CHIEF INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICER

CHIEF INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICER Job Title: Freelance Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) (1-Year Contract)

Location:
Belgium (Hybrid: Flexible, with on-site presence as required) Employment Type: Freelancer Contract Duration: 1 year

About the Role
We are seeking a Freelance Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to lead our enterprise-wide information security strategy and ensure the protection of our digital assets, customer data, and intellectual property. In this role, you will establish, implement, and oversee a robust security program that aligns with our business objectives while mitigating risks and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Your leadership will be critical in building a culture of security awareness and fostering trust among stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities
• Develop and implement a comprehensive information security strategy aligned with business goals and industry best practices.
• Lead and manage the information security team, including security engineers, analysts, and compliance specialists.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., GDPR, ISO 27001, SOC 2, NIS2, PCI-DSS) and industry standards.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate cybersecurity risks, threats, and vulnerabilities across the organization.
• Oversee incident response and breach management, including leading investigations and coordinating with legal and PR teams.
• Establish security policies, standards, and procedures to safeguard data, systems, and networks.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to integrate security into business processes and technology decisions.
• Manage security budgets and allocate resources effectively to address security priorities.
• Conduct regular security audits and risk assessments to ensure ongoing compliance and resilience.
• Promote security awareness through training programs, phishing simulations, and security champions initiatives.
• Represent the organization in security-related discussions with vendors, auditors, and regulatory bodies. Ideal Candidate Profile Experience
• 12+ years of progressive experience in cybersecurity, IT, or risk management, with 5+ years in a CISO, CIO, or equivalent leadership role.
• Proven track record of developing and executing security strategies in complex, multi-national environments.
• Hands-on experience with security frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST, COBIT) and compliance regulations (GDPR, SOC 2, PCI-DSS).
• Strong understanding of enterprise security architecture, including network, cloud, and application security.
• Experience leading incident response and managing cybersecurity incidents from detection to resolution.
• Familiarity with security operations (SOC, SIEM, EDR/XDR) and threat intelligence.
• Knowledge of IAM, encryption, and data protection strategies.
• Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CRISC, CISA, or ISO 27001 Lead Implementer are highly preferred.
• Business acumen to align security initiatives with organizational goals. Languages
• Fluent in English (required for collaboration and reporting).
• Fluent in French or Dutch (required for local stakeholder engagement). Soft Skills
• Strong leadership and team management skills to guide security teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills to influence executive leadership and board members.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate and mitigate risks.

How to Apply

Requirements:
• Currently residing in Belgium (we cannot assist with work permits).
• Fluency in English + French or Dutch (mandatory). Apply directly via LinkedIn. Include your resume, daily rate, and a brief note on your experience with enterprise security strategy, compliance, incident response, and leadership. By applying to this position, you consent to our Privacy Policy (vivadax.com/privacy).