IT Security Practice Setup

The Role:

Client Confidential

The Client:

The Client

The client is a global IT Managed Services Provider Fortune 500 organisation.

The Brief

The client contacted Gemma Wilks, to ask for her support as they were looking to launch a New IT Cyber Security Practice in the Southwest. Having worked together several times successfully in the past, Gemma has a great relationship with this organisation and the VP wanted Gemma to lead on the campaign.

This was a multi placement campaign, with a search for an IT Security Practice Lead, as well as for multiple Senior IT Security Analysts, to complete this new Practice:

  • The Lead role – This opportunity would give the successful candidate a rare opportunity to be a part of the Senior UK Security Services Team, for a global IT MSP, Fortune 500 organisation, as well as being a part of the Security Services Delivery team across EMEA and would be responsible for helping define the ‘Go To Market’ proposition for security services in the UK – including selection of tools, and design of the IT Managed Security wrap.

    The ideal candidate would need in depth experience of vulnerability management, penetration testing, management and deployment of cyber security training software, security consultancy and design and build reviews. Soft skills were sought too, as this role would also encompass training and education to architects, senior management, as well as wider teams ensure the offering was at a consistent high level.

  • Analyst Roles - For these roles the ideal candidates would be responsible for the design and implementation the IT Security Practice offering to clients, carrying out IT Security compliance evaluations, vulnerability assessments and penetration testing.

Challenge & Solution

It has been well documented that since the pandemic has eased, the market has changed, and is now candidate driven. There has been a lot of ‘noise’ about how there are not enough candidates with many recruiters experiencing low response rates to adverts. However this is where Moon Exec Search really utilise our strengths and make the best use of our proven, and strongly evidenced, search methodology. Our strength as a search firm is to seek out candidates that are closed off from the market, strategically sourcing initially for the right skillset and responsibilities of the role, but then screening, and vetting for compatibility. We also know that compatibly is often about the softer skills, so for these roles we took the time to ensure all shortlisted candidates not only offered the required technical skills, but also evidenced the right behavioural and culture requirements as well. By doing this, we were able to ensure the new security practice was set up to be a success from the outset.

Acting as the gel that held the client and candidates together through the interview stages and up to onboarding, Gemma’s relationship management and transparent recruitment skills came to the fore, ensuring all parties were kept fully up to date with progress and feedback, every step of the way.

The VP for EMEA commented:

‘Gemma’s professionalism shines through, she really takes time to understand what we are looking for, and she produces outstanding candidates, time after time’

Gemma Wilks commented:

‘It is a real pleasure to work with this organisation. It was really fulfilling to be able to place the whole team for the initial set up of their Security Practice, and I know the organisation will continue to grow, and do great things!’

Moon Executive Search provide bespoke solutions for clients, using our extensive expertise and knowledge gained from twenty years of recruiting to find your perfect candidate. If you are looking to appoint a senior leader to your Board, visit Build Your Board to get started, or call us on 01275 371200. We are here to help in these unprecedented times.

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