Senior Data Security Specialist

Job Description

About This Opportunity:
Join a strategic, high-impact global team at Sun Life and lead the evolution of our enterprise database security posture. This is a pivotal technical leadership role where you'll design cutting‑edge security solutions, drive security innovation, and directly influence how we protect critical data across the organization. Reporting to the Manager of Database Security and Data Protection, you'll be at the intersection of advanced threat detection, strategic security operations, and emerging insider threat defense.

• Design, architect, and optimize enterprise‑scale database security and data protection controls
• Lead security gap analysis and drive strategic initiatives across global environments
• Influence organizational security direction and establish best practices across regions

• Conduct sophisticated investigations and deep‑dive analysis of database security incidents (privileged access abuse, data exfiltration, suspicious authentication patterns)
• Develop and enhance investigation workflows with advanced automation and SIEM/cloud platform integration
• Identify emerging security trends, systemic risks, and data‑centric threats—then recommend and implement solutions

• Manage and optimize enterprise database activity monitoring infrastructure, policy frameworks, and lifecycle management
• Administer sophisticated data protection platforms and security tools (patching, upgrades, optimization)
• Drive operational excellence through automation and workflow optimization

• Build trusted relationships with internal leaders, cross‑functional teams, and security vendors
• Lead innovation in insider threat detection and response capabilities
• Mentor team members and foster a collaborative, forward‑thinking security culture

• 5+ years in cybersecurity or IT infrastructure roles, with demonstrated expertise in security engineering or operations
• Strong foundation in Windows and Linux system administration, infrastructure design (storage, networking)
• Hands‑on experience with database security frameworks, governance, data protection policies, and compliance controls
• Solid knowledge of database platforms (SQL Server, Oracle, Postgre
  
  SQL, RDS, No
  
  SQL)
• Practical experience with encryption technologies and cryptographic controls
• Proven ability to conduct security investigations, perform forensic analysis, and execute remediation at scale
• Working knowledge of security tools (Database Activity Monitoring, data encryption platforms)
• Automation expertise:
  Proficiency in Power Shell and/or Python scripting; demonstrated ability to build security automation workflows
• Cloud security experience:
  Hands‑on knowledge of AWS, GCP, or Azure security controls and cloud infrastructure
• Nice‑to‑have skills:
• Experience with SIEM platforms (Splunk, QRadar) and User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) tools
• Background in threat hunting or advanced security analytics
• Familiarity with Service Now or security orchestration platforms

As a condition of the role, the successful candidate must obtain a Government of Canada Reliability Status security clearance through Sun Life.

Salary Range: 90,000–140,000. Base Pay range is for the primary location for which the job is posted. It may vary depending on the work location of the successful candidate or other factors.

Job Category: IT – Technology Services

Posting End Date: 18/06/2026

Diversity and inclusion have always been at the core of our values at Sun Life. We welcome applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds. Persons with disabilities who need accommodation in the application process, or those needing job postings in an alternative format, may e‑mail a request to