Data Security Manager

Job Description

Our leading financial services client is looking for a permanent resource to join their team as a Data Security Manager
. This will be a hybrid role reporting to their Toronto  this role, you’ll be responsible for leading the Data Security Program and ensuring the protection of sensitive data across its entire lifecycle—from creation to disposal. Reporting to the Senior Manager of GRC (Information Security), you will drive the development and continuous improvement of data security policies, controls, and governance practices.

This position plays a critical role in shaping the organization’s data protection strategy, collaborating across departments, and ensuring compliance with industry frameworks.

Responsibilities:

Develop, implement, and enhance the enterprise-wide Data Security Program.

Educate business and IT teams on security best practices and data protection controls.

Work cross-functionally to embed data security principles into everyday operations.

Create and maintain data security policies and procedures, including data classification standards.

Support assessments like Privacy Impact Assessments and Transfer Impact Assessments.

Collaborate with Privacy, IT, and Security teams to align on sensitive data protection strategies.

Stay informed on legal and regulatory data security requirements and ensure compliance.

Identify and map data sources, including structured and unstructured data repositories.

Collaborate with business units to classify data and ensure adequate controls are in place.

Monitor classification processes and provide metrics and reporting to leadership.

Support and deliver training on data classification and protection best practices.

Design and implement technical and process-based data protection controls.

Ensure protection of data at rest, in use, and in transit through security technologies.

Oversee tools related to data loss prevention and perform periodic control reviews.

Maintain compliance through regular assessments and tool optimization.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT Management, or a related field (graduate degree preferred).

6+ years of experience in Information Security Management, particularly in data protection.

Strategy focus and experience working with stakeholders

Relevant certifications such as CDPSE, CISSP, ISO
27001, CISM, or CISA are preferred.

Hands-on experience developing and maintaining security frameworks and controls, especially within financial services.

Technical

Skills:

Deep understanding of ISO 27001, NIST CSF, and data lifecycle protection standards.

Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Proven ability to lead complex projects and cross-functional initiatives.

Proficiency with reporting tools, presentations, and Excel.

MS Purview experience is an asset