obsess over internal and external customers and successfully deliver support and services in an environment where priorities shift extremely fast. You must be able to operate independently to lead and manage personnel security projects, continuously triage and prioritise accordingly, communicate clearly and compellingly.
Key job responsibilities
* Lead the recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing development of the Personnel Security team.
* Devise strategies and mechanisms to securely onboard and offboard program staff.
* Develop, implement, and continuously improve security clearance frameworks that align with the evolving demands of our business, ensuring operational efficiency and effectiveness.
* Establish and maintain mechanisms for personnel security clearance management requirements, including the meticulous maintenance of all documentation, files, and clearance and suitability assessments in accordance with customer requirements
* Spearhead the development and evolution of our personnel security programs, driving innovation and continuous improvement.
* Develop and deliver tracking and reporting metrics to monitor the performance and effectiveness of our programs, providing insights to stakeholders and guiding decision-making.
* Inspect and monitor processes within the personnel security team, identifying areas for improvement and implementing measures to enhance efficiency and quality.
* Interface regularly with AWS stakeholders and customers to support activities, address concerns, and ensure alignment with organizational objectives.
Hold or be able to attain an Australian Government Security Vetting Agency clearance (see https://www1.defence.gov.au/security/clearances).
A day in the life
Your day will begin with ensuring the security team is set up for success by providing clear guidance and direction. As a leader, you will provide appropriate resources supporting employee career development, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and growth within the team. Throughout the day, there is continuous coordination with team stakeholders in program teams and other cross-functional teams at AWS to ensure security services are synchronised with other business processes. Any issues or obstacles are escalated with clarity and urgency to facilitate high-velocity decision-making, with the Personnel Security Manager serving as the escalation and resolution point for the security team, ensuring smooth and efficient problem resolution.
About the team
At Amazon, security is central to maintaining customer trust and delivering delightful customer experiences. Our organization is responsible for creating and maintaining a high bar for security across all of Amazon’s products and services. We offer talented security professionals the chance to accelerate their careers with opportunities to build experience in a wide variety of areas including cloud, devices, retail, entertainment, healthcare, operations, and physical stores.
The team is comprised of security professionals with a cross section of national security and private sector experience, providing a range of perspectives required for creative problem solving. We value diversity of thought, creativity, and a strong Bias for Action and Earn Trust. We believe that there are no "perfect" security solutions and we develop and iterate using a continuous improvement process.
* 6+ years of experience working on sensitive, high security programs.
* Proficient with government security frameworks, policies and standards (e.g. PSPF, ISM, DSPF. ASD Essential Eight).
* Minimum 5 years experience in implementing and operationalising security to meet business outcomes.
* Demonstrated track record of growth and increasing responsibility including leadership positions that require maturity, judgment, negotiation, analytics, and influence skills.
* Degree or equivalent experience in (Computer Science, Engineering, Cyber Security, IT Security Management, Security Risk Management)a related security field
* Deep expertise in personnel security domain to include insider threats and mitigation strategies
* Ability to able to credibly coordinate between technical teams and business stakeholders
* The ideal candidate will have an intermediate or better level of knowledge of a variety of government security programs in multiple fields (personnel security, program security, physical security, and education, awareness, and training)
Acknowledgement of country:
In the spirit of reconciliation Amazon acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
IDE statement:
Amazon is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Amazon is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, or other legally protected attributes.