Japan CISO & Head of Security Architecture & Engineering
Skillhouse ·www.skillhouse.co.jp
Apply directA leading global financial services company is looking for a bilingual Japan CISO & Head of Security Architecture & Engineering to lead its information security and security architecture functions in Japan. This executive-level position reports directly to the Group CISO and plays a key role in aligning Japan’s cybersecurity strategy with global security initiatives.
The role combines executive leadership with strong technical oversight, requiring the ability to translate complex cybersecurity topics into business risks and actionable recommendations for senior management.
Responsibilities:
- Lead Japan’s information security, cybersecurity governance, and security architecture & engineering functions
- Develop and execute Japan’s security strategy in alignment with global cybersecurity objectives
- Lead enterprise security architecture across cloud, network, application, endpoint, data, and AI/ML environments
- Drive Security by Design and DevSecOps initiatives across technology and application teams
- Oversee cybersecurity risk management, GRC, regulatory compliance, audits, and third-party security risk
- Lead security architecture reviews, risk assessments, vulnerability assessments, and resilience initiatives
- Provide leadership during major cybersecurity incidents and security events
- Partner with senior business, IT, Risk, Legal, Compliance, Audit, and regulatory stakeholders
- Evaluate emerging technologies including AI/ML, SaaS security, automation, and cybersecurity solutions
- Build, develop, and lead high-performing security architecture and engineering teams
- Represent Japan security requirements within the global information security leadership team
- Translate technical cybersecurity risks into clear business impact and recommendations for senior management
Required Skills:
- 15+ years of leadership experience in large, complex, global organizations
- 10+ years of Information Security experience with strong Security Architecture & Engineering expertise
- Proven leadership across enterprise security architecture, cloud, network, application, endpoint, and data security
- Strong experience in cybersecurity risk, GRC, regulatory compliance, and security governance
- Strong knowledge of security frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIST, and OWASP
- Experience with Security by Design, DevSecOps, AI/ML security, SaaS security, and security automation
- Experience working with global teams, regulators, auditors, and senior business/technology stakeholders
- Strong executive communication skills with the ability to translate technical risks into business impact
- Experience leading and developing cybersecurity professionals
- CISSP, CISM, or equivalent cybersecurity certification
Why should you apply:
- Executive-level cybersecurity leadership position reporting directly to the Group CISO
- Opportunity to shape Japan’s cybersecurity strategy within a global financial services organization
- Lead both strategic security transformation and technical security architecture & engineering
- Work closely with senior management and global cybersecurity leadership
- Drive initiatives involving cloud, AI/ML, DevSecOps, security automation, and emerging technologies
Company Details:
A leading global financial services organization with a strong international presence and a large technology and cybersecurity organization in Japan. The company operates in a highly regulated environment and continues to invest in technology transformation, cybersecurity, cloud, AI, and enterprise security
Working Hours: 08:40–17:10
Working Style: 1–2 days per week in the office
Location: Tokyo
Holidays: Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays, Year-end and New Year Holidays, Paid Holidays
Benefits: Services / Benefits: Transportation allowance, paid leave, social insurance, health checkups, hybrid work, and career development opportunities.