At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Security & Networks portfolio, driving innovation and strategic growth.
- Company: Join Node4, a dynamic tech company focused on transformation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, private medical insurance, and 25 days holiday plus your birthday off.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in tech while shaping the future of security and networks.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in technology portfolios and strong networking background required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
About Node4
We are a united force driven by a single ambition; to deliver faster transformation, lower cost, and truly differentiated outcomes - we do this by bringing together our AI Augmented MSP platform, hybrid sovereign cloud solutions, deep Microsoft expertise and the Node4 People.
We are:
- Nimble – We focus on what matters most, adapt fast and embrace change.
- Original – We think differently, stay curious and innovate.
- Driven – We are bold, bring energy and own the outcome.
- Engaged – We operate as one, building strong relationships.
- 4 More – We always go further for our people, customers and partners.
About the role
The Security & Networks Portfolio Director is responsible for defining and evolving Node4’s Security & Networks portfolio, ensuring it is outcome‑led, commercially successful, and aligned to customer and market needs. The role owns the strategic intent of the Security & Networks portfolio – the what and why – including portfolio vision, roadmap, investment priorities, and lifecycle decisions, working in partnership with aligned Practice leadership, who own delivery, operational viability, and in‑life performance.
The Security & Networks Portfolio Director ensures offerings are coherent, scalable, and positioned around customer journeys rather than individual products, working closely with Practices, Product & Portfolio Operations, GTM, Commercial and Architecture teams. A key focus for this role will be accelerating Node4's Security & Networks portfolio strategy, including expansion of strategic vendor partnerships (Fortinet and Microsoft), strengthening market differentiation and establishing a clear roadmap for secure networking and security services.
Portfolio Scope & Ownership
This role is accountable for the definition, direction and governance of the following Security & Networks elements of the Node4 portfolio including (but not limited to) services such as:
- Managed Network Services
- Connectivity
- SD-WAN
- SASE
- Fortinet-based Network & Security Solutions
- LAN/WAN Modernisation inc. NAC
- Managed SIEM
- MXDR & ED
- Vulnerability Management
- Security Operations services
These represent examples of the core areas within scope; the Portfolio Director may also oversee adjacent or evolving services as the domain develops.
Key Responsibilities
- Portfolio Strategy & Direction
- Set the overall direction for the Security & Networks portfolio.
- Define the portfolio vision, positioning and roadmap.
- Translate customer needs and market trends into clear priorities.
- Ensure alignment with Node4’s wider strategy.
- Make decisions on where to invest, evolve or retire offerings.
- Customer Journeys & Offering Design
- Ensure the portfolio is structured around outcomes, not products.
- Define end-to-end customer journeys and how offerings combine.
- Ensure offerings are clearly structured, positioned and easy to understand.
- Define entry points (e.g. assessments, pilots, packaged offers).
- Work with Product & Portfolio Operations on detailed productisation and SKU design.
- Commercial Performance & Growth
- Ensure the portfolio is commercially effective and drives growth.
- Drive sustainable revenue growth across the Security & Networks portfolio.
- Shape pricing, packaging and commercial models in partnership with Practice and GTM teams.
- Improve portfolio-level margin and economic sustainability.
- Support key opportunities and ensure offerings are usable in real customers deals.
- Drive simplification and focus across the portfolio.
- Innovation, AI & Portfolio Evolution
- Ensure the portfolio stays relevant as technology and customer demand evolves.
- Identify and embed AI capabilities across the portfolio.
- Support development of new services and MVPs.
- Align with strategic partners, particularly Fortinet and Microsoft, on portfolio direction, proposition development, funding opportunities and joint go-to-market activity.
- Guide evolution of offerings in line with market change.
- Adoption, Value & Lifecycle
- Ensure offerings deliver ongoing value, not just initial sale.
- Define how services are adopted, expanded and retained.
- Make portfolio lifecycle decisions based on performance and adoption.
- Work with Practice and Services teams to ensure value is delivered in-life.
- Improve customer lifetime value through portfolio design.
- Architecture & Standards
- Ensure the Security & Networks portfolio is built on consistent, scalable and supportable architectural principles.
- Define high-level architectural direction and standards for the domain.
- Lead and guide architects (aligned or assigned) to ensure designs support portfolio objectives.
- Ensure offerings align to agreed reference architectures and avoid one-off solutions.
- Use architectural input to inform portfolio decisions.
- Avoid one-off or non-scalable designs through strong portfolio governance.
- Collaboration & Alignment
- Ensure the portfolio works as part of a wider system.
- Work with other Portfolio Directors to create joined-up solutions.
- Contribute to cross-domain customer journeys.
- Provide clear input into Sales Enablement and GTM teams.
- Align with architecture and delivery teams to ensure offerings are viable and scalable.
- Leadership responsibilities
- Act as the strategic owner of the Security & Networks portfolio.
- Provide direction to Product Managers, Architects and R&D teams.
- Work in close partnership with aligned Practice Leaders.
- Represent the portfolio in leadership and governance forums.
- Ensure the portfolio operates as a coherent, outcome-led system, not a collection of services.
- Lead and direct architectural capability within the Security & Networks, including Domain Architects or shared architecture resource.
What will you bring?
- Proven experience defining, evolving and managing technology portfolios within a Managed Services, Service Provider or Systems Integrator environment.
- Strong background in networking, connectivity or infrastructure services, with experience spanning areas such as WAN, LAN, SD-WAN, SASE, secure access, network operations and managed networking and security services.
- Experience working with leading networking and security vendor ecosystems, ideally including Fortinet and Microsoft, and shaping propositions, roadmaps and growth strategies around strategic partnerships.
- Demonstrable understanding of market trends, customer challenges and competitive dynamics across networking, connectivity and secure networking services.
- Experience building outcome-led propositions and customer journeys, translating technical capabilities into clear customer value and commercial opportunity.
- Track record of working closely with Sales, Pre-Sales, Architecture, Practice and Delivery teams to drive portfolio growth and market adoption.
- Experience developing business cases, investment proposals and portfolio roadmaps, balancing customer demand, commercial performance and strategic objectives.
- Understanding of adjacent cyber security capabilities including SASE, Zero Trust, Managed Detection & Response and Security Operations, and how these integrate with broader networking strategies.
- Experience presenting portfolio strategy and investment recommendations to senior stakeholders and executive leadership teams.
- Familiarity with recurring revenue services, vendor management, service lifecycle management and go-to-market planning.
- Experience building strategic relationships with vendors, influencing partner roadmaps and driving joint growth initiatives.
What can we offer you?
- Hybrid Working
- Private Medical Insurance or Company Paid Health Cash Plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- 25 days holidays plus your birthday off
- Option to purchase additional holiday (up to 5 days)
- Company Pension Scheme
- Life Assurance x 4
- A diverse workforce
- Employee investment with Node4 training Academy
- Family savings and shopping discounts through the Node4 benefits portal.
- Discounted Gym Membership
- Modern facilities with open and welcoming breakout areas
- Company Social events
- Never ending supply of hot and cold drinks, biscuits, sweets, and fruit
Why join Node4?
Founded in 2004, Node4 has experienced exceptional growth and success over the years. From an office in Derby to locations nationwide and beyond. From three people to a workforce of over 900. We believe that our people are the driving force behind our success. We are a vibrant, passionate, and diverse team committed to providing exceptional service as standard. Node4 is the place to be if you are passionate about technology and providing exceptional service while developing your career within a welcoming and evolving company.
Security & Networks Portfolio Director in Newbury employer: Node4
Node4 is an excellent employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a supportive work culture where innovation thrives. With hybrid working options, comprehensive benefits like private medical insurance, and opportunities for career advancement, Node4 ensures that its team members are equipped to deliver exceptional customer engagements while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance in the vibrant UK market.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Security & Networks Portfolio Director in Newbury
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Node4, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Node4
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Node4. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Security & Networks Portfolio Director in Newbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Node4 insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Node4 that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Node4
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Node4 to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Node4.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
