At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategy for Security & Networks portfolio, ensuring alignment with customer needs and market trends.
- Company: Join Node4, a forward-thinking tech company focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, private medical insurance, 25 days holiday, and a vibrant workplace culture.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent career growth opportunities and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Shape the future of security and networks while driving real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in managing complex security and network services portfolios is essential.
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.
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 SOC, Threat Detection, MXDR, Vulnerability Assessment, Penetration Testing, Incident Response, SD‑WAN, SASE, Connectivity and Network Support 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Identify and embed AI capabilities across the portfolio
- Support development of new services and MVPs
- Align with strategic partners (e.g. Microsoft) on direction and opportunities
- Guide evolution of offerings in line with market change
- Adoption, Value & Lifecycle
- 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
- 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
- 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 resources
What will you bring?
- Proven experience defining and leading the strategy for complex Security and/or Network services portfolios in a managed services, technology or cloud environment.
- Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to balance customer outcomes, revenue growth, profitability and long‑term portfolio investment.
- Deep understanding of enterprise Security and Network technologies, market trends and customer challenges, with the ability to translate these into compelling service offerings.
- Experience developing portfolio roadmaps, prioritising investment and making evidence‑based lifecycle decisions across a broad range of services.
- Ability to shape customer‑centric propositions and end‑to‑end service journeys that solve real business problems rather than focusing on individual technologies.
- Strong strategic thinking with the ability to identify emerging market opportunities, including the impact of AI, automation and evolving security threats.
- Experience working closely with technical, commercial, architecture and go‑to‑market teams to bring new services from concept through to launch and adoption.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the credibility to engage senior leaders, partners and customers.
- Ability to simplify complex technical concepts into clear commercial value propositions and strategic direction.
- Experience leading cross‑functional teams and providing strategic direction to Product Managers, Architects and specialist technical teams.
- Data‑driven decision making, using market insight, customer feedback and commercial performance to continuously evolve the portfolio.
- A collaborative leadership style with a passion for innovation, continuous improvement and delivering measurable customer outcomes.
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
Security & Networks Portfolio Director OCTO · Newbury employer: risual Limited
Node4 is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a hybrid working model and a comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance and generous holiday allowances. With a strong focus on innovation and collaboration, employees are encouraged to develop their skills through the Node4 training Academy while enjoying a vibrant work culture that fosters teamwork and creativity in the heart of Newbury.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Security & Networks Portfolio Director OCTO · 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 risual Limited, 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 risual Limited
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at risual Limited. 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 OCTO · 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 risual Limited 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 risual Limited that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at risual Limited
✨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 risual Limited 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 risual Limited.
✨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.
