VP, IAM

Our client is seeking a visionary leader to drive the strategic direction and operational execution of Identity and Access Management (IAM) across a dynamic and security-conscious enterprise. This individual will guide a high-performing, global team to strengthen digital identity protection across workforce, partner, and customer ecosystems—while championing innovation, modernization, and secure-by-design principles.

The VP of IAM will be responsible for setting a clear roadmap for IAM strategy, governance, engineering, and operations, with a deep focus on process transformation, regulatory alignment, and user-centric identity experiences. This leader brings a sharp business mindset, strong technical acumen, and the ability to influence across technical and non-technical teams.

Responsibilites:

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Shape and implement a multi-year IAM strategy in alignment with enterprise security, risk, and digital transformation goals.
• Define enterprise-wide identity lifecycle policies, access provisioning standards, and authentication/authorization models.
• Lead cross-functional engagement with technology, business, and compliance teams to ensure secure and seamless access experiences.
  
  
  

Process Optimization & Business Enablement

• Develop and refine IAM processes including user onboarding/offboarding, access reviews, and role-based access control (RBAC).
• Drive automation and self-service capabilities to improve scalability, reduce manual overhead, and enhance user experience.
• Integrate IAM processes into core technology governance frameworks, SDLC, and enterprise risk programs.
  
  
  

Technology Transformation & Platform Engineering

• Oversee the evolution of IAM platforms, including transitions to cloud-based solutions like Microsoft Entra ID and Okta.
• Lead the decommissioning of legacy systems and drive integration with modern authentication tools, including multi-factor, passwordless, and secrets management.
• Advance a scalable, API-first IAM platform architecture that supports modular, reusable identity services across the enterprise.
  
  
  

Enterprise Collaboration

• Act as a strategic partner to business leaders, product owners, and infrastructure teams to embed identity capabilities into business workflows and digital platforms.
• Collaborate with HR, legal, and compliance functions to align identity controls with organizational policies and regulatory expectations.
• Represent IAM in executive and cross-functional governance forums, ensuring that security and usability remain at the forefront.
  
  
  

Team Leadership & Global Program Management

• Build, lead, and inspire a globally distributed IAM organization focused on engineering, platform enablement, and program delivery.
• Monitor and manage performance through key metrics (KPIs/OKRs) to meet service level and security objectives.
• Cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, knowledge-sharing, and talent development within the IAM function.
  
  
  

Risk & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure IAM frameworks align with compliance standards such as SOX, NYDFS, and SOC2.
• Partner with audit, risk, and governance teams to maintain a strong control environment and respond to assessments or incidents as needed.
• Proactively address emerging threat vectors and support incident response efforts involving identity-related risks.
  
  
  

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of progressive leadership in identity and access management, cybersecurity, or enterprise IT risk functions.
• Demonstrated success in delivering large-scale IAM transformation initiatives.
• Deep knowledge of modern IAM technologies and architecture (e.g., Entra ID, Okta, legacy directory services).
• Strong grasp of regulatory compliance and control frameworks.
• Experience leading global, cross-functional teams and managing third-party vendors or service providers.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, CRISC, or IAM-specific credentials) preferred.