head of it architecture and cybersecurity

Summary

Do you love everything aviation?? Are you tired of the Melbourne rain?? Would you say Crocodiles are your favourite animal??

This could be the perfect role for you!

We are looking for a Head of IT Architecture and Cybersecurity to swap the morning frost for the Great Barrier Reef. This isn’t just any role, this is an opportunity to tackle the IT Architecture & Cybersecurity strategy for a regional Aviation Hub. Everything from Cybersecurity posture, vendor management, architecture strategy to roadmapping!

Onto the serious stuff, we are looking for a Melbourne-based Head of IT Architecture and Cybersecurity to pack their bags and relocate north to Cairns. This is an opportunity to work on the strategy for a client spanning across regional aviation hubs servicing 2000+ flights a month.

In this role, you will manage and oversee all IT architecture activities while taking full accountability for cybersecurity compliance and operations. You will define reference and domain architectures, establish the long-term IT roadmap, and lead the Architecture Review Board (ARB). Furthermore, you will drive cybersecurity maturity programs (Essential 8, NIST, ISO 27001, SOCI), manage high-priority incident response, and ensure robust risk mitigation across both public and private cloud environments. If this sounds like you or someone you know then continue reading below!

**PLEASE NOTE - The location of this ad is set to Melbourne, however the role is based in CAIRNS and will require a relocation (relocation allowance provided)**

Key Criteria

• Experience: 7+ years of total experience across IT architecture and cybersecurity, including 3+ years in a leadership role.

• Industry Background: Essential experience working within a critical infrastructure or aviation environment.

• Certifications: TOGAF or an equivalent industry-recognised architecture certification.

• Framework Knowledge: Deep understanding of core cybersecurity frameworks including NIST, ISO 27001, Essential 8, and SOCI compliance.

• Vendor & Compliance Governance: Strong capability to oversee vendor delivery and guarantee third-party solutions adhere strictly to all regulatory and internal compliance standards.

• Strategic & Capital Planning: Proven experience working alongside capital investment teams to define multi-year cloud strategies and technology roadmaps.

• Domain Leadership: Expertise in guiding business verticals through domain-specific IT architectures, risk management, and security controls.

Key Relationships

• Internal: Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Executive Leadership Team, Capital Investment Team, Architecture Review Board (ARB), and internal IT teams.

• External: External vendors, technology partners, regulatory bodies, and compliance auditors.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and lead the Architecture Review Board (ARB), running thorough architecture assessments and driving engagement across enterprise teams.

• Work directly with external vendors around new system integration, maintaining strict oversight of vendor delivery to ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Partner closely with the capital investment team, particularly when investments center on technology initiatives.

• Drive the overarching architecture strategy across strategic programs, including defining a comprehensive 2-year cloud strategy.

• Define and maintain the long-term IT roadmap and technology investment strategy required across the business.

• Advise the senior leadership team on long-term technology roadmaps, security investments, and risk mitigation.

• Work across business units to manage and guide their specific vertical IT domains.

• Implement and operationalise cybersecurity compliance frameworks aligned with Essential 8, NIST, ISO 27001, and SOCI legislation.

• Direct daily security operations, including threat detection, vulnerability management, and high-priority incident response across public and private cloud environments.

If this sounds like you, someone you know, or you're ready for a confidential chat regarding your next career step, then apply below and/or send your email to nick.shannon@randstaddigital.com.au. All applications will be reviewed, however due to large demand, detailed feedback may not always be possible.

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